Trout Pond Recreation Area, near Lost City, West Virginia, is a fantastic destination for those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its picturesque setting in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, this campground offers a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning mountain views and crystal-clear waters.

The area features a lovely beach by Rockcliff Lake, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors rave about the clean facilities and well-maintained sites, making it a comfortable place to unwind after a day of hiking or fishing. As one camper noted, “The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids.” 

For those who enjoy exploring, there are numerous hiking trails, including a scenic loop around the lake and a challenging trek to the Lina Constable Overlook. The campground is also known for its fishing opportunities, with trout stocked in the lake during the season. Just keep in mind that a fishing license is required.

While the campground has limited amenities, it’s a great choice for tent campers and smaller RVs looking for a more rustic experience. Some campers appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the chance to connect with nature, making Trout Pond Recreation Area a worthwhile destination for your next outdoor adventure.

## Overview

 Trout Pond Recreation Area boasts two bodies of water, Rock Cliff Lake and Trout Pond. Relax on a sandy mountain beach or fish for stocked trout while relaxing along the cool waters of Rock Cliff Lake. Trout Pond, home to native Brook trout, is the only natural lake in West Virginia. A designated swimming area, easy lakeside trails, and a children's playground make this a perfect family destination.
## Recreation

 A trail surrounding the entire lake provides bank fishing access at Rock Cliff Lake. All types of boating from motor to sailboats are welcome. Hike the Trout Pond Loop trail, an easy 4-mile excursion, with an optional 2-mile side route, to an overlook of Rockcliff Lake. For a more challenging hike, a connecting trail provides a steep climb up Long and Devil's Hole Mountains.
## Natural Features

 Rock Cliff Lake is a 17-acre man-made lake with a maximum depth of 36 feet and an average depth of 12 feet. Trout Pond, the naturally formed lake, was created by a sinkhole that filled with mountain stream water and run-off from Long Mountain. Trout Pond can vary in waterflow. Please visit the [Forest Service website][1] for our most up to date conditions. 
## Charges & Cancellations

 group shelter nonelectric 1-50 people $65, 51-100 people $100, standard non electric is $19.00 per night 

[1]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/hunting/recarea/?recid=73999&actid=24

Trout Pond Recreation Area

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Baker

The Best Camping Near Baker, West Virginia

This place is not just a big pond where you can fish but also it has tons of cool hikes all around it

Pond

We have camped several times at this location. Very quite, very clean. At the end of the season last year, they were installing a pay phone, which is helpful because there is no cell service. In case of an emergency, you are a 20 minute drive to call for help. There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground. Locals sell firewood very reasonable just before the campground turn off. With this in mind, it is totally worth it. We plan to have many repeat trips. We have gone in the summer &amp; fall, both very enjoyable.

worth the trip

This is a wonderful place to go. The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot

Beautiful

This campground surprised me. It states online that it’s only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites. Mid-August was a gamble as to weather. It was gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night. We were in site 12 which was small for our RV (22 ft total pulled by our F-150) but we worked it out. Site 14 is a buddy electric site. There are a few other buddy sites with no hookups. Site 11 and 13 both look nice and a bit more length to them and have electric (15 amp). We found that sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are FHU (not sure what amp electric though). While 3, 5, 7, and 9 are designated Host spots, site 3 had the sign covered and an RV using it. Not sure how you do that but good to know. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are 3 not so great bath houses and the only reason I didn’t give 5 stars. Only 1 sink, 2 stalls, and 1 shower in each and a stall in 2 of them was out of order. I used the shower and it was nice hot water. There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous! There were other trails too. We also hiked the Rockcliff lake trail which was rocky at spots but pretty level. There’s a boat launch for non powered boats, and fishing spots along the lake. The lake water was crystal clear and is surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains. We didn’t swim but on a Saturday in August about 4pm, it wasn’t too crowded. You aren’t close to much else outside of outdoor activities but we drove into Lost City and Lost River. There’s a great arts cooperative we stopped at with unique artistic wares to purchase and a small museum. We stopped at a farmers market, and a general store that both offered pastries, and coffee drinks as well as area goods for purchase. There is a Dollar General near these places too. The drive to the campground (Thorny Bottom Rd. CR 16) was a bit windy but doable. Better to go to Wardensville, WV and down 16 rather than try to cross the mountain near East of Trout Pond. Camp Hosts were present and helpful! Highly recommend this campground if you are a tent camper, smaller RV, or if you just prefer less of a glamping experience. 

Hidden Gem

We stayed here December 10, 2020. The campground was closed for the winter, but we called ahead and they were fine with us staying in the parking area. No amenities, but we were in a Revel,so didn’t need anything anyway. We were completely alone there, which was pretty cool.  The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake. Also be sure to take the short walk to the Trout Pond. More crystal clear water, and the pond is an active sinkhole, so that’s pretty cool. And the Lake is socked with trout (license required) during the regular season for those who want to fish. 

Great place, beautiful crystal clear lake

We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood.  Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water.  Water was so clean that it was throbbing with anfreshwater jellyfish.  Very clean campground.  Nice spot.  The trout pond was dry.  

Photos of Trout Pond Recreation Area

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