Andy S.

Cincinnati, OH

Joined February 2019

Isolation

If you are trying to find your own quiet spot Chuck Swan has you covered. Lots to explore here, beaches, hi clearance roads(Jeep roads), caves, old cemeteries, rocks to jump off into the lake,and an old fire tower you can climb for what I would expect is a great view. This place was great and definitely needs more than a day to explore properly.

I drove to the end to The Forks of the River picnic area. This spot was absolutely gorgeous and secluded aside from the occasional boat passing by a ways out. The picnic area was very clean and had two picnic benches far enough apart to keep 2 different groups happy. There is a nice rocky/sandy beach to play in and it stays shallow for a ways out so it would probably be nice for the kids. I was pleasantly surprised how clean the area was, no trash on the ground and 2 cans that didn’t have much in them.

The main forest road is a gravel road that anything minus a sports car can handle. All other roads are not as well managed, and some are just double track dirt roads that you’ll need 4WD and possibly a winch if it’s muddy or rainy. I visited for an afternoon while spending the week a Norris Lake. Speaking to the locals the the only people that use it are hunters during the hunting season. Definitely check with the TWA for hunting info before you go as it’s an active area during the season. This whole area was a booming river town before Norris dam was built and there are remains scattered throughout the peninsula.

Private Peninsula

Campsite L8 was one of 30 something dispersed primitive sites scattered around Lake Santeetlah, and it was an amazing place to spend 4 nights. Our site was a quarter mile peninsula that we had to ourselves. All the sites very in size, shape, and proximity to the road and lake, and they all were nice. The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous and crystal clear! We had lots of birds and butterflies around camp. Keep your eyes out for the Tufted Titmouse a cute little grey bird resembling a Cardinal. Included in the site were a fire ring with cooking grate, picnic table, lantern pole, grill, lots of wood on the ground for fires, and trees to hang hammocks from. No toilets or water besides the lake so plan accordingly. We arrived on Thursday and all 9 sites in our area were full by Friday afternoon, so I’m guessing it tends to fill up quickly when it’s nice. Also the sites are free

Babbling Beauty

Pretty nice sites varying in sizes, with the largest sites capable holding 5 or 6 tents. We went in early November and we had the whole place to ourselves. Most of the sites have parking, with 3 or 4 up on a hill requiring a little leg work. I think there are 15 campsites overall

Creeks and streams cut through the campground sending everyone to seep peacefully and diffusing other noises well. I would imagine high water may close the campground so be weary in the spring.

Overall an amazing site, lots of wood for fires, 1 toilet for the campground, some sites I read said there was water accessible but we never found it and filtered river water. super serene and very peaceful place. Also close to some solid trails and the highest point in WV (Spruce Knob) isn’t far away.