Olivia M.

Morgantown, WV

Joined July 2019

I am a dog mom and aspiring dentist, who loves to spend time in the great outdoors!

Iconic WV Waterfall

There is dispersed camping throughout the state forest. As always, when practicing dispersed camping, ensure that you leave no trace. Stop by the visitor center to get your permit for camping.

First to Review
Nothing Exceptional (but still nice)
  • There is a public water access area.
  • Decent trails for walking, showshoeing, or cross country skiing.
  • Nice playground for kids.
  • There is a host on site in case you have any issues. There is an overlook of the lake with a decent view.
  • There are vault toilets outside of the shower house.
Can’t skip the Headwaters
  • This is the headwaters of the Mississippi, which is a neat experience.
  • Itasca Rentals is here. This is a great option for pontoon, kayak, canoe, SUP, bike, and child/ pet carrier rentals.
  • TONS of hiking throughout the massive park.
  • The wilderness drive is very scenic.
  • Some k the best hiking included: preacher’s grove and the fire tower
  • This would be a great location to host an event such as a family reunion, because there is something for everyone.
  • Very nice playgrounds for the kids.
Check out the Prairie
  • This was my first time seeing a prairie. It was a really neat experience.
  • This Minnesota state park is just outside of Fargo,ND, so it makes for a great get away in nature just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • I recommend camping in one of the sites beside the Prairie.
  • Extremely clean bath houses.
  • Beware of mosquitos!
Family Fun
  • Great campground for families with kids and teens. Tons of activities all around the campground. There were outdoor movies, put-put, corn hole, two pools, huge trampoline, volleyball nets, disc golf, and a Christmas in July festival all happening when we were there.
  • Just up the road from Wisconsin Dells, which is fun for the whole family, even though there is plenty to do at the campground, this option is nearby also.
  • We stayed in the primitive tent sites for this trip and this was the farthest I have ever had to walk to get to the bath house at any campground, but it was still manageable.
  • We found this site through Bring Fido, because we were bringing our pup with us. However, there is a dirt track with racing just adjacent to the campground, so our poor guy was pretty nervous the whole time. The race ended at 11 and we had no problem sleeping, but it is something to keep in mind.
Dispersed Camping in the mountains

There are over 900,000 acres in the National forest for hiking and dispersed camping. Immerse yourself in nature and spend the weekend hiking and camping.

Awesome Cabins in the Mountains

These cabins are perfect for group get always. Come stay here with your friends and family and enjoy hot tubs at every cabin. This is great for fly fishing or just a relaxing get away. Climb to the top to get a great view of the area and all the cabins.

Great Views

We did dispersed camping while hiking. Of course, you come all the way to Pendleton and not go to the actual rocks while you’re here. This can get quite crowded on the weekends.

Beautiful Mountains

We often do dispersed, leave no trace, primitive camping throughout the state forest. There are wonderful, well maintained trails throughout. If you want to dive into nature within a 30 minute drive from Morgantown, this is your place to go. Take the scenic hike to raven’s rock for views that will not disappoint.

Camp by the lake
  • Campsite near the beach is recommended. There is a private rocky section away from the crowded beach. Our pup loved running out here and taking a swim by himself.
  • The bog walk is a great hike! Also recommend the rocky point hike.
  • There is a small store at the park entrance with camping necessities.
  • The sites were large and spacious.
Small Cabin
  • Very small family run resort made up of 3 cabins and ~10 seasonal campsites.
  • The campground is directly on Balm lake. There are beautiful views of the lake from the dock. This makes a great place to watch sunrises and sets. There are canoes, paddle boats, and kayaks for guests to use.
  • Keith is a very friendly and helpful host. He provides firewood and is wants his guests to feel at home.
  • I stayed in the small camping cabin for 3 weeks while interning at the hospital in Red Lake. There is electric, a small couch, a tv with ~15 channels, hot plate, coffee pot, bunk bed (full on bottom, twin on top, and a half wall for privacy separating the living area from the sleeping area. Keith provides everything you need from linens, towels, broom, vacuum, pots, first aid kit, trash can, paper products and dishes were in the cabin (although we brought our own and left them behind to add to the stash), and even firewood for evening campfires.
  • Excellent location for nature sightings. The lake has an eagle’s nest, fishing, and loons. You know you’re in the north when you can sit outside and listen to the loons calling on a summer evening. -This definitely not where you should go if you want to be pampered or stay in a fancy cabin, but if you don’t mind roughing it and love to be on the water, then this is the place to stay!