Monongahela National Forest

If you're looking to escape the pressures of the city, the Monongahela National Forest is the place to visit. Located in the highest mountains of East-central West Virginia, the vibrant colors and spectacular views of this rugged forest will take your breath away.

The forest also provides many forms of recreational activities. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails and more than 500 miles of trout streams keep explorers and fishermen coming back year after year. More than 200 species of birds live in the forest, which is rich with diverse wildlife. Rock climbing enthusiasts come from all over the country to climb Seneca Rocks. Steam trains run through the area, providing glorious views in a relaxing atmosphere. Caves in the area provide days of intriguing exploration possibilities. The Potomac and Monongahela rivers provide beaches, fishing areas, and great places to boat, swim and tube.

American Land & Leisure runs four different facilities in the Monongahela National Forest.

Big Bend Campground is located 24 miles from Petersburg at an elevation of 1600 feet. Situated along a bend in the south branch of the Potomac River, this reservation only campground has 46 sites. Campers come here to fish, tube, swim, and boat in the river and enjoy the diverse local wildlife. The hosts at this facility also care for 3 group sites. This is a developed campground with flush toilets. Full hookups and phone service are available. Hours are 40 hours per week per couple during the regular season and 60 hours per week per couple during the peak season. The campground is open from the beginning of April to the end of October.

The area managers work together with a host couple to care for Seneca Shadows Campground. The campground is located 12 miles from Harman at an elevation of 1642 feet. Situated in a mixed hardwood forest with a view of Seneca Rocks, this campground has 80 sites. Campers come here to hike, rock climb at Seneca Rocks, ride the scenic trains, fish in the nearby North Fork River, enjoy the beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, and explore two local caves. This is a developed campground with flush toilets and showers. Full hookups and phone service are available to hosts. Hours are 40 hours per week per couple during the regular season and 60 hours per week per couple during the peak season. The campground is open from the beginning of April to the end of October.

Spruce Knob Campground is located 12 miles from Harman near Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virgina, and Spruce Knob Lake. Situated at an elevation of 3800 feet in a mixed forest, this campground has 40 sites and 3 group sites. Campers come here to fish in Spruce Knob Lake (one mile away), hike to nearby Spruce Knob, and enjoy the beautiful views and wildlife. Water and sewer hookups are available to hosts. Hours are 40 hours per week per couple during the regular season and 60 hours per week per couple during the peak season. The campground is open from the beginning of April to the end of October.

Stuart Campground is located 4 miles east of Elkins at an elevation of 2200 feet. Set in a mixed forest along the Shavers Fork River, this campground has 26 sites. Campers come here to fish for trout in the river, hike, explore local caves, hike to nearby Blackwater Falls, and visit the nearby Fernow Experimental Forest. The campground also has a day use area with 3 pavilions and a beach on the river. This is a developed campground with showers and flush toilets. Full hookups and phone service are available to the hosts. Two sets of hosts work together to care for this facility. Hours are up to 40 hours per week per couple at the campground. Hours at the day use area are up to 25 hours a week during the regular season and up to 30 hours a week during the peak season. The campground is open from the beginning of April to the end of October.