Monongahela National Forest
Potomac Ranger District
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. Campers enjoy 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.
Big Bend Campground
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.
Seneca Shadows Campground
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.
Spruce Knob Lake Campground
Spruce Knob Lake Campground is located 12 miles from Harman near Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, 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.
Stuart Recreation Area
Stuart Recreation Area is located 6 miles east of Elkins at an elevation of 2200 feet. Campers come here to fish for trout in the river, hike, explore local caves, hike to nearby Blackwater Falls, and visit Fernow Experimental Forest.
Jess Judy Campground
Jess Judy Group Campground is located about 1.5 miles south of Big Bend, in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, on the South Branch of the Potomac River. This is a primitive campground that can accommodate up to 40 people each. There is no drinking water available so bring your own. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Canoeing, fishing and hiking are popular activities.