Camping in Seneca State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Seneca State Forest adventure.

100% (4 reviews)

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Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to River Trail Hollow

This site is a hidden gem!! So quiet and peaceful. Can walk right to the greenbrier river trail and to the ‘beach’ on the greenbrier river. The site had plenty of space. Our boys loved the creek and we enjoyed night walks after dinner around the loop of the campground. Central to everything we wanted to see and left wanting to stay longer. Already looking into when we can go back. Our whole family agreed it was our favorite spot to date.

1 night at River Trail Hollow

Great place !!!! Firewood on site was awesome !!! Was expecting a cold shower but to my surprise, hot shower !!!!

Weekend Trip to River Trail Hollow

Nice shady spot, one minute walk to easy river access. Nice picnic table, plenty of room for vehicle and tent, and nice spacing between sites. Will stay here again. Easy 10 mile ride to Marlinton.

Weekend Trip to Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

Awesome spot by the river. The host went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.

Weekend Trip to Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

I really enjoyed camping here at the campgrounds. Though the grounds were packed, there was plenty privacy. The hosts were very accommodating and friendly. This site, in particular is right beside the stream. Under the night sky, it’s truly lovely to look up at the stars with the noise of the water in the background. I would come again, without a doubt.

Weekend Trip to Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

Great little campground in the countrybut only 10 minutes to lexington. Spread our and not over crowded. Nice south river right behind the sites. Hosts very attentive making sure you had firewood etc. will be definitely going back and taking more family

2 nights at Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

Fritz and Valerie were great hosts and we enjoyed our time with our teardrop camper at site #14. The facilities were clean and the property was very nice! Close access to the river was a big bonus. We plan to return very soon!

2 nights at Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

Loved how hosts make sure everyone is comfortable and have a great experience.

2 nights at Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

We had an amazing glamping experience in our RV at this hidden spot right next to a beautiful river. You can literally park just steps from the water and spend the day playing, relaxing, or cooling off in the stream. It’s peaceful, secluded, and feels like your own private escape into nature. Falling asleep to the sound of the river was pure bliss. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet, refreshing getaway

2 nights at Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

2 nights at River Trail Hollow

Another perfect stay! So quiet and peaceful! The pavilion is a plus well. Short walk to the river to swim/tube/kayak. Something for everyone.

1 night at Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

We travel in a 24 foot class C. This has become one of our favorite campgrounds! Valerie & Fritz are the most wonderful hosts. They are so kind & welcoming. The location is perfect, a quiet valley that is away from it all but still close enough to the interstate & towns. The setting is so peaceful. You hear the river & see plentiful stars at night. Sites are spacious. This site provided wonderful shade too. We look forward to coming back again!

3 nights at River Trail Hollow

Campground is clean and organized into different camping spots, with plenty of room between each spot. Really nice to have hot showers and a place to wash hands. Outhouses are dispersed throughout the campground making them easy to reach from any camping spot. Fishing on the Greenbrier River is great. Swimming, tubing and kayaking are also popular. Steps away from the Greenbrier River Trail.

1 night at Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

This river site is perfect for relaxation. The evening shade cools you down & the sound for the water at night puts you to sleep. Our 24 ft class C fit nicely here & we didn’t need levelers.

1 night at Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

We absolutely LOVED our camping experience at Swedish Lilac's campground!! It was my son's first camping experience, and the hosts were SO KIND and helpful and helped make my son's birthday experience even better! We loved being able to hear the babbling river behind our site (and it felt cool and refreshing to sit in on a hot July day)! It was so nice having water and electricity available right at the site, as well as hot showers not far away. Highly recommend this place!!!

Weekend Trip to Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

Fritz was great! He met my husband at the site and made sure he was able to get on the WiFi before leaving. The kids and dog really enjoyed the stream. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Weekend Trip to Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

This is a great campground with plenty of amenities for any camping style. The bathrooms and showers were clean and in good condition. Fritz and Valerie were great hosts, friendly, welcoming, and even brought some kid goats by for our children to see. I would recommend camping here for sure!

Weekend Trip to Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

Great little camping spot. Clean bathrooms, refreshing stream and friendly owners.

1 night at Mountains,Woods,Ponds, Natural

Just finished my 3rd stay. Starting to feel like family! Million dollar views, invested hosts. Kind and considerate. Would definitely recommend!

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

Mark is a friendly, attentive, helpful, and laid back host. His property is a spectacular location with direct, private access to an amazing cold water river. Highly recommend this spot!

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Seneca State Forest

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Seneca Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Seneca State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Seneca State Forest

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Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

15 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Vesuvius, VA

With 15 campsites, business class WIFI, over 1,000 feet of river frontage. Swedish Lilac Campground is the perfect getaway to reconnect with nature and relax with loved ones. Campsites accommodate RVs and tents with access to bath house, pavilion, dump station, and picnic areas, and is only a 20-minute drive to beautiful historic Lexington Virginia. Hiking, fishing, swimming, dining, and shopping a short distance away which means there is something for everyone at Swedish Lilac Campground. Remote workers welcome! Fiber optic internet with Wi-Fi access points that cover the entire campground.

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River Trail Hollow

20 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Hillsboro, WV

-MAXIMUM vehicle height is 10 FEET (to clear the GBRT bridge at Stamping Creek) -GREENBRIER RIVER and TRAIL (GBRT) steps from your campsite -PEACEFUL, quiet, NO big rigs, NO generators, limited occupancy -DARK SKIES, no unnecessary lighting (fireflies are spectacular!) -PET FRIENDLY -COUNTRY STORE with rentals, beer, food, supplies - 0.5 mi -HILLSBORO- gas, convenience, restaurants, beer package - 4 mi -MARLINTON- restaurants, shopping, tavern - 12 mi by road, 10 mi by trail -WATOGA STATE PARK, lake and pool - 5 mi -THE BEACH in Seebert yards away -Active MAPLE FARM on premises - https://hillsboromaple.com/ LOCATION: At junction of the Greenbrier River, Greenbrier River Trail and Stamping Creek, sits on approximately 40 wooded acres. Convenient to all Pocahontas County Attractions - Highland Scenic Hwy, Cass Scenic Railroad, Greenbank Telescope, Beartown SP, Falls of Hills Creek, Snowshoe Mountain Resort and more - https://pocahontascountywv.com/ AMENITIES: Tent/RV sites or sites w/water and electric, sites no closer than 50' from each other Porta-johns and hot showers Pavilion with wash sink and charging station Tables and fire rings at each site Firewood - 1st crate FREE, $5 per additional crate Hammock friendly sites COUNTRY STORE: Jack Horner's Corner - 0.5 miles downriver along Greenbrier River Trail. Open 7 days a week, 9am-9pm, Apr-Oct. Tubes, bicycle & kayak rentals. Fast food, soft-serve, craft beer, grocery, supply & souvenir sales. (304) 653-4515 CELL SERVICE LIMITED: 1-2 bars (good enough to text) at the beach; 2-3 bars (maybe a call) at store; Full signal at 219 (2 miles away)

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Beaverdam Falls

4 sites · Lodging65 acres · Covington, VA

Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!

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Ravens Roost at Union Springs

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Dayton, VA

Welcome to Raven’s Roost – A Tipi Retreat Like No Other! What started as a casual conversation over drinks with friends turned into something wild—and wonderful: a 22-foot glamping-style tipi perched on a spacious 24x24 platform. Yep, we know… sounds crazy. But here we are, and we’re excited to welcome guests to our off-grid getaway! Raven’s Roost is a place to unplug from the noise and reconnect with nature, without sacrificing the comforts that make camping fun and relaxing. Here’s what we offer: 🏕 The Tipi Experience • 22ft canvas tipi with cozy, rustic charm • 24x24 wooden platform base for stability and comfort 🔌 Essential Off-Grid Amenities • 1000-watt power pack for basic power needs • Generator backup • Cooler to keep your camp food and beverages cold • Large firepit with comfy Adirondack chairs • Portable toilet (you’ll be thankful it’s there!) • Solar-heated rechargeable shower pump – eco-friendly and refreshing! 🌲 Endless Adventure Awaits Just Minutes Away Our location is close to: • George Washington National Forest • Scenic hiking and mountain biking trails • 4x4 and Jeeping trails for off-road adventure • Peaceful trout fishing streams • Local state parks for exploration and picnics • Award-winning wineries and breweries • And so much more outdoor fun! Whether you’re seeking peace and quiet under the stars, a basecamp for adventure, or just a new way to experience nature, Raven’s Roost is ready for you. Relax. Recharge. Roost.

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Mountains,Woods,Ponds, Natural

21 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Lewisburg, WV

Learn more about this land: We have 4 ponds on our property we have open areas, wooded areas, we raise cattle, sheep and chickens. All of the acreage has mountainous views. Our town of Lewisburg is 15 minutes away. Lots to do and enjoy. We sell beef, eggs, firewood, and seasonal vegetables. We also have a Porta potty now on the property for use.

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Fourth Moon Camp

12 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Seneca Rocks, WV

Fourth Moon Camp is an incredibly unique accommodation located directly behind Seneca Rocks. We are located less than a five minute walk to the rocks and feature unique, mountain/valley views from the eastern aspect of the iconic rock formations. There are private trails leading directly to both Roy Gap Road as well as the North Peak of Seneca Rocks. Local attractions include Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Monongahela National Forest, Germany Valley, Seneca Caverns, Nelson Rocks, Smoke Hole, North Fork Mountain, Canaan Valley, Davis, Thomas, North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River, and so many more. Fourth Moon Camp may be accessed by reservation only, via Roy Gap Road. This road is a gravel, state road. It is single-vehicle-width in many places, uphill, and without any easy turnouts. This road is advised for experienced drivers and capable tires only. Please use extreme caution and be ready to reverse to the nearest turnout, rather than attempt to pass side-by-side in vehicles. Please follow all burn guidelines as posted here: https://wvforestry.com/fire-laws/ AND NO TRANSPORT OF FIREWOOD FROM OUTSIDE OUR REGION. See more info here: https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/map/west-virginia

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MountainTop

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Sugar Grove, WV

Live sustainably, enjoy life. Enjoy our family's 32 acre eco-wonder property that features forested mountain walking trails, two small ponds, seasonal waterfall, and the Potomac River that runs through it. Perfect private retreat for nature enthusiasts, writers, artists, musicians, contemplatives, and small families. MountainTop got its namesake over 30 years ago for the small mountain plateau that resides at the top of the property, just a short hike from the cabins and campsites. One can easily find the soothing voice of water nearby at the seasonal waterfall or alongside the flowing river. Rejuvenate with friends, families, nature lovers, and contemplatives. Mountaintop offers superb stargazing, swimming, fishing, hiking, strenuous mountain biking, camping, serenity, peace, and connective nature immersion. There are currently three sites: the MountainTop Cabin (sleeps up to 4); the Retreat Cabin (sleeps up to 4): and the Fern Grove campsite (sleeps up to 4). You can book a cabin or the campsite for your family, or the whole place for a small group by booking each site--that will ensure privacy. Last year we hosted wellness retreats for small groups at this little oasis tucked in the mountains of gorgeous West Virginia. "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." John Muir Note: All wheel drive or 4-wheel drive needed to cross river. 1 hour from downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. 1 hour 40 minutes from Charlottesville. 3 hours from Washington, D.C.

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Camping at Lazy River Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Iron Gate, VA

Learn more about this land: Lazy River Farm has so much to offer. Tents sites are in a wooded setting, on a beautiful hill, spread out for privacy. Not at the river. Camp sites also have fire rings with wood available for you to use. Campers are welcome to use any wood that's on the ground near or around your site. Camp sites can be accessed with a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle or walk up the hill to your site. With easy access down to the river, you can cool off in the beautiful Cow Pasture River. Glamping in the Vardo Wagon is another option, with its close proximity to the river and cozy interior. The Gypsy Rose sleeps 2, but can sleep 2 additional guests with a tent. Paddle boards and kayaks are available for free if you paddling near the farm. (Life jackets are limited but are required, so if you have one bring it) drop in a line to fish, or simply sit by the river and listen to the soft rapids. Lazy River Farm is a working farm, with lovely Scottish Highland Cattle, pigs, chickens, horses and livestock guardian dogs.. Your welcome to come and pet the animals. Do not feed animals. Do not go into fields or stalls with any of them. Nearby there are vineyards and breweries, the beautiful historic Masonic Theater, C&O heritage center, miles of back roads to explore, as well as local restaurants. Contact us directly for a full range of what we have to offer, or have questions regarding any site.

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Camping in the shade on the river

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Eagle Rock, VA

Learn more about this land: Very secluded spot right on the river. Large fire pit. 12 by 40 pavilion. Great area for wade fishing. Right between two state boat ramps one 20 min upstream is the Iron Gate ramp one an hour down stream is the Glen Wilton boat ramp. Picknick tables on site.

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Shirley's River Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Covington, VA

Bring your own Camper,RV,Tent,Hammock, or just a sleeping bag under the stars, at this secluded primitive campground reconnect with nature at this unforgettable riverfront escape. Alleghany Outdoors is right down the road and you can rent kayaks, tube, paddle boards, to float on the lake or down the Jackson River, they also rent electric bikes fancy a ride down the Jackson River Scenic trail . With an epic 80’ Falling Springs Falls right down the road, along with the amazing manmade Lake Moomaw.

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Boondock on the Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Staunton, VA

Learn more about this land: 21 acres, a mix pasture and woodlands. An old barn residence provides a swimming pool and patio. Cattle freely graze the pasture, chickens run in the yard. Wildlife sightings include whitetail deer, turkeys, rabbits, and foxes. Stargaze, bird watch, hike or bike the hilly landscape, picnic or camp in the secluded clearing at the back of the property. Minutes from bustling downtown Staunton, VA, enjoy the best of both worlds on your trip to Loganberry Hill Farm. Eggs and seasonal fresh produce available for purchase.

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Riverwood

3 sites · RVs, Tents275 acres · Monterey, VA

Located on the Jackson River with views of Alleghany Mountains up and down valley. Great catch and release fly fishing, star gazing, bird and other nature watching. Located 15 minutes South of Monterey VA and 20 North of Hot Springs VA (where historic hot springs and Homestead resort are located). Come visit and enjoy the beauty. Note, no cell phone service on property. Service available mile south of property on 220 and 5 miles north of property on 220.

Camping in Seneca State Forest guide

Overview

About

There’s plenty of old growth and good ‘ol times at Seneca, West Virginia’s oldest state forest. If your relationship with Mother Nature is best 1-on-1, Seneca is the place for you. Very little development, pioneer guest cabins, 11,684 acres of dense, quiet forest, and plenty of hiking trails make this forest the most beautiful place to recharge in peace. Bring a friend or two for bass and bluegill fishing on the lake, or canoe to the middle and marvel at the tall variety of trees that line the shore. Seneca is simply stunning, emphasis on the simple, and it serves as one of the most relaxing places to camp in all of West Virginia. The most popular activity is just sitting back and enjoying nature, but if your adrenaline levels just can’t handle that sort of relaxation, jump on a bike to enjoy the 40 miles of road and forest trail.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Seneca State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the forest is alive with color. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter can be magical with snow-covered trees, though some activities may be limited. Avoid peak holiday weekends for a more tranquil experience.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
Stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure your safety.
Bring sufficient water and snacks, as facilities may be limited.
Respect wildlife habitats and observe from a distance without disturbing the creatures.

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4 ratings · 1 review

July 2018

Seneca Campground

We stayed with friends in the campground at Seneca State Forest -- it was one of the best most peaceful campsites we've ever stayed in for more than a decade. The 10 campsites were well spaced. We had a lot of privacy because nobody else was camping there at the time, but there would have been plenty of distance if we'd had neighbors. The tent site was level and there were trees for hammocks (wide straps, of course). There was a sump area for doing dishes and dumping dishwater (strained, of course). The on-site bathroom was a concrete pit toilet, but at the ranger station there are two clean, private shower/bathrooms that were free for campers. No cell service as it's in the Green Bank Quiet Zone.

Grace A.

2 reviews