## Overview

**The Jess Judy Group Campground** is located on the South Branch of the
Potomac River, in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, about 1.5 miles south of
Big Bend. Canoeing, fishing and hiking are popular activities. Jess Judy
contains three reservable sites that will accommodate up to 40 people each.
The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts, and four
single-unit vault toilets. There is no electric or drinking water at the group
campground although persons camping at Jess Judy Group Campground may obtain
water at Big Bend Campground. The group campground is not accessible.  
About 1.3 million visitors come to the Monongahela National Forest each year,
and it's no surprise why. The forest is a drivable distance from cities like
Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh, yet the density of flora, fauna and
picturesque mountains seem like a world away from any city.

## Recreation

Visitors enjoy canoeing and fishing on the river, and hiking on local trails.
Thirty miles of maintained trails can be found nearby and mountain biking is
permitted on most of them. One highly recommended trail for hikers and
backpackers is the North Fork Mountain Trail.

## Facilities

The campground has three primitive group sites that can accommodate up to 40
people each. No drinking water is available, so please bring your own supply.
Accessible vault toilets are provided.

## Natural Features

**Jess Judy Group Campground** is situated in the northern portion of the
Monongahela National Forest, on the western banks of the river. The region
boasts beautiful old-growth forests that become vibrant with color in fall.
The South Branch of the Potomac River runs north through Smoke Hole Canyon,
which bears a name of uncertain origin. One theory is Native Americans once
used the caves in the canyon for smoking meat, which created "smoke holes."
Another is that misty fog often lies along the river and ascends in what looks
like smoke from a hole.

## Nearby Attractions

Traverse through narrow, steep valleys and over rolling, tree-topped mountains
on the Highland Scenic Highway. This 43-mile drive includes highlights like
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake, and the Falls of Hills Creek.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>The Jess Judy Group Campground</strong> is located on the South Branch of the Potomac River, in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, about 1.5 miles south of Big Bend. Canoeing, fishing and hiking are popular activities. Jess Judy contains three reservable sites that will accommodate up to 40 people each. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts, and four single-unit vault toilets. There is no electric or drinking water at the group campground although persons camping at Jess Judy Group Campground may obtain water at Big Bend Campground. The group campground is not accessible.<br>About 1.3 million visitors come to the Monongahela National Forest each year, and it's no surprise why. The forest is a drivable distance from cities like Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh, yet the density of flora, fauna and picturesque mountains seem like a world away from any city.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Visitors enjoy canoeing and fishing on the river, and hiking on local trails. Thirty miles of maintained trails can be found nearby and mountain biking is permitted on most of them. One highly recommended trail for hikers and backpackers is the North Fork Mountain Trail.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The campground has three primitive group sites that can accommodate up to 40 people each. No drinking water is available, so please bring your own supply. Accessible vault toilets are provided.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p><strong>Jess Judy Group Campground</strong> is situated in the northern portion of the Monongahela National Forest, on the western banks of the river. The region boasts beautiful old-growth forests that become vibrant with color in fall.  The South Branch of the Potomac River runs north through Smoke Hole Canyon, which bears a name of uncertain origin. One theory is Native Americans once used the caves in the canyon for smoking meat, which created "smoke holes." Another is that misty fog often lies along the river and ascends in what looks like smoke from a hole.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Traverse through narrow, steep valleys and over rolling, tree-topped mountains on the Highland Scenic Highway. This 43-mile drive includes highlights like Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake, and the Falls of Hills Creek.

Group Site #1

Jess Judy Campground 2

Jess Judy Campground Entrance

Group Site A

Jess Judy

## Overview

**Big Bend** is located in the Smoke Hole Canyon Smoke Hole Canyon next to the
South Branch of the Potomac River at the end of County Route 2. Located 10
miles south west of Petersburg, West Virginia. The river is located 200 feet
from campground and is open for fishing and non-motorized boat use. A one mile
loop trail is available for hiking at the campground and 60 miles of
backcountry trails are located close by in the Seneca Creek Backcountry as
well as the trails located in Smoke Hole Canyon.

Big Bend Campground is comprised of 46 standard non-electric camping units
with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs. In addition,
there is a developed host site equipped with electrical, water, and sewage
hookups. Parts of the campground and facilities within it are ABA accessible.

The campground contains two single-unit vault toilets, two double-unit flush
toilets, and a four-unit flush restroom with four showers some of which are
accessible.

There are trash dumpsters located in each loop of the campground for garbage
collection and disposal.

There is one recreation vehicle dump station in Big Bend Campground located
adjacent to the campground. Visitors staying at Jess Judy Group Campground may
use the dump station at Big Bend Campground. There is an underground holding
tank attached to the dump station. Holder is responsible for daily operations
and maintenance attached the dump station and holding tank.

The average operation and maintenance season for Big Bend Campground and Jess
Judy Group Campground has been from approximately April 10th through Oct 31st.
At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully
operate the campgrounds from the second Friday night in April through the last
Saturday night in October.

About 1.3 million people visit the Monongahela National Forest each year. The
forest is a drivable distance from metropolises like Washington, D.C., and
Pittsburg, yet still offers a remote and scenic camping getaway.

## Recreation

The Big Bend Loop Trail is a one-mile nature trail that circles the
campground. The majority of the trail follows along the river bend. Thirty
miles of maintained trails can be found nearby, and mountain biking is
permitted on most trails.

## Facilities

**Big Bend Campground** is comprised of 46 standard non-electric camping units
with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs. In addition,
there is a developed host site equipped with electrical, water, and sewage
hookups. Parts of the campground and facilities within it are ABA accessible.

The campground contains two single-unit vault toilets, two double-unit flush
toilets, and a four-unit flush restroom with four showers some of which are
accessible.

Jess Judy Group Campground contains three reservable sites that will
accommodate up to 40 people each. The campground contains fire rings, picnic
tables, lantern posts, and four single-unit vault toilets. There is no
electric or drinking water at the group campground although persons camping at
Jess Judy Group Campground may obtain water at Big Bend Campground. The group
campground is not accessible.

There are trash dumpsters located in each loop of the campground for garbage
collection and disposal.

There is one recreation vehicle dump station in Big Bend Campground located
adjacent to the campground. Visitors staying at Jess Judy Group Campground may
use the dump station at Big Bend Campground. There is an underground holding
tank attached to the dump station. Holder is responsible for daily operations
and maintenance attached the dump station and holding tank.

There is a wastewater treatment facility (Filtered Drain Field) located within
the campground. Holder is responsible for daily operations and maintenance of
this facility.

The average operation and maintenance season for Big Bend Campground and Jess
Judy Group Campground has been from approximately April 10th through Oct 31st.
At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully
operate the campgrounds from the second Friday night in April through the last
Saturday night in October.

The Big Bend Loop Trail is a one-mile nature trail that circles the
campground. The majority of the trail follows along the river bend. Thirty
miles of maintained trails can be found nearby, and mountain biking is
permitted on most trails.

## Natural Features

**Big Bend Campground** is in the northern portion of the Monongahela National
Forest, boasting beautiful old growth trees that become vibrant with color in
fall. The river runs north through the Smoke Hole Canyon, which bears a name
of uncertain origin. One theory is Native Americans used the caves of the
gorge for smoking meat, which created "smoke holes." Another is that misty fog
often lies along the river and ascends in what looks like smoke from a hole.

## Nearby Attractions

The Highland Scenic Highway provides an unforgettable drive through narrow,
steep valleys and rolling, tree-topped mountains. Estimated time to drive on
this byway is two to four hours, and highlights include Cranberry Glades
Botanical Area, Summit Lake and Falls of Hills Creek.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>Big Bend</strong> is located in the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=9916" rel="nofollow">Smoke Hole Canyon</a> Smoke Hole Canyon next to the South Branch of the Potomac River at the end of County Route 2. Located 10 miles south west of Petersburg, West Virginia. The river is located 200 feet from campground and is open for fishing and non-motorized boat use.  A one mile loop trail is available for hiking at the campground and 60 miles of backcountry trails are located close by in the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7017" rel="nofollow">Seneca Creek Backcountry</a>   as well as the trails located in Smoke Hole Canyon.</p>
<p>Big Bend Campground is comprised of 46 standard non-electric camping units with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs. In addition, there is a developed host site equipped with electrical, water, and sewage hookups. Parts of the campground and facilities within it are ABA accessible.</p>
<p>The campground contains two single-unit vault toilets, two double-unit flush toilets, and a four-unit flush restroom with four showers some of which are accessible.</p>
<p>There are trash dumpsters located in each loop of the campground for garbage collection and disposal.</p>
<p>There is one recreation vehicle dump station in Big Bend Campground located adjacent to the campground. Visitors staying at Jess Judy Group Campground may use the dump station at Big Bend Campground. There is an underground holding tank attached to the dump station. Holder is responsible for daily operations and maintenance attached the dump station and holding tank.</p>
<p>The average operation and maintenance season for Big Bend Campground and Jess Judy Group Campground has been from approximately April 10th through Oct 31st. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campgrounds from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in October.</p>
<p>About 1.3 million people visit the Monongahela National Forest each year. The forest is a drivable distance from metropolises like Washington, D.C., and Pittsburg, yet still offers a remote and scenic camping getaway.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The Big Bend Loop Trail is a one-mile nature trail that circles the campground. The majority of the trail follows along the river bend. Thirty miles of maintained trails can be found nearby, and mountain biking is permitted on most trails.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p><strong>Big Bend Campground</strong> is comprised of 46 standard non-electric camping units with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs. In addition, there is a developed host site equipped with electrical, water, and sewage hookups. Parts of the campground and facilities within it are ABA accessible.</p>
<p>The campground contains two single-unit vault toilets, two double-unit flush toilets, and a four-unit flush restroom with four showers some of which are accessible.</p>
<p>Jess Judy Group Campground contains three reservable sites that will accommodate up to 40 people each. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts, and four single-unit vault toilets. There is no electric or drinking water at the group campground although persons camping at Jess Judy Group Campground may obtain water at Big Bend Campground. The group campground is not accessible.</p>
<p>There are trash dumpsters located in each loop of the campground for garbage collection and disposal.</p>
<p>There is one recreation vehicle dump station in Big Bend Campground located adjacent to the campground. Visitors staying at Jess Judy Group Campground may use the dump station at Big Bend Campground. There is an underground holding tank attached to the dump station. Holder is responsible for daily operations and maintenance attached the dump station and holding tank.</p>
<p>There is a wastewater treatment facility (Filtered Drain Field) located within the campground. Holder is responsible for daily operations and maintenance of this facility.</p>
<p>The average operation and maintenance season for Big Bend Campground and Jess Judy Group Campground has been from approximately April 10th through Oct 31st. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campgrounds from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in October.</p>
<p>The Big Bend Loop Trail is a one-mile nature trail that circles the campground. The majority of the trail follows along the river bend. Thirty miles of maintained trails can be found nearby, and mountain biking is permitted on most trails.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p><strong>Big Bend Campground</strong> is in the northern portion of the Monongahela National Forest, boasting beautiful old growth trees that become vibrant with color in fall.  The river runs north through the Smoke Hole Canyon, which bears a name of uncertain origin. One theory is Native Americans used the caves of the gorge for smoking meat, which created "smoke holes." Another is that misty fog often lies along the river and ascends in what looks like smoke from a hole.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The Highland Scenic Highway provides an unforgettable drive through narrow, steep valleys and rolling, tree-topped mountains. Estimated time to drive on this byway is two to four hours, and highlights include Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake and Falls of Hills Creek.

Site Sign

BIG BEND (WV)

Big Bend river shot 1

Big Bend Entrance

Big Bend River Shot 2

Big Bend (Wv)

## Overview

**The Seneca Shadows Campground** overlooks Seneca Rocks and is surrounded by
mountains on both the east and west. Hiking and nature study at Seneca Rocks
are just a couple of the popular activities in the area. The North Fork South
Branch Potomac River is nearby, making fishing a popular pastime. Seneca
Shadows Campground is comprised of 11 standard camping units with electric
hookups, 2 double camping units with electric hookups, 23 standard camping
units without electric, 2 double camping units without electric, 40 walk-in
camp sites and 3 group tent sites with drinking water, fire rings, lantern
posts, picnic tables and paved spurs (standard camping units). In addition,
there are two developed host sites equipped with electrical, water, and sewage
hookups as well as an outdoor amphitheater that features lighting, sound
equipment, and seating.

The campground contains two four-toilet vault restrooms, one double-toilet
vault restroom, and four multiple-toilet flush restrooms with showers. There
are trash dumpsters located throughout Seneca Shadows Campground for garbage
collection and disposal.

There is one recreation vehicle dump station in the recreation area located
adjacent to the host site in the campground.

The average operation and maintenance season for Seneca Shadows Campground has
been from approximately April 10th through Oct 31st. At a minimum, the Forest
Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campground
from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in
October.

Two local caves beckon ambitious explorers, and the 900-foot high Seneca Rocks
can be viewed from most campsites.

## Recreation

Rock climbers and hikers adore Seneca Rocks. Both sports will take visitors to
the top of the impressive rocky tops with rewarding views of the mountains and
valleys beyond. The hiking trail can be accessed across the street from the
Seneca Shadows Campground.  
  
Seneca Rocks Visitor Center provides a catch-and-release fishing area, viewing
platforms, educational displays and a gift shop.

## Facilities

Seneca Shadows is a modern campground with flush toilets, lantern posts,
picnic tables and campfire rings. The large facility has a selection of walk-
to tent sites, standard RV sites and tent-only group sites. Loop C has
electric hookups. Firewood is available for sale on-site.

## Natural Features

The campground sits in the river valley within the Monongahela National
Forest, which extends over the north central highlands of the state,
straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations range from 1,000 to
4,863 feet above sea level.  
  
Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most
ecologically diverse national forests in the country.

## Nearby Attractions

Campers make Seneca Shadows a convenient base camp while traveling through the
Potomac Highlands. Explore the scenic roadways, especially when fall colors
are at their peak.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>The Seneca Shadows Campground</strong> overlooks Seneca Rocks and is surrounded by mountains on both the east and west. Hiking and nature study at Seneca Rocks are just a couple of the popular activities in the area. The North Fork South Branch Potomac River is nearby, making fishing a popular pastime. Seneca Shadows Campground is comprised of 11 standard camping units with electric hookups, 2 double camping units with electric hookups, 23 standard camping units without electric, 2 double camping units without electric, 40 walk-in camp sites and 3 group tent sites with drinking water, fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs (standard camping units). In addition, there are two developed host sites equipped with electrical, water, and sewage hookups as well as an outdoor amphitheater that features lighting, sound equipment, and seating.</p>
<p>The campground contains two four-toilet vault restrooms, one double-toilet vault restroom, and four multiple-toilet flush restrooms with showers. There are trash dumpsters located throughout Seneca Shadows Campground for garbage collection and disposal.</p>
<p>There is one recreation vehicle dump station in the recreation area located adjacent to the host site in the campground.</p>
<p>The average operation and maintenance season for Seneca Shadows Campground has been from approximately April 10th through Oct 31st. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campground from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in October.</p>
<p>Two local caves beckon ambitious explorers, and the 900-foot high Seneca Rocks can be viewed from most campsites.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Rock climbers and hikers adore Seneca Rocks. Both sports will take visitors to the top of the impressive rocky tops with rewarding views of the mountains and valleys beyond. The hiking trail can be accessed across the street from the Seneca Shadows Campground.
<br/><br/>
Seneca Rocks Visitor Center provides a catch-and-release fishing area, viewing platforms, educational displays and a gift shop.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Seneca Shadows is a modern campground with flush toilets, lantern posts, picnic tables and campfire rings. The large facility has a selection of walk-to tent sites, standard RV sites and tent-only group sites. Loop C has electric hookups. Firewood is available for sale on-site.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground sits in the river valley within the Monongahela National Forest, which extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations range from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level.
<br/><br/>
Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Campers make Seneca Shadows a convenient base camp while traveling through the Potomac Highlands. Explore the scenic roadways, especially when fall colors are at their peak.

For Standard Electric sites, there is a $8 electric attribute fee in addition
to the site use fee of $22 to $36.

SENECA SHADOWS

Picnic table at a campsite in an Aspen grove

Amphitheater

Seneca Shadows Campground Entrance Sign

Amphitheater 1

Seneca Shadows

## Overview

**The Spruce Knob Lake Campground** is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest
less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful
setting with easy access to boating on the lake and hiking through the
mountainous region. Spruce Knob Lake Campground is comprised of 28 standard
camping units, 2 double camping units, and 10 walk in camping units with fire
rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs (standard camping units).
In addition, there is a developed host site equipped with electrical (solar),
water, and a sewage holding tank.

Spruce Knob Lake Campground contains five single-toilet vault restrooms all of
which are accessible.

Gatewood Group Campground contains 1 reservable site that can accommodate up
to approximately 30 people. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables,
and two single-toilet vault restrooms. There is no electric or drinking water
at the group campground. The group campground is not ABA accessible.

There are trash dumpsters located at Spruce Knob Lake Campground and there are
trash bins located at Gatewood Group Campground for garbage collection and
disposal.

There are no dump stations in either campground.

The average operation and maintenance season for Spruce Knob Lake Campground
and Gatewood Group Campground has been from approximately mid-April through
mid-October. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit
Holder to fully operate the campground from the third Friday night in April
through the Columbus Day weekend in October.  
Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. A stone and steel
observation tower is perched atop the peak, offering breathtaking 360-degree
views of the area.

## Recreation

Sixty miles of picturesque hiking trails crisscross the region, and the
campground provides direct access to the pleasant 1-mile Big Bend River Loop.  
  
Trout fishing is available nearby at 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake, and in
surrounding creeks. Facilities at the lake include a small boat ramp, parking
area and vault toilets. A wooden pier along the shoreline provides barrier-
free access to the lake.No swimming is allowed.

## Facilities

The campground has accessible vault toilets and a solar-powered system for
drinking water. No electric hookups are available. Firewood is for sale on-
site.

## Natural Features

The campground is situated on a wooded ridge overlooking the lake. To the east
is 4,863' Spruce Knob. The vegetation atop Spruce Knob has adapted to a harsh,
exposed environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to
strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and
huckleberry plants cover the ground.  
  
Due to its location, the campground may experience cold fogs and strong winds
year-round.

## Nearby Attractions

The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles Spruce Knob and provides
panoramic views of the beautiful area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>The Spruce Knob Lake Campground</strong> is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful setting with easy access to boating on the lake and hiking through the mountainous region. Spruce Knob Lake Campground is comprised of 28 standard camping units, 2 double camping units, and 10 walk in camping units with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs (standard camping units). In addition, there is a developed host site equipped with electrical (solar), water, and a sewage holding tank.</p>
<p>Spruce Knob Lake Campground contains five single-toilet vault restrooms all of which are accessible.</p>
<p>Gatewood Group Campground contains 1 reservable site that can accommodate up to approximately 30 people. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, and two single-toilet vault restrooms. There is no electric or drinking water at the group campground. The group campground is not ABA accessible.</p>
<p>There are trash dumpsters located at Spruce Knob Lake Campground and there are trash bins located at Gatewood Group Campground for garbage collection and disposal.</p>
<p>There are no dump stations in either campground.</p>
<p>The average operation and maintenance season for Spruce Knob Lake Campground and Gatewood Group Campground has been from approximately mid-April through mid-October. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campground from the third Friday night in April through the Columbus Day weekend in October.<br>Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. A stone and steel observation tower is perched atop the peak, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the area.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Sixty miles of picturesque hiking trails crisscross the region, and the campground provides direct access to the pleasant 1-mile Big Bend River Loop.
<br/><br/>
Trout fishing is available nearby at 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake, and in surrounding creeks. Facilities at the lake include a small boat ramp, parking area and vault toilets. A wooden pier along the shoreline provides barrier-free access to the lake.No swimming is allowed.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The campground has accessible vault toilets and a solar-powered system for drinking water. No electric hookups are available. Firewood is for sale on-site.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground is situated on a wooded ridge overlooking the lake. To the east is 4,863' Spruce Knob. The vegetation atop Spruce Knob has adapted to a harsh, exposed environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants cover the ground.
<br/><br/>
Due to its location, the campground may experience cold fogs and strong winds year-round.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles Spruce Knob and provides panoramic views of the beautiful area.

Jess Judy

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Big Bend (Wv)

Seneca Shadows

Spruce Knob Lake