Seneca State Forest RV & Campground Guide
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Seneca State Forest is the oldest state forest in West Virginia. Established in 1924, this forest sits at 3,245 feet in elevation high in the Allegheny Mountains. The 11,684 acres that fill-up Seneca State Forest include mountains, deep valleys, and an impressive panorama of the Greenbrier River, which runs parallel with the border between West Virginia and Virginia. The area draws visitors from as far away as Richmond, VA and Cincinnati, OH, for its beauty, wildlife, angling opportunities, and hiking trails. The nearby town of Dunmore, WV serves as a staging area for many group expeditions intending to explore the forest. The iconic Seneca State Forest Fire Tower, which stands 65 feet tall on one of the highest peaks in the woods, provides a 360-degree panorama that stretches across the entire forest, over the Greenbrier River, and into the plains of Virginia.
Spring 26-68 F
Summer 53-79 F
Fall 28-71 F
Winter 18-40 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Seneca State Forest
Using an RV to camp in the Seneca State Forest and its surrounding area is the ideal choice. When using an RV, you are assured of a comfortable, warm, and safe place to spend the night after a day of adventure. It is easy to move from one place to another with an RV as you are always packed and ready to go. Check out RVshare to find an RV to rent for your Seneca State Forest adventure.
East Fork Campground
East Fork Campground is a privately owned RV park located 18 miles north of Seneca State Forest. The campground offers 24 RV campsites, two of which are pull-throughs. Nestled alongside the East Fork of the Greenbrier River, the campground provides access to the river for anglers and swimmers. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails run throughout the campground. A playground is available for kids to work out excess energy.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 20/30 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, warm showers, dump station, laundry facility
Fee: $21 to $40 per night
Island Campground
Just over 20 miles northeast of Seneca State Forest is Island Campground. The campground is operated by the United States Forest Service and offers 12 primitive RV camping sites. Island Campground is a favorite barebones campground for anglers because of its proximity to the East Fork of the Greenbrier River and Long Run Creek. The campground is an attractive location to stop, rest, and enjoy the solitude of the deep Allegheny Mountains.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables
Fee: $10 per night
Day Run Campground
Just 26 miles southwest of Seneca State Forest is the Day Run Campground. The campground is operated by the United States Forest Service, which maintains 12 primitive RV camping sites. Every site is a back-in, with the longest site being 30 feet. These sites are wide enough to deploy slide-outs. Anglers use this campsite for much of the season as it is close to the Greenbrier River, several of its tributaries, and many small lakes. The campground is generally filled with hunters seeking deer, wild turkeys, and other game during hunting seasons.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Vault toilets, lantern posts, fire rings, picnic tables
Fee: $8 per night
What to Do at
Seneca State Forest
Inside Seneca State Forest
Water, and its access, are an essential part of any visit to Seneca State Forest. Visitors can fish in the 3-acre Seneca Lake or in the Greenbrier River and its tributaries that run through the forest (swimming is prohibited in Seneca Lake but is allowed in any other pooling area within the forest's boundaries). Hiking trails comprising over 35 miles of varying terrain, including one rated as ADA accessible, are available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Properly licensed hunters use the forest as a place to pursue deer, bear, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, and other game when in season. However, the favorite activity of many who visit Seneca State Forest is simply enjoying nature.
How to Get to
Seneca State Forest
The quickest route to Seneca State Forest from Richmond, VA, is to get onto Interstate 95 North (I-95 N) and drive for 3.4 miles. Keep right at the fork to get onto Interstate 64 West (I-64 W). Drive 101.3 miles on I-64 W toward Charlottesville. Turn right at Exit 220 to get onto State Route 262. Drive for 0.2 miles on State Route 262 and turn left to get onto United States Highway 250 (US-250) and go for 1.7 miles. Take a slight right onto State Route 732. After traveling State Route 732 for 0.1 miles, take a slight left to get onto US-250 W. Drive on US-250 W for 42.5 miles and then turn left onto United States Highway 220 (US-220) and drive for 3.9 miles.
Turn right onto Virginia Highway 84 West (VA-84 W). In 14.8 miles, you cross the border into West Virginia, and VA-84 W becomes West Virginia Highway 84 West (WV-84 W). After driving on WV-84 W for 4.6 miles, turn right onto West Virginia Highway 92 North (WV-92 N). Go for 0.5 miles and turn left onto Thorny Creek Mountain Road. Drive 3.9 miles and then turn right onto West Virginia Highway 28 North (WV-28 N). Drive for 0.7 miles and turn left onto Public Road 1/8. The entrance to Seneca State Forest is directly ahead on the left.
Entering Seneca State Forest
Seneca State Forest's day-use areas are open 24 hours per day year-round.
Seneca State Forest Entry fee : $0.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Seneca State Forest. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seneca State Forest
Mild temperatures make Seneca State Forest a wonderful destination year-round, but autumn is a fantastic time to visit. The changing leaves create a spectacular display of color to enjoy from the 26 miles of trails in the park.
There are seasonal differences between the high and low temperatures within the forest, with adequate rainfall throughout the year. Winter lows can reach 18° Fahrenheit, while summer highs average 79° Fahrenheit.
Polite pets are always welcome in Seneca State Forest, but your dog must remain on a leash at all times when outside of your RV. You are expected to clean up after them.
The forest has ten secluded campsites for RVs up to 28 feet. The sites don't have hookups, but they do include a level trailer pad, picnic tables, and a fire ring. Showers and laundry facilities are nearby.
Deer, wild turkeys, bears, and rugged grouse all call Seneca State Forest home. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the bass, trout, and bluegill found in the park's waters, and bird watchers may spot various species while visiting the forest.