Seneca Shadows

It’s a nice campground. It has nice bathrooms. You can hear roads noise from the main road. The sites are mostly paved areas. The group sites are very cool with a good view of Seneca rocks.

This Campground was great!!! No water hookups but we had electric in Loop C, which was expected. Seneca Rocks was majestic and lots of fun outdoors areas to explore in the area such as Dolly Sods and Spruce Knob. We drove up to Blackwater Falls and then Blackwater Outdoors Adventures to tube down the Cheat River (about 1 hour drive away). Seneca Caverns and Smokehole Caverns are nearby to for other fun outings.

I stayed here twice in August going to and returning from New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. The first stay I had a reservation but since it was mid- week there were plenty of empty sites.

On the return trip I just showed up at 5:00 PM and the loop I stayed on had only one other camper. I stayed in the same campsite each time.

I The campsite did not have electric or water but the other loops were full service. The camp host was friendly and helpful. The parking pad was gravel but fairly level. The site had a good table and fire ring. All of these sites were spaced far apart and are wooded.

I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen.

The front section of Seneca Shadows isn't all that interesting. There are standard sites here with gravel pads, water, and electricity, good for trailers and RVs. The sites are of an average size and have plenty of shade and privacy.

There is also a large tent-only section at the back of the campground. This is where I stayed, and this is what made Seneca Shadows memorable. The tent section is a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges. There is also a picnic shelter here. Parking is adjacent; expect to carry your gear a few hundred feet. Many of the sites have shade trees, and a few have shrubs for privacy, but nearly all have an incredible view of Seneca Rocks, a magnificent geological feature.

There are vault toilets located close to the tent section, but these didn't smell great so I avoided them. There are real bathrooms with flushing toilets, running water, and showers located just up the road. These were nice and clean when I visited.

I intend to return someday for a closer look at Seneca Rocks. This place is a destination, not just a stopover.

Seneca Shadows has the best campground managers I’ve come across: friendly and helpful without being intrusive. Clean campground with amazing views and easy access to some of the most beautiful spots in WV. We lucked out and showed up on a mostly empty week (arrived on a Monday), and got the perfect walk-in site in the open field with a view of Seneca Rocks from our tent. We got hit with a bad lightning/rain storm and the tent pad drained well enough that we weren’t concerned. There’s a store nearby (Yokum) to grab anything you forgot, but it’s far enough away to forget there’s anything around.

Very clean and well kept campground. Camp hosts were very helpful and would visit to see if guest needed anything. A general store was just down the road in case of resupply. Could walk to Seneca Rocks from the campground. Centrally located to various attractions: Spruce Knob & Seneca Creek trailhead 45 minutes drive; Big Bend of the South Branch Potomac 1 hour drive; Dolly Sods Wilderness 40 minute drive.

Very nice campground. The facilities were conveniently located and clean. The car Camp sites were spacious and well separated from other camp sites. If you don’t need your vehicle at your campsite I would highly recommend the walk-in tent sites because the view of Seneca Rocks is incredible. Less privacy than the vehicle sites from other campers but a really beautiful open space.

This National forest campground is indeed locatd in the shadow of Seneca Rocks. The walk-in tent sites in a field area with smaller trees providing some shade and variety have a great view of Seneca Rocks. There is a single loop with electric hookups and the other loops are standard sites with bathrooms offering flush toilets and showers. Sites have fire ring, picnic table, lantern post. I was here in mid-April and there were a number of empty sites, but they require online reservations FOUR DAYS in advance, otherwise you'll be taking a chance for last minute sites.

The area has hiking, climbing, and fishing opportunities. There are a couple of caverns nearby if you’re interested in a tour. The Dolly Sods wilderness to the north as well as the Canaan Valley State Resort provide further opportunities to explore.

No cell service, so download your maps before you head into the area and plan to relax and truly get away. The WV high point is nearby. There’s trout fishing in Smoke Hole canyon and in the other direction, Spruce Knob Lake is stocked reguarly. You’ll have lots of company, but the fishers I saw were having a successful day at the lake.

A very quiet campground in a great location. We were in an electric only site in Loop C. Water is filled at the faucet by the bath house and easy enough to do with a long hose. The bathrooms were fairly clean, but we were forgiving knowing the camp hosts were in short supply and working very hard. We did get a little warm water in the shower. The dump station was disgusting though, even though they charge $7 for it (on the honor system even for campers). It wouldn’t take much to hose that down (but the campers also shouldn’t be so careless and gross). There is zero cell or internet anywhere we could find and had to go a few miles away to the visitors center to check messages. The location of the campground was great for all kinds of hiking nearby. Overall we had a nice 5 days and would stay again.

Really cool spot! The campground hosts were very kind and I could see them cleaning each site after the campers left. Decently private spots with trees/foliage between neighbors. And free showers! Who could ask for more

Make sure you have whatever you need downloaded though, no service at all (and I think in the Monogohela Forest area in general)

Stumbled in to campsite late on a crowded weekend camp host was very helpful. We were able to get a site for the night in the tent area. Area had nice clean amenities site had tent pad fire pit and table. The tent areas were not very private and wasn’t exactly what we were looking for but had a very nice view of Seneca Rocks.

Great location for fly fishing & hiking. The tent camping area has a view of Seneca Rocks while the camper trailer/RV sites are wooded.

We spent 3 happy days on loop C and were grateful for the electric hook up. Water was nearby and the washrooms were not merely clean, they were sanitized three times a day. The two host couples were truly exceptional and went out of their way to look after us. This is the only place we have camped where dump costs registered campers but the overall cost was still much less than state park or private camps. We hope to return!

The campground is a short drive from Seneca Rock. Wind back into the woods for camping in a quaint quite setting (A-D) or camp in the meadowlands with Seneca Rock in the background (walk-sites)

Clean and serene campground that wasn't too busy on a drizzly June weekend. Not sure if you can get a first come first served site every weekend, but there were several empty ones near me at site 13. Chipmunks everywhere you look and incredible sunrise birdsong. Camp hosts are super friendly and welcoming, campground is huge and sites are roomy and well spaced. Felt safe and comfortable as a solo female camper. General store right down the road has free wifi and all the last minute supplies you could need. Lovely experience, will absolutely be back!

Such a lovely spot! You can just roll in, set up & hit the most amazing trails!! Wonderful view of Seneca Rocks.

We did a little climbing & bouldering over the weekend.

Definitely want to go back!

Super clean facilities

If you're a fan of hiking and rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, Seneca Shadows is absolutely the best campground near this fantastic rock formation. 

It’s located in the Monongahela National Forest near the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River with nearby peaks ranging from 1,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Seneca Shadows campground offers a view of the famed Seneca Rocks and puts you within walking distance of the visitor’s center, hiking and climbing trails, plus the quaint town of Seneca Rocks where you buy gas, food and gifts. 

Make sure you visit Harper’s Old Country Store, a 4th generation family run business, operating since 1902. The visitor’s center has a nice collection of Native American artifacts and a cool video of the Army soldiers who trained here before WWII. 

Seneca Shadows Campground is a modern campground with paved parking, flush toilets, showers and an amphitheater. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Seneca Shadows is part of a growing trend where a private concessionaire is a running a public camp-ground. I’m not a huge fan since it often mean higher fees, but I must say that the campground was spotless and well-run by a delightful couple who obviously enjoyed their summer job. 

Seneca Shadows Campground has three loops to chose from: 

The A& B Loops are for tents or RVs with no electric service. 

The C-Loop has electricity. 

There's also a group camping area and a "tent-only" camping area with walk-in sites from a nearby parking lot.

Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods are nearby and both deserve a spot on your outdoor adventure“bucket list” in West Virginia.

Electric or dry camping. Huge tent area that looked really cool. Showers were $5 for non campers. Some toilets flush some pit. Try to get there before sundown because it is VERY DARK on those roads getting there. No moon or light with several 6 and 7% grades. when you arrive there will be signs to register at the amphitheater, but park in the parking lot because the sign leads you to dead end. This area is also where the dump station is at. It costs $7 cash only at amphitheater. Firewood is $7 as well. Sites had picnic tables, fire rings, and lots of trees for privacy. Walk through the open field tent area for path to stores and that have climbing gear and snacks. Cross the road to the big open field and follow mowing path to Seneca Rocks learning center and trail heads to Seneca Rocks and a swimming hole. Don’t miss the swimming!! Even mid summer, the water was cool. Would have brought a float if I’d known. Download trail maps and driving directions prior to trip. There is no cell service for at least an hour around the campground. This goes for Verizon and Sprint. If you need cash the Yokum’s store has an ATM before coming into the campground. Great campsites and awesome hiking. Dumpster is at loop C and potable water is at loop B.

Always clean. Staff is helpful and very friendly.

Clean sites. Close to climbing and hiking opportunities.

Pulled in late at night Found a spot easily Great clean bathrooms Paid in the A.M. Very nice staff

 This campground offers views of the gorgeous Seneca Rocks. This campground not only has the view, but it also has everything you need for a comfortable stay: showers, flush toilets, water, and electrical hookups. Each site has a tent pad, fire pit, and picnic table. This is a large campground but can fill up quickly, they do have walk in campgrounds that you are not able to reserve. The campsites do vary in price so be weary cause they can range from $17 a night all the way up to $36 a night. They also have a dumping station which is nice for those in RVs.

Seneca rocks is usually the main attraction at this location with 900 feet of rock sticking out of a mountain. You can hike up to the rocks, take horses, or even do guided rock climbing up to their peak. If you aren’t up to doing any of those, the fishing around there is also super popular among fly fishermen- it is mainly catch and release.

This is my go-to campground for climbing and hiking adventures at Seneca Rocks. I prefer to camp in the meadows and wake up to a misty morning view of the rocks. The sites are car-camper friendly with on-site toilets (but no showers). They are a short walk from trail heads and the local stores (the Gendarme is the place to go for great dear and guides).

Great group campsite across from Seneca Rocks. The group sites are off the second to last turn off in the campground, next to the walk up campsites parking area. We stayed in site D, which is conveniently located across from the bathhouse. The campground attendants were friendly and helpful and did a wonderful job keeping the bathhouses clean. The campground had somewhat of a party atmosphere but everyone seemed to respect the quiet hours (10:00pm). Group site D featured five tent pads which are filled with small crushed gravel. It was a struggle keeping the gravel out of the tent, but otherwise okay. The tent pads are arranged in a semi circle near the wooded edge of the campsite. The kids ad gets hit with sunlight most of the day, but by late afternoon, they’re in the shadow of the trees.

Nice little campground with both reserved and walk-in spots. Some secluded back in a wooded area, others in an open field with amazing views of Seneca Rocks. Sunset over the rocks is definitely something to look out for either way. The walk up to the top of the rocks is a quick and easy walk with fantastic views.

This campground offers a beautiful setting for a base camp as you explore the Monongahela National Forest. It is right down the road from Seneca Rocks and a supply store in case you forget anything. There is a nature center at Seneca Rocks where we found it very helpful to check the weather forecast each morning since the weather can be unpredictable and there is no cell reception nearby. The bathrooms at the campground had flush toilets and a shower. We absolutely loved staying at site 24 at the end of loop B where we only had one neighbor and a short walk to the bathroom. Although the tent sites in the meadow had a nice view of Seneca Rocks, they do not have as much privacy and shade. The campground was sold out for Memorial Day weekend, but we did not feel that it was crowded or noisy.

Campground was not as great as I was hoping for. The site was decent enough but the showers in the bath house were awful. There was hardly any water coming from the shower head and what was coming out was about two inches away from the wall. Very annoying. I ended up driving to a different bath house the next loop over.

Seneca Rocks is lovely and very close. I enjoyed going over and making coffee/breakfast as the sun rose over the rocks in the morning.

West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it.

Wanting to spend the a few days midweek in and around Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob, we chose Seneca Shadows Campground as our basecamp. Aptly named, as views of Seneca Rocks can enjoyed from your tent site.

Smack dab in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Shadows Campground is part of the U.S. Forest Service, so if you are planning a weekend or popular vacation time stay, log onto (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/mapof_Seneca_Shadows/r/campgroundMap.do?page=map&search=site&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70322 ) and reserve your site.

If you are driving a big RV or hauling a Camper, you'll be parking on one of the 38 sites designed specifically for that purpose. There are a few large group tent sites on the same side of the park roadway before you reach the individual tent sites. Be astute, some have electric and some do not.

Forgive me for saying, but the tent sites appear designed by someone only interested in allowing as many tenters as possible, without regard for privacy...more like cattle in a feed lot (with the exception of 50-53). These are considered "walk to" sites. So I would not camp here during a weekend or holiday. Fortunately, weekdays see few tenters and we had it all to ourselves. Staying on somewhat of an elevated site (50) with some encompassing foliage. However, a roadway runs along the campground to the north, so we heard truck traffic early morning and late. Water and restrooms are located by the parking lot and adequate.

The views of Seneca Rocks were welcomed, when it wasn't raining (a common occurance is WV)...and only one mile from entrance to entrance with the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=7050)...and 14.3 miles/Half hour drive to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak at 4,862 (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053). At the crossroads a mile away are a couple restaurants and a country store (with ice cream shop) for last minute needs.

While I prefer more isolated campgrounds and sites, this filled the need.

Senica has been a tradition for 8yrs now! Very clean and well maintained. Plenty for the kids to do as well as adults

We came here on a weekday with hardly anyone staying near us and rose around sunrise to catch the light over the rocks. it was such an easy and short distance to get there.