Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
For an unforgettable visit to Appalachia, take your rental RV to the Monongahela National Forest. The more than 900,000-acre forest gained protected status in 1911 due to rising concerns over widespread and irresponsible logging practices. These conservation efforts provided an incredible natural resource for the public that is enjoyed by millions of visitors each year.
When you visit Monongahela today, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the rugged Appalachian Mountains and sweeping forests. The mountains are actually responsible for the massive ecological diversity of the forest due to the rain shadow they create; the area east of the mountains only receives half of the yearly precipitation of the damp western portion. The result is a variety of ecosystems that are home to hundreds of unique species of trees and animals, making the Monongahela Forest a fascinating destination that’s different at every turn.
Head to one of the most visited landmarks in Monongahela and enjoy a day of fun outdoors. The Seneca Rocks are loved by climbers, with 375 established routes for all levels of difficulty. If you are not a seasoned climber yourself, there are a couple of climbing schools nearby that can show you the ropes and provide rental gear.
If climbing isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do here at the Seneca Rocks area. Fish for trout in the Potomac River or hop on the Seneca Rocks hiking trail. There are a number of interpretive areas along the way for you to learn all about the history of the area. In addition, there’s a great picnic area nearby for your group to take a beat and enjoy your lunch. Keep an eye up in the sky and you might also see the eagles and hawks that frequent the area.
Tuckered out from a day of hiking or just want to get a lay of the land? Cruise with your crew along the Highland Scenic Highway. Stretching for 43 miles through the forest, you’ll gain an appreciation for the diversity of the area and its stunning scenery.
There are four scenic overlooks that are great photography opportunities. Each of these stops provide picnic shelters and restrooms for your comfort and convenience. Should you be traveling in winter, bear in mind that the road is not plowed or treated for ice.
Visit a unique bog ecosystem at the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. On cool mornings, walk along the boardwalks as the fog rises from the warm peaty grounds of the bogs below. The unique acidic nature of the bog land allows unique plant life to grow, including insect-eating plants.
If you visit during the summer, you may wish to take a guided tour of the bogs hosted by forest staff. Here, you will learn all about the unique life of these bogs and how these plants and animals utilize this bizarre natural resource. During your visit, make sure to stay on the boardwalks because the spongy ground of the bogs is highly delicate and prone to disturbance or destruction.
Looking for a bird’s eye view? Head to the highest point in all of Monongahela at Spruce Knob. Stand at the top of the nearly 5,000-foot peak and take in the rugged Appalachian beauty. An observation tower allows you to get above the trees and see all around the forest for miles and miles.
Once you’re done appreciating the view up at Spruce Knob, you’ll have access to the Whispering Spruce Trail for a little half-mile scenic hiking loop as well as more extensive trails, if you wish. In the fall, the oranges, reds, and yellows are particularly spectacular.
The whole family will find a visit to the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center both informational and fascinating. Peruse the exhibits to learn about the many different plant and animal species that call the forest home. Many of the activities are hands-on and perfect for children.
There is also a beautiful nature trail that loops around the center and interpretive signs point out and describe real-life flora. The center staff put on many programs throughout the year for a more focused and guided educational experience, if you wish. You’ll also have access to more thorough hiking trails nearby and there are a number of picnic tables available to enjoy your lunch or a quick snack.
These campgrounds vary greatly in amenities, so it’s best to do your research and prepare for your specific needs. Most of the sites will be quite rustic, however, with no hookups so you will more than likely be dry camping. If you are looking for sites with an electric hookup, dump station, and shower facility, you’ll probably want to stay at either the Stuart or Horseshoe Campground in the Cheat Ranger District in the northern area of the forest.
Literally bordering the forest in the northwestern town of Bowden, Revelle’s River Resort is a convenient camping option with tons to offer RV campers. You can choose your full hookup site either in the general area or on the riverbank (for an extra fee). Amenities include a bathhouse, laundry facility, Wi-Fi, and rec center. Campers will also love the well-stocked camp store and awesome fishing opportunities on Shavers Fork.
About 15 miles off of the northeastern border of the forest, you’ll find the Riverside Cabin and RV Park, a great option for families. Your lovely full hookup site will be seated on the bank of the famous Potomac River and offer fantastic views of the Appalachian foothills. In addition to the great fishing on the river, guests can enjoy mini golf, a swimming pool, walking trails, and river tubing.
If you prefer to stay on the western side of the forest, take a look at the Smokey Bottom Campground in the town of Elkins. The campground itself is pretty ‘no-frills’, but you’ll have full hookup access and Wi-Fi at your campsite. Probably the best part of camping here is the close proximity to town. In downtown Elkins, you’ll find quite a few restaurants and even a craft brewery and wine bar.
For accommodations near the southern border of the forest, look to Mountain Lake Campground in the town of Summersville. The campground has four distinct areas, offering lakeside, forested, or open sites, based on your preference. Sites are either primitive or water and electric hookup, only. Your group will love all of the activities available as well, including an outdoor theater, swimming beach, rec center, mini golf, hiking, and gemstone mining.
The forest stretches many miles from north to south, so look to the small towns along the highways that cut through the forest at various points for dining options. If you’re camping in a more secluded area, plan on packing in plenty of groceries for your meals. The greatest concentration of restaurants inside of Monongahela is around the Snowshoe Resort in the southern portion of the forest. In this little area, you’ll find pizza, grills, a breakfast joint, southern comfort food, Tex-Mex, and even Japanese cuisine.
Since Monongahela is so large, there are many border towns where you can find something to eat. If you are looking for hubs, try Elkins in the northeast, Marlinton to the south, and over the border into Winchester or Harrisonburg, Virginia in the east. You’ll find a whole bunch of chains, as well as Appalachian-focused restaurants, grills, American cafés, pizza joints, and a little Chinese and Thai here and there.
No matter where you stay, the rugged beauty of the Monongahela National Forest in the Appalachians will be a wonderful memory for many years to come.