How much does camping cost at Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Trout Pond Recreation Area are $25 - $47/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Trout Pond Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Trout Pond Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Trout Pond Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Trout Pond Recreation Area has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Trout Pond Recreation Area is open May 04 to October 26. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Yes, Trout Pond Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Trout Pond Recreation Area have?

Trout Pond Recreation Area has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Trout Pond Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Trout Pond Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Trout Pond Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Trout Pond Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Trout Pond Recreation Area: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.63

242 reviews

814 Trout Pond Campground RD, Lost City, WV, 26810-8382, USA

Top 5% in WVSummer

B+Report Card

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping West Virginia#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds West Virginia#1 Boating Camping West Virginia#1 +12 more

Quick Facts

2,001 ft

Price

$25 - $47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open May 12, 2025 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,001 ft

Price

$25 - $47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open May 12, 2025 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Trout Pond Recreation Area

$25.00 - $47.00 / night

Campsite Fees

DOUB: $40.00; Electric S&P: $32.00; S&P Double Electric: $47.00; S&P Double Site: $40.00; S&P Standard: $25.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-$30: $47.00;...

Group Site Fee$105.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1(304)897-6450

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

814 Trout Pond Campground RD, Lost City, WV, 26810-8382, USA

Trout Pond Recreation Area

814 Trout Pond Campground RD, Lost City, WV, 26810-8382, USA

Nearby places

Wardensville, WV (approximately 24 miles, 30 minutes drive)

Strasburg, VA (approximately 18 miles, 25 minutes drive)

Weather at Trout Pond Recreation Area

Current alerts(8)

A life jacket is required for all boaters
For more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, click here
No alcoholic beverages
No dogs allowed on beach

Best Time to Camp at Trout Pond Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and launching kayaks on Trout Pond and Rock Cliff Lake — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24–30 °C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C). Water-based activities, beach time, and morning trout fishing are at their peak and all campground services and the boat ramp are open. Expect higher weekend crowds in July and August, so reserve sites in advance and plan early-morning outings to beat a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in WV

Best season for swimming, boating and warm weather; reviews emphasize summer as ideal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 04 to October 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 12, 2025 to October 26, 2025. Closed outside these seasonal dates.

About Trout Pond Recreation Area

Trout Pond Recreation Area sits in the West Virginia foothills near Lost City, operated by the US Forest Service within George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station, plus access to Trout Pond and Rock Cliff Lake for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Families appreciate the clean facilities and friendly camp hosts, though sites are close together and cell service is absent.

Trout Pond Recreation Area features a variety of camping options, including standard electric and non-electric sites, group shelters, and buddy sites. "Some sites accommodate multiple tents and vehicles," and "gravel tent pads" are common.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and launching kayaks on Trout Pond and Rock Cliff Lake — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24–30 °C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C). Water-based activities, beach time, and morning trout fishing are at their peak and all campground services and the boat ramp are open. Expect higher weekend crowds in July and August, so reserve sites in advance and plan early-morning outings to beat a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2001 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground centers on two distinct water bodies: the naturally formed Trout Pond, created by an ancient limestone sinkhole, and the 17-acre Rock Cliff Lake. Dense hardwood forests of oak, hickory, and pine surround both lakes, with mountain streams threading through the terrain. The limestone geology responsible for Trout Pond also creates sinkholes and rocky outcrops throughout the area. White-tailed deer appear at dusk near the shorelines, and hawks circle overhead during the day. Wildflowers cling to rock faces in spring, while the hardwood canopy shifts from tender green to fiery autumn reds and golds. The sparse undergrowth means you'll see your neighbors clearly from most sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during any visit and within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Capacity varies by site type.

Groups

Group shelters can accommodate 1-50 people for $65 or 51-100 people for $100. Sites include picnic areas and access to shared amenities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground provides gravel tent pads and level areas for camping, but no explicit accessibility information is detailed. Some users mentioned that the facilities are family-friendly and easy to navigate.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, with some accommodating multiple tents and vehicles, but there is variation. "Most sites are large and can accommodate 2 tents and 1 or 2 vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are well-spaced, while others are close together. "Sparse undergrowth" means "you can see all your neighbors very well.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites farther from the playground for quieter experiences. Electric sites recommended for RVs.

Need help booking Trout Pond Recreation Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Trout Pond Recreation Area features a wide range of amenities designed to provide comfort and recreation. "Campsites come with a campfire ring and picnic table, and some have electric hookups." Flush toilets and "hot showers" are available and are "an easy walk away from each site." There is also a day-use area with "a white-sand swim beach, boat ramp, showers, playground, and 30 picnic sites."

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Trout Pond Recreation Area

The Trout Pond Recreation Area offers a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating. Reviews frequently highlight the area's "great hiking trails" and "beautiful lake" for swimming and fishing. The playground and sandy beach area are noted as family-friendly.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 8 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly detailed, but one review mentioned a lack of nearby garbage cans for pet waste.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

242 reviews

Top-Rated

Trout Pond Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the "clean facilities," "family-friendly environment," and "beautiful surroundings." Common highlights include the lake, hiking trails, and well-maintained campsites. Some concerns include close site proximity and occasional noise from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 242 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, well-maintained campsites, friendly camp hosts, family-friendly amenities, clear lake for swimming, great fishing, and scenic hiking trails.

Based on 242 reviews

Common Concerns

Close site proximity with limited undergrowth, no cell service, occasional maintenance issues with showers, and no on-site firewood or camp store.

Based on 242 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12: "Small but no problem for a 20’ trailer." Site 13: "Well-maintained and spacious." Site 45: "Nice and clean, great views."

Based on 242 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring firewood as it is not sold on-site. Prepare for no cell service by downloading maps in advance. Visit during the week for a quieter experience. Check-in at the host station upon arrival.

Based on 242 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is "less crowded after Labor Day" and "practically empty around late August." Spring and summer are popular for water activities, while fall attracts visitors for hiking and...

Based on 242 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The lake is fabulous, especially for little kids." 2. "No cell service, so bring a book." 3. "Warm timed showers with fierce pressure." 4. "The forest is your backyard, no need to drive to the...

Based on 242 reviews