Trout Pond Recreation Area

Star4.66
242 reviews
814 Trout Pond Campground RD, Lost City, WV, 26810-8382, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,001 ft

Price

$19 - $105/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open May 12, 2025 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Trout Pond Recreation Area
$19.00 - $105.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites range from $19 to $105 per night depending on site type (electric hookups, non-electric options, group shelters). Reservation fees ($8-$9)...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$19.00
Hookup Site Fee$32.00
Premium Site Fee$47.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$105.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
1(304)897-6450
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 242 reviews

90 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglakefriendly

Some mention

cell service

"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."

Read all reviews

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

Driving directionsFrom Strasburg, VA, follow State Route 55 west for 18 miles to Wardensville, WV. Turn left on SR 23/10, and travel for about 6 miles. Turn right on CR 16, and travel for 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 500, and drive about 1 mile to the Trout Pond Recreation Area entrance.
Access is via paved roads until reaching Forest Service Road 500, which is likely unpaved but navigable by standard vehicles. Seasonal closures may apply to the entrance gate, which is locked from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Nearby places
Wardensville, WV (approximately 24 miles, 30 minutes drive)
Strasburg, VA (approximately 18 miles, 25 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Wardensville, WV, approximately 24 miles away. Self-serve firewood available en route on Route 16 near the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Trout Pond Recreation Area

From May through October, the recreation area comes alive under blue mountain skies and gentle breezes that whisper through the canopy. These peak months bring sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and star-filled nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn paints the mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons, the crowds thin but the beauty intensifies. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter realm, where snow may dust the peaks and ice crystals form along the lake edges. While freezing temperatures and winter weather can limit access to some areas, the brave souls who venture here in the colder months discover a serene, frost-kissed wonderland few get to experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in WV

Peak season for swimming, boating and family visits; reviews praise summer activities and facilities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall draws hikers and leaf-peepers; scenic trails and overlooks make autumn appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is popular for water activities and hiking though the area opens mid-May (late spring).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility is closed outside May 12–Oct 26; winter visits are not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 12 to October 26 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 12, 2025 to October 26, 2025. Closed outside these seasonal dates.
  • Current Alerts: Gate closure from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Seasonal hazards may include freezing temperatures and snow.

About Trout Pond Recreation Area

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian wilderness, Trout Pond Recreation Area beckons adventurers with its unique twin-lake paradise. Here, the crystalline waters of Rock Cliff Lake mirror the surrounding forest canopy, while West Virginia's only natural lake, Trout Pond, tells an ancient geological story written in limestone and time. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your kayak from the boat ramp, or building sandcastles on the pristine beach, this mountain sanctuary offers endless possibilities. Well-maintained trails wind through the forest, leading hikers to hidden vistas and quiet contemplation spots. Modern amenities, including hot showers and flush toilets, ensure your wilderness experience comes with welcome comforts.
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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during any visit and within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingMultiple trails of varying difficulty are available. The "Trout Pond Loop trail" is an easy 4-mile hike, with an optional 2-mile side route to an overlook. More challenging trails connect to Long and Devil's Hole Mountains. "Numerous nice circuit hikes" range from 2 to 11 miles, and one user noted a 6.5-mile loop directly from the campground.
FishingFishing is a popular activity in both Trout Pond and Rock Cliff Lake. "Trout pond is a small lake with good fishing" and "so clear and packed with fish," according to reviews. Multiple visitors praised the stocked trout and the serene environment.
SwimmingA designated swimming area with a sandy beach is available, and the lake's clean, clear water makes it appealing. "The lake is fabulous, especially for little kids," one reviewer wrote. Another commented, "I'm really picky about swimming in clean lakes... and this was wonderful."
BikingBiking options include both paved and gravel roads as well as single-track trails. "The area also offers a lot of biking... but you need to enjoy hills," one review noted.
BoatingAll types of boating, including motor and sailboats, are permitted on Rock Cliff Lake. One user enjoyed "stand-up paddleboarding" on the lake, while others highlighted the peaceful boating experience.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, birds, and occasional bears. "We saw plenty of deer mostly at night," and "the resident pair of whip-poor-wills" were mentioned. Birdwatchers noted sightings of "scarlet tanagers, whippoorwills, and pine warblers."
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters, including bears. Steep trails may pose risks to hikers.
Active AlertsGate closure from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Seasonal hazards may include freezing temperatures and snow.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Trout Pond Recreation Area

Reviews

4.7
242 reviews
Top-Rated
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

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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features in detail, but the campground is described as family-friendly and easy to navigate.
Based on 242 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but "dogs are not permitted on the beach." Some reviews noted issues with unleashed dogs.
Based on 242 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Trout Pond Recreation Area? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in West Virginia

Campgrounds
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Trout Pond Recreation Area