Is Kumbrabow State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground 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 Kumbrabow State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Kumbrabow State Forest Campground has 2 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 Kumbrabow State Forest Campground?

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground is open Open spring through fall (weather permitting). Sources approximate season as roughly mid‑April through early December; cabins may remain open slightly longer into early December.. 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 Kumbrabow State Forest Campground?

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground: Sites have fire rings/fire pits and firewood is sold on site; there are no utility hookups. Follow posted fire restrictions and buy firewood locally to prevent moving pests (specific policy details not provided in sources).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Kumbrabow State Forest Campground have?

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground?

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground

4.69

29 reviews

Quick Facts

3,527 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open spring through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,527 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open spring through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Official sources do not list per‑site rates in the provided material. A Google reviewer reported paying $63 for a campsite in August (unverified).

No paid fee categories listed.

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West Virginia State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground

38.6477, -80.1093

Nearby places

Elkins — ≈24 miles (services, restaurants)

Huttonsville and Valley Head are nearby communities (distances not specified in sources).

Nearby supplies

Elkins — ≈24 miles (restaurants, supplies).

Weather at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kumbrabow State Forest Campground

The high elevation brings a welcome chill that makes Kumbrabow a perfect summer sanctuary when lowland campgrounds swelter, though you'll want to pack layers even in July. Spring arrives late and wet, painting the forest in fresh greens and wildflowers, while early fall offers comfortable days and crisp nights ideal for campfires. The campground closes for winter, as late fall can bring sudden cold snaps and even early snow to these mountain heights.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

High elevation offers cool, pleasant summer conditions; described as a summer sanctuary.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open spring through fall (weather permitting). Sources approximate season as roughly mid‑April through early December; cabins may remain open slightly longer into early December.

About Kumbrabow State Forest Campground

Escape to Mill Creek Campground, a hidden gem perched high on Rich Mountain where the rush of Mill Creek accompanies your stay. This intimate, rustic retreat immerses you in dense Appalachian forest, where rhododendron tunnels lead to crystal-clear brook trout streams and the mountain air runs refreshingly cool even in summer.

Mill Creek Campground contains 13 primitive campsites and one large RV pull-through site; the Kumbrabow area also includes six furnished pioneer cabins for lodging.

Historical Significance

Kumbrabow State Forest is managed as a multiple‑use facility (recreation, watershed protection, commercial forestry, wildlife management) and reflects Appalachian forest management history. Sources emphasize forestry and watershed conservation importance rather than specific named historic sites within the campground.

Weather and SeasonsThe high elevation brings a welcome chill that makes Kumbrabow a perfect summer sanctuary when lowland campgrounds swelter, though you'll want to pack layers even in July. Spring arrives late and wet, painting the forest in fresh greens and wildflowers, while early fall offers comfortable days and crisp nights ideal for campfires. The campground closes for winter, as late fall can bring sudden cold snaps and even early snow to these mountain heights.

Natural Features and SceneryRising over 3,000 feet atop Rich Mountain, Kumbrabow reveals a world where ancient oak-hickory forests mingle with recovering stands of red spruce—a rare glimpse of West Virginia's original mountain canopy. Mill Creek tumbles through shaded valleys thick with rhododendron, spilling over small waterfalls and creating pristine pools where native brook trout still thrive. The forest here feels primeval and untouched, offering shade-dappled campsites wrapped in the sights and sounds of authentic Appalachian wilderness.

Geological RegionRich Mountain on the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands (Appalachian Mountains).

Scenic ViewsPrimarily intimate forest and creek views (rhododendron patches, Mill Creek and shaded hardwood/spruce forest). The forest’s ridge‑top location on Rich Mountain also provides higher‑elevation ridge views in places, though campsite settings emphasize woods and stream scenery rather than expansive panoramas.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsWest Virginia State Parks reservation system (UseDirect‑based platforms are typically used by the system).

Total Campsites14 campsites

Best CampsitesSites closest to Mill Creek are generally favored for creek sounds and scenery. The campground has 13 primitive tent sites plus one large RV pull‑through site accommodating rigs up to about 60'.

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When to Book

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Amenities available

Mill Creek Campground offers primitive, creekside sites with picnic tables and fire rings, pit toilets/outhouses, a nearby bathhouse, and potable water via a hand-pump well. Sites have gravel parking pads (some pull-through); firewood is sold on site. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground sits beside Mill Creek and supports hiking on multiple forest trails, fly fishing for native brook trout, wildlife viewing and birdwatching, picnicking, and nature photography. Pioneer cabins and broader forest trails provide additional recreation opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRemoteness and primitive facilities (hand‑pump water, pit toilets) mean limited services. Access roads can be narrow and rock‑base/unpaved; expect limited or spotty cell coverage. Weather can be cool and wet at elevation. Typical regional wildlife (including possible black bears) and biting insects (mosquitoes, ticks) are present.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

29 reviews

Top-Rated

Kumbrabow State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise the remote, peaceful high-elevation forest setting, Mill Creek and nearby falls, well-maintained pioneer cabins, and good hiking and trout fishing. Common notes emphasize the rustic, primitive nature of facilities, limited services, and rough access roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Solitude and natural beauty; Mill Creek and Mill Creek Falls; rhododendron and lush high-elevation forest; well-kept pioneer cabins and helpful staff; good hiking and native brook trout fishing.

Based on 29 reviews

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