Lake Buffalo

Star0
2 reviews
Lake Buffalo, Bartow, WV
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,064 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service - Monongahela National Forest site

Official Website
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Lake Buffalo
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Dispersed camping is free of charge.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"User reviews reflect a consensus that Lake Buffalo is a quiet and relaxing camping destination, ideal for activities like fishing and enjoying nature."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lake Buffalo, Bartow, WV

Lake Buffalo

Lake Buffalo, Bartow, WV

Driving directionsFrom Bartow, take US-250S to WV-28N. Stay on WV-28N for 0.3 miles to Forest Road 54. Take Forest Road for 2.5 miles, and the parking area will be on your right.
Access is available via paved roads with seasonal limitations due to snow closures of roads.
Nearby places
Bartow (2.8 miles, approximately 7-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, can be found in Bartow, approximately 2.8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Buffalo

Each season paints Lake Buffalo in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, occasionally closing access roads but rewarding hardy visitors with crystalline beauty. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and perfect fishing temperatures, while autumn sets the surrounding mountains ablaze with fall colors. Summer brings warm days ideal for casting lines at dawn and dusk, with cool mountain evenings perfect for campfire stories. The hardy trout bite year-round, and dispersed camping welcomes adventurers in every season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Fishing and boating available; quiet summer camping implied by reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forest of oak and maple suggests attractive fall foliage and scenic views.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Misty mornings and stocked trout make spring attractive for fishing and scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Road closures can occur; toilets/trash services end Dec 1 limiting winter usability.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No defined peak season, but winter closures may affect access.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round except when roads are closed by snow.
  • Current Alerts: Toilet and trash services end December 1. Roads may close due to snow in winter.

About Lake Buffalo

Nestled in the heart of West Virginia's wilderness, Lake Buffalo's pristine 22-acre expanse beckons anglers and nature lovers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This hidden gem, regularly stocked with fighting trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, offers the rare combination of excellent fishing and secluded dispersed camping sites where you can pitch your tent under a canopy of stars, far from the crowds of traditional campgrounds.
Lake Buffalo offers dispersed camping near the lake. It is an informal setup with minimal facilities, suitable for self-sufficient campers.
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Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned.


Activities you can enjoy

Lake Buffalo offers activities such as fishing and motorized boating. Swimming is explicitly prohibited. Hunting and shooting are also listed as recreational opportunities. It is a quiet area suitable for relaxing and connecting with nature.
FishingThe lake is regularly stocked with trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, providing an excellent fishing opportunity.
BoatingThe lake features a concrete boat ramp, making it suitable for motorized boating.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal snow may affect road access. Wildlife such as bears may be present, requiring caution.
Active AlertsToilet and trash services end December 1. Roads may close due to snow in winter.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lake Buffalo

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Lake Buffalo has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reflect a consensus that Lake Buffalo is a quiet and relaxing camping destination, ideal for activities like fishing and enjoying nature.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have highlighted the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. One user remarked, 'Nice quiet place to camp, fish, walk around and enjoy.'
Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no specific user complaints mentioned in the provided reviews.
Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-provided tips or recommendations are included in the source materials.
Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal review trends are not explicitly discussed, but it should be noted that toilets and trash services end on December 1, which may affect usability for campers during winter.
Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice quiet place to camp, fish, walk around and enjoy.' - Forging Phoinex (2023-09-20) 2. 'I hate to mention how much I enjoyed camping here, because I might have to compete for camping next...
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Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews are specific to particular sites within the Lake Buffalo area.
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews address accessibility experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews discussing pets or pet policies.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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