Lake Buffalo
02 reviewsLake Buffalo, Bartow, WV
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat 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."
Fees & Passes at Lake Buffalo
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: No explicit stay limit mentioned.
Cancellation: Not applicable for dispersed camping.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official US Forest Service - Monongahela National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceLake Buffalo rests within the storied Monongahela National Forest, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found solace and adventure. This vast wilderness has long served as both a natural sanctuary and recreational playground, preserving centuries of Appalachian heritage while offering modern adventurers a chance to connect with the untamed spirit of West Virginia's high country.
Weather and SeasonsEach 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.
ElevationPerched high in West Virginia's mountain country, Lake Buffalo sits cradled among peaks and ridges that define the Appalachian landscape. The mountain air here carries a crispness that invigorates the lungs and clears the mind, while the elevation provides natural air conditioning even during summer's warmest days.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to mist rising from Lake Buffalo's mirror-like surface, the surrounding forest of oak, maple, and pine reflected perfectly in the still morning water. This tranquil mountain lake creates an amphitheater of natural beauty, where towering trees frame crystal-clear waters and rocky outcroppings provide perfect perches for contemplation. Wildlife tracks crisscross the shoreline, and the calls of woodland birds provide nature's soundtrack to your wilderness escape.
Geological RegionThe magnificent Monongahela National Forest encompasses Lake Buffalo in its protective embrace, showcasing the ancient Appalachian Mountains' rugged beauty. This geological wonderland features dramatic ridgelines carved by millennia of wind and water, dense hardwood forests that shelter abundant wildlife, and hidden valleys where mountain streams feed pristine lakes. It's a landscape that tells the story of Earth's power and time's patient artistry.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityDetails on accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeCampground size details such as site dimensions are not provided in the source materials.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels or descriptions for campsites are not provided, as this is a dispersed camping area.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAll sites offer similar access to Lake Buffalo and forest views, with no hookups or infrastructure.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limits mentioned.
Groups
No information about group camping sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCamping is dispersed, so there is no formal layout or looping structure.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round except when roads are closed by snow.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required. Dispersed camping is free and first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served camping for dispersed sites.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable for dispersed camping.
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.
Fishing
The lake is regularly stocked with trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, providing an excellent fishing opportunity.Boating
The lake features a concrete boat ramp, making it suitable for motorized boating.Winter Activities
Information on winter recreation activities is not provided, although the lake and surrounding area remain accessible except when roads are blocked by snow.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not specifically mentioned in the source materials.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No explicit fire policy mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not specified for this dispersed camping area.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal 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.
Weather at Lake Buffalo
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 71%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Bartow Health Clinic (2.8 miles away), local fire department in Bartow.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo defined peak season, but winter closures may affect access.
Trash and recyclingTrash services are explicitly noted to end on December 1, and no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSites are adjacent to Lake Buffalo, which features trout fishing and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsLack of restroom facilities and potable water is a recurring concern.
HostNo campground host available for dispersed camping.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 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 reviewsCommon Concerns
There are no specific user complaints mentioned in the provided reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are included in the source materials.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal 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 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews are specific to particular sites within the Lake Buffalo area.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews discussing pets or pet policies.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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