Embark on a camping adventure where you can truly get lost in nature. Set in the wooded mountains of Hardy County in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, Lost River State Park delivers stunning mountain views and a generous offering of recreational activities.
Backpack Camping
Lost River offers a camping experience like no other. If it’s seclusion you seek, you’re in for a treat. Load up your backpack and set off on a 1.5-mile hike to the top of Big Ridge Mountain. There, you’ll find two primitive campsites, one of which is horse-friendly. You’ll have access to a public shelter, campfire ring, picnic table and latrines.
For the ultimate primitive camping experience, a renovated ranger cabin is also located atop Big Ridge Mountain and is accessible via a 2-mile hike. The camper-style cabin includes firewood, gas lighting, a wood-burning cookstove and a refrigerator. You’ll need to pack in food, water and bedding. It’s truly a pioneer experience!
Traditional Camping
For those who prefer something a little less off the grid, three campsites near the ballpark can be rented as a group area. Campers have access to a fire ring, picnic table and public shelter. Restrooms are located nearby and showers are available during swimming pool hours.
Cozy Cabins
Even if camping isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy an overnight stay in one of the park’s 25 Legacy, Classic or Vacation cabins. Amenities include water and electricity, fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms and showers, heating and air conditioning. There is nothing better than cuddling up after a day of adventure in a cozy cabin.
Take a Hike… and More!
Whether camping out or snuggled up in a cabin, you’ll want to get out to enjoy all of the recreational offerings at Lost River. The park’s 23 miles of hiking trails – many of which are also open to mountain bikers – offer an unparalleled opportunity to study nature. One especially rewarding trail, Millers Rock, leads to Cranny Crow overlook with commanding views of five counties from an elevation of 3,200 feet.
Unwind from your hike at the park’s swimming pool, open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visitors also have access to a wide range of recreational offerings, including tennis courts, a volleyball court, archery range, badminton and horseshoes.
Saddle Up
Get a different perspective of the trails via a guided horseback ride. Hidden Trails Stables operates seasonally within the park. Riders are encouraged to book in advance. Or… you can even bring your own horse! Private riding is available year-round after registering at the park office.
Explore the Area
Plan a long camping trip so you’ll have time to get out and explore an area that’s awash with the natural beauty of the Monongahela National Forest. Hike to the top of Seneca Rocks or climb the lookout tower at Spruce Knob – West Virginia’s highest point at 4,863 feet. Survey the wind-swept plains and unique rock formations of the Dolly Sods Wilderness.
Take a guided cave tour of Smoke Hole or Seneca Caverns. Tackle the via ferrata rock climbing experience at NROCKS. Or board the Potomac Eagle for a scenic train ride, known for its bald eagle sightings along the South Branch of the Potomac River.
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