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George Washington/Trout Pond
Overview
Located in the heart of the Lee Ranger District, Trout Pond Recreation Area offers a serene escape into the George Washington National Forest. This destination is famously home to Trout Pond, the only natural lake in West Virginia. Visitors are greeted by a lush canopy of hardwoods and a quiet atmosphere that encourages total relaxation. It serves as a rustic sanctuary for those looking to immerse themselves in the Appalachian wilderness without modern distractions.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Lost River, WV, the park is nestled within the rugged mountains of the George Washington National Forest. The surrounding landscape is characterized by steep ridges and deep valleys, providing a dramatic backdrop for your stay. Its remote location ensures a dark-sky experience perfect for stargazing, while the nearby Lost River valley offers small-town charm and local artisan shops for a quick day trip away from the campsite.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility features several campsites specifically designed for RVs, offering a mix of features for comfortable forest living. Key amenities include:
- Sites equipped with electric hookups for consistent power.
- A central bathhouse providing flush toilets and hot showers.
- An easily accessible on-site dump station for wastewater management.
The grounds also include a playground for children and a designated swimming beach at the nearby man-made Rock Cliff Lake.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here. Anglers can enjoy fishing for brook trout, while families often flock to the sandy beach at Rock Cliff Lake for swimming. Hikers can explore the Trout Pond Loop Trail, an easy path circling the natural lake, or venture onto more challenging forest trails. For a change of scenery, the overlooks at Lost River State Park are just a short drive away, offering stunning panoramic views.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for RVers who prioritize a primitive nature experience over luxury resort amenities. If you are looking to unplug and disconnect, the lack of reliable cell service here provides the perfect excuse to put down the phone. It is best suited for nature photographers, bird watchers, and families who enjoy traditional camping activities like campfire cooking and forest exploration in a tranquil, wooded setting.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Brandi Dysart
I have been going here for decades. I have watched this place slowly decline. It went from having working restrooms and showers to always having issues. It went from having a ranger there most of the time who always stopped by to chat with each site and get to know you and enforce rules and another ranger when he was not there and 1 to 2 camp hosts to only have 1 host and occasionally seeing a ranger drive around. The play ground was torn down and not replaced something my children always looked forward to. They do not enforce rules at all. Loud music, alcohol, and over crowded sites. Limit is 6 unless buddy site and there were 15 to 20 t sites which also puts a strain on the already struggling water system. Quiet hours are not enforced. Fights break out on the beach. People purposely walk in front of you not allowing you to get through. Campers have started to take over the sites and run Loud generators even during quiet hours. Trash is not placed in trash cans litter is all over. We found 15 plus rusty nails and glass on our site. Vehicles not parked on sites and out in road blocking the road for those large Campers who csnf get through. This place used to be a nice family friendly place Now it is being over run with thugs who don't care
Barbara Thompson
My family has spent a lot of time at Trout Pond over the years. We have camped, hiked and enjoyed the lake. Unfortunately, this visit was not perfect due to the restrooms being closed. There were some portable toilets, but even one of them was closed and the open one was so full it was gross. They let over 100 people in to use the area knowing the restroom situation, it needs to be fixed.
Rhonda Richardson
Just visited Trout Pond Recreation Area for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised the area was so beautiful and very well taken care of. After walking around the beach area, my son and I walked the path along the pond and then drove around looking at campsites. I will add that my son is disabled and I typically have to worry about stumps sticking up along pathways. There were none visible and he was able to walk independently along the trail. We didn’t go too far but we did walk was lovely. I will definitely be returning.
Jen Boyd-Morin
Beautiful place for a hike. We did the ~1 mile loop around the pond. If you go counterclockwise, the path is mostly finely crushed gravel and flat for the first part, then you briefly enter an open field at the end, and the return on the other side through shaded woods that has some slight elevation changes and rocky footing, but overall a very easy but varied and beautiful hike. You can add on using the side trails. The wooded part of the trail especially has some incredibly beautiful native plants, and we saw some sort of newts in the pond on that side. Definitely recommend. FYI, there's a day use fee of $8 per car.
Mrs Smith
I'm a city girl and wasn't sure about sleeping in a tent with 4 kids but listen carefully when I say. WE. CANT. WAIT. TO. GO. BACK. LOVED IT. LOVED IT. The whole environment was family friendly and had so many different activities for all ages and personalities. I simply can't wait to go back. Learned how to start an actual fire and took a 20 min up hill hike to a breathtaking view.