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The_LeRoys's avatar
The_LeRoys
Explorer
May 30, 2016

Camping near Washington and Jefferson National Forests

On our way back from NC this summer we are considering stopping at Washington and Jefferson National forest for a day or possibly 2. We'd like to hike some of the Appalachian Trail. We are hoping for a site that at least has electric hookups. Does anyone have a favorite in the area? Are there any State Parks or National Forest Campgrounds you would recommend?
  • bukhrn wrote:
    RGar974417 wrote:
    Here are a few in that area that we like. In Virgina,Sherando Lake and Goose Point. Both Forest service campgrounds with electric hookups and lakes for swimming.In West Virginia, Trout Pond,another forest service campground with electric and a lake. But here's one in Pennsylvania. Pine Grove Furnace state park is the half way point on the Appalachian trail. They also have electric hookups,new bath houses, 2 lakes for swimming and a small store where through hikers stop and eat a half gallon of ice cream. Close by is Gettysburg and even closer is a former POW camp where you can take a self guided tour. They have maps in the office.

    http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/
    Actually Goose Point is a COE CG, rather than a NF CG, and close to an hour from the AT,you are correct though, it is an awesome campground, along with Sherando.


    According to Sue and Fred Dow's Forest Service Camping website,it is a Forest Service Campground. It is located on a COE Lake. You're right,it's not real close to the AP.

    http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/southern/gw.htm
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Explorer III
    RGar974417 wrote:
    Here are a few in that area that we like. In Virgina,Sherando Lake and Goose Point. Both Forest service campgrounds with electric hookups and lakes for swimming.In West Virginia, Trout Pond,another forest service campground with electric and a lake. But here's one in Pennsylvania. Pine Grove Furnace state park is the half way point on the Appalachian trail. They also have electric hookups,new bath houses, 2 lakes for swimming and a small store where through hikers stop and eat a half gallon of ice cream. Close by is Gettysburg and even closer is a former POW camp where you can take a self guided tour. They have maps in the office.

    http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/
    Actually Goose Point is a COE CG, rather than a NF CG, and close to an hour from the AT,you are correct though, it is an awesome campground, along with Sherando.
  • Here are a few in that area that we like. In Virgina,Sherando Lake and Goose Point. Both Forest service campgrounds with electric hookups and lakes for swimming.In West Virginia, Trout Pond,another forest service campground with electric and a lake. But here's one in Pennsylvania. Pine Grove Furnace state park is the half way point on the Appalachian trail. They also have electric hookups,new bath houses, 2 lakes for swimming and a small store where through hikers stop and eat a half gallon of ice cream. Close by is Gettysburg and even closer is a former POW camp where you can take a self guided tour. They have maps in the office.

    http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/
  • In Virginia, the Appalachian Trail mostly goes through Shenandoah National Park. If you are only staying for a day or two and you want electric, your best bet is the State Park near Front Royal (Shenandoah River State Park).

    If you are interested in the south end, try Hungry Mother State Park.