Trout Pond Recreation Area

About

Trout Pond Recreation Area in the George Washington National Forest provides a unique camping experience centered around two distinct bodies of water. Rock Cliff Lake is a 17-acre man-made lake with a white-sand swimming beach, boat ramp, and stocked trout fishing. Trout Pond, formed by a sinkhole that filled with mountain stream water, is West Virginia's only natural lake and home to native Brook trout. The campground offers a mix of standard and double sites, with some featuring electric hookups. All campsites include a fire ring and picnic table. Hot showers and flush toilets are within easy walking distance of each site. A playground and 30 picnic sites are available in the day-use area. Hiking options include the easy 4-mile Trout Pond Loop trail with an optional 2-mile spur to a Rock Cliff Lake overlook. More challenging routes climb Long and Devil's Hole Mountains. Gasoline-powered boats are prohibited, and life jackets are required for all boaters. Dogs must be leashed but are not allowed on the beach.

Directions

From Strasburg, VA: Follow VA-55 west for 18 miles to Wardensville, WV. Turn left on State Route 23/10 (Trout Run Road) and travel approximately 6 miles. Turn right on County Route 16 (Thorny Bottom Road) and travel 6 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 500 (Trout Pond Campground Road) and continue 1 mile to the entrance station.