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Trout Pond Recreation Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — Lost City · West Virginia · George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | George Washington & Jefferson National Forest |
| Location | Lost City · West Virginia · George Washington & Jefferson National Forest · 38.95278, -78.73472 · Map |
| Sites | 47 public sites counted from the federal listing — 35 standard nonelectric; 11 standard electric; 1 group shelter nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 14 of 47 sites (up to 30 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 47 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 47 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 47 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 99 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 50 sites · 30 ft: 50 sites · 35 ft: 45 sites · 40 ft: 40 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 1:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 52 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 52 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 1(304)897-6450 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Trout Pond Recreation Area boasts two bodies of water, Rock Cliff Lake and Trout Pond. Relax on a sandy mountain beach or fish for stocked trout while relaxing along the cool waters of Rock Cliff Lake.
Trout Pond, home to native Brook trout, is the only natural lake in West Virginia. A designated swimming area, easy lakeside trails, and a children's playground make this a perfect family destination. Recreation A trail surrounding the entire lake provides bank fishing access at Rock Cliff Lake. All types of boating from motor to sailboats are welcome.
Hike the Trout Pond Loop trail, an easy 4-mile excursion, with an optional 2-mile side route, to an overlook of Rockcliff Lake. For a more challenging hike, a connecting trail provides a steep climb up Long and Devil's Hole Mountains. Facilities Campsites come with a campfire ring and picnic table, and some of have electric hookups. Hot showers and flush toilets are an easy walk away from each site.
The day-use area includes a white-sand swim beach, boat ramp, showers, playground and 30 picnic sites. Natural Features Rock Cliff Lake is a 17-acre man-made lake with a maximum depth of 36 feet and an average depth of 12 feet. Trout Pond, the naturally formed lake, was created by a sinkhole that filled with mountain stream water and run-off from Long Mountain. Trout Pond can vary in waterflow. Please visit the Forest Service website for our most up to date conditions.
Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (540) 984-4101 for general information. Charges & Cancellations group shelter nonelectric 1-50 people $65, 51-100 people $100, standard non electric is $19.00 per night
Directions, from the listing
From Strasburg, VA, follow State Route 55 west for 18 miles to Wardensville, WV. Turn left on SR 23/10, and travel for about 6 miles. Turn right on CR 16, and travel for 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 500, and drive about 1 mile to the Trout Pond Recreation Area entrance.
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Trip Card — Trout Pond Recreation Area
Lost City · West Virginia · George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Lost City · West Virginia · George Washington & Jefferson National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 14 |
| Max RV | Up to 99 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 47 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232162 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.