Beech Bottom Camping Area

For West Virginians who appreciate the simpler side of outdoor adventure, Beech Bottom Camping Area offers a genuinely rustic experience near the serene Plum Orchard Lake. This isn't a highly developed resort campground; instead, it's a place where the focus is squarely on natural immersion. If you're a local seeking an affordable, no-frills camping spot where you can enjoy the quiet beauty of our state's wilderness, Beech Bottom provides a compelling option. It's about getting back to basics, enjoying campfires under the stars, and embracing the less-traveled path that many of us West Virginians truly value.

Beech Bottom Camping Area caters to those who are self-sufficient and comfortable with primitive amenities. While reviews highlight some areas where maintenance could be improved, the fundamental appeal lies in its peaceful setting and the natural environment it offers. It's a place where you can unwind, fish in the nearby lake, or simply enjoy the tranquility that West Virginia's landscapes provide. For locals, this means a readily accessible escape into nature, without the need for extensive travel or expensive reservations. It's a spot that truly embodies the "wild" aspect of our "Wild and Wonderful" state, inviting you to create your own adventure and enjoy the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.

Beech Bottom Camping Area is located at 3846 Plum Orchard Lake Rd, Scarbro, WV 25917, USA. This address places it squarely within the vicinity of the Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area, a significant natural resource in West Virginia. Scarbro is a community in Fayette County, a region renowned for its rugged beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly surrounding the New River Gorge.

Access to Beech Bottom Camping Area involves traveling on Plum Orchard Lake Road. While the reviews indicate that the road can be "very rough," suggesting it might be unpaved or in poor condition in spots, it is generally passable for vehicles. However, prospective campers should be aware that a rough road means slower travel and potentially a need for vehicles with decent ground clearance, though it's still accessible by standard cars. The remote nature of the location contributes to its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, despite some mention of frequent side-by-side and 4-wheeler traffic on the "main" road near the campground. This suggests that while it’s off the beaten path, it's also a known area for local off-road enthusiasts. The campground's proximity to Plum Orchard Lake is a key accessibility feature, offering easy access for fishing and water-based recreation. For West Virginians, it provides a straightforward drive to a secluded natural setting, allowing for a relatively quick escape into the wilderness without venturing too far from home.

Services Offered:

• Tent Camping Sites: Beech Bottom Camping Area offers sites primarily suitable for tent camping. Each site typically includes basic amenities.
• Picnic Tables: Most sites are equipped with picnic tables, providing a convenient surface for eating and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings: Each site generally has a fire ring, allowing campers to build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance. Campers should bring their own grill grates.
• Individual Trash Cans: Each site comes with its own trash can, promoting cleanliness and responsible waste disposal.
• Pit Toilets (Outhouses): Restroom facilities are pit-style outhouses, with separate sides for men and women. Reviews note that ventilation could be improved.
• Non-Potable Hand Pump for Water: A hand pump for water is available, but it is explicitly labeled as "NOT potable," meaning it is not safe for drinking. Campers must bring their own drinking water. A review also notes that it may not always be functional due to conditions like drought.
• Self-Service Pay Station: Camping fees are managed via a self-service pay box, operating on an honor system.

Features / Highlights:

• Quiet and Peaceful Setting: Despite the presence of ATV traffic, the campground is noted for its overall quiet and peaceful atmosphere, particularly in terms of natural tranquility.
• Proximity to Plum Orchard Lake: Located very close to Plum Orchard Lake, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, and enjoying the lake environment.
• Affordable Camping: With a camping fee of $10.00, it offers a very budget-friendly option for outdoor recreation.
• Rustic and Primitive Experience: Ideal for campers who prefer a less developed, more natural camping environment with basic amenities.
• ATV/Side-by-Side Access: The nearby "main" road sees traffic from ATVs and side-by-sides, suggesting it's an area popular for off-roading, which might appeal to some enthusiasts.
• Self-Service Model: The honor-system payment and lack of formal check-in provide a flexible and informal camping experience.
• Wildlife Management Area: Being part of the Plum Orchard Lake WMA means access to a larger area for wildlife viewing and other outdoor pursuits.
• Community of Locals: Reviews suggest the area is frequented by locals, which can offer a unique sense of place, though interactions vary.

Based on the provided information, Beech Bottom Camping Area operates on a self-service, honor-system payment method with a reported fee of $10.00 for camping. Publicly available information does not detail any specific, ongoing promotions or special offers in the traditional sense.

As a rustic, primitive campground, its primary "promotion" is its affordability and direct access to nature. There are no reservation systems, and thus no discounts for advance booking or extended stays. Any "deals" would simply be the low, set price for a night of camping. Campers should be prepared for a no-frills experience where the value is in the location and the opportunity to simply set up camp.

Since Beech Bottom Camping Area operates on a self-service basis, direct contact information like a specific phone number or email address for the campground itself is not typically provided or necessary for entry. It is managed as part of the Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Address: 3846 Plum Orchard Lake Rd, Scarbro, WV 25917, USA

For general inquiries about Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area or related state park/forest services, you might contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WV DNR) regional office, though a specific number for this primitive campground is unlikely to exist.

WV DNR Phone (General): (304) 558-2771 (This is a general state number, not specific to the campground)

It is always recommended to consult online resources from the WV DNR or local outdoor forums for the most current information regarding road conditions, water availability, and any public advisories before visiting.

Beech Bottom Camping Area is uniquely suitable for locals in West Virginia who are seeking a truly rustic, no-frills camping experience that connects them directly with the state’s natural beauty. For us West Virginians, this campground represents an accessible and affordable escape into the wilderness, particularly for those who prioritize a quiet, peaceful setting over extensive amenities. While reviews highlight challenges like rough roads and the need for improved outhouse ventilation, these aspects also speak to the primitive nature that some locals actively seek out, embracing the "roughing it" aspect of camping.

The low $10.00 camping fee makes it an incredibly budget-friendly option for regular weekend trips or spontaneous overnight stays, allowing locals to frequent the area without significant financial outlay. Its proximity to Plum Orchard Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, a popular pastime for many in our state. Despite some reported social concerns regarding local interactions and activity in the area, for many resilient West Virginians, the allure of a tranquil lakeside setting with the basic necessities (fire rings, picnic tables, trash cans) and the freedom of a self-service system outweighs these potential drawbacks. It's a place where you can truly feel immersed in the local outdoor culture, a genuine slice of "Wild and Wonderful" West Virginia for those who know how to appreciate it.