McCollum Campground

For West Virginia locals with a passion for the outdoors, few destinations offer the blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities quite like Coopers Rock State Forest. Nestled within this iconic forest, McCollum Campground provides a fantastic base for exploring the region's breathtaking landscapes. If you're seeking a camping experience that puts you right at the doorstep of stunning overlooks and invigorating trails, while offering essential amenities, McCollum Campground might just be your next favorite mountain escape.

McCollum Campground, located within the magnificent Coopers Rock State Forest in Morgantown, West Virginia, is a popular destination for campers seeking a nature-immersed experience. Visitors consistently praise it as "Great campgrounds and location!" highlighting its appeal. It offers a blend of rustic charm with convenient amenities, making it suitable for both tent campers and those with smaller RVs. Reviewers note the presence of "electric on site and water pump" along with a "bath/shower house" and a "laundry room with dish sink that has garbage disposal," indicating a good level of infrastructure for a state forest campground. However, potential RV campers should be aware that the "camp sites are narrow, even the handicap spots" and that "backing in with a bigger camper (we have a 33') was very difficult and impossible in most of the sites." It is "not setup for bigger trailers or RVs." This feedback suggests that while electric hookups are available, the physical layout of the sites is better suited for smaller rigs or tent camping. The campground is situated amidst "tree coverage with lots of walkable trails near the camp," ensuring a true forest experience. There's also a "dump site at the end/entrance to the camping area" for convenience. Despite some challenges with larger vehicles, the overall consensus is positive, with visitors eager to "definitely visit again!" and appreciating the "beautiful" area that is "not far from the lake." The mention of "construction being done" hints at potential future improvements, possibly including larger sites or pull-throughs, which would be a welcome addition for the RV community.

McCollum Campground is uniquely situated within Coopers Rock State Forest, at 700 Road, Morgantown, WV 26508, USA. This location is a major draw, as Coopers Rock State Forest is one of West Virginia's most iconic natural attractions, renowned for its stunning overlooks of the Cheat River Canyon, its distinctive rock formations, and its extensive network of hiking and biking trails. For West Virginia locals, accessing the campground typically involves driving on well-maintained state roads leading to the forest entrance. While the campground offers a true wilderness feel, it remains relatively accessible from the city of Morgantown. Morgantown provides all necessary urban amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and medical facilities, ensuring that campers can easily stock up on supplies or address any needs before or after their stay. The proximity to these services means you can enjoy the peace of the forest without being entirely cut off from convenience. The forest itself is known for its dramatic scenery and is a popular day-trip destination, so the campground's location within it offers an immersive experience. Being "not far from the lake" (likely Cheat Lake) also suggests additional recreational opportunities like boating and fishing. While some internal roads and site layouts may be challenging for very large RVs, the overall accessibility to this prime West Virginia outdoor destination is excellent for those prepared for a mountain camping experience.

McCollum Campground provides a good range of services for a state forest campground, aiming to offer a comfortable and functional camping experience. Based on customer reviews, the key services include:

• Electric Hookups: Available at campsites, providing power for RVs and other electrical needs. This is a significant amenity for a state forest campground.
• Bath/Shower House: Clean facilities are available, providing restrooms and hot showers, which are highly valued by campers.
• Laundry Room: A dedicated laundry room is provided, equipped with washing machines and dryers. Notably, it also includes a "dish sink that has garbage disposal," a convenient feature for washing dishes.
• Water Pumps: Potable water access is available via water pumps throughout the campground, allowing campers to easily refill water containers.
• Dump Site: A dedicated dump station is located "at the end/entrance to the camping area," providing a convenient place for RVs to empty their waste tanks.
• Fire Rings/Picnic Tables: While not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, these are standard amenities at state park campgrounds, typically found at each campsite for cooking and gathering.
• General Store (Implied): A "general store" is mentioned, suggesting a place where campers can purchase basic necessities, snacks, drinks, and potentially firewood.

These services contribute to a well-equipped camping experience, particularly for those who appreciate the comforts of home while immersed in nature.

McCollum Campground offers several distinct features and highlights that enhance its appeal as a camping destination in West Virginia:

• Stunning Location: Situated within Coopers Rock State Forest, the campground benefits from "gorgeous hiking trails with overlooks" of the Cheat River Canyon and the unique rock formations. The area itself is described as "beautiful."
• Wooded and Shaded Sites: The campsites boast "tree coverage with lots of walkable trails near the camp," providing natural shade and an immersive forest environment.
• Electric Service: The availability of electric hookups at sites is a major highlight, offering convenience for campers needing power for their RVs or devices.
• Clean Facilities: The presence of a "bath/shower house" and a "laundry room with dish sink that has garbage disposal" are highly appreciated amenities that contribute to a comfortable stay.
• Access to Outdoor Activities: The campground's proximity to extensive hiking trails makes it an ideal base for exploring the forest's natural wonders. Being "not far from the lake" (likely Cheat Lake) also suggests nearby opportunities for water sports like boating and fishing.
• Quiet and Natural Setting: Despite its popularity, the campground offers a peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to connect with nature.
• Potential for Future Improvements: The mention of "construction being done" and hopes for "bigger sites and pull thru-s" suggests ongoing investment in enhancing the campground experience.

These highlights ensure a memorable and enjoyable stay for various types of campers.

As a campground located within a state forest (Coopers Rock State Forest), McCollum Campground's pricing and any special offers are typically governed by the West Virginia State Parks system rather than offering independent commercial promotions. While specific temporary deals are not usually advertised in reviews, standard discounts or programs through state park systems often include:

• Seasonal Rates: Prices may vary depending on the time of year, with potentially lower rates during off-peak seasons (e.g., late fall or early spring) when demand is lower.
• Senior Citizen Discounts: West Virginia State Parks often offer discounted rates for senior residents.
• Military/Veteran Discounts: Similar to other public lands, there may be specific discounts for active military personnel or veterans.
• Package Deals: While less common for basic campsites, sometimes state parks offer packages that combine camping with other park activities or amenities, such as cabin rentals or adventure sports.
• Advance Booking Benefits: Reserving in advance is always recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.

The provided phone numbers, including an 800 number, suggest a central booking system for West Virginia State Parks. To get the most accurate and current information on camping fees, availability, and any potential state-wide promotions or discounts applicable to McCollum Campground, it is highly recommended to contact West Virginia State Parks directly through the provided phone numbers or visit their official website.

For reservations or inquiries about McCollum Campground and Coopers Rock State Forest, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Coopers Rock State Forest, 700 Road, Morgantown, WV 26508, USA

Phone: (800) 225-5982

Mobile Phone: +1 800-225-5982

As this is a state park campground, these numbers likely connect you to the central reservations or information line for West Virginia State Parks, which can provide comprehensive details about McCollum Campground's availability, rates, and specific rules. It's always a good idea to call ahead, especially if you have a larger RV, to confirm site suitability and make reservations, particularly during popular seasons.

For West Virginia locals, McCollum Campground within Coopers Rock State Forest offers an ideal blend of rugged mountain beauty and convenient amenities, making it a perfect nearby escape. Its location means minimal travel time for many residents, allowing for more time to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities. While larger RVs might find site navigation challenging, the presence of electric hookups, clean bathhouses with showers, and even a laundry facility with a dish sink are significant comforts that enhance the outdoor experience. The true gem, however, is the direct access to Coopers Rock State Forest's "gorgeous hiking trails with overlooks," inviting locals to explore iconic natural wonders right in their backyard. The dense "tree coverage" ensures a truly authentic forest camping experience, providing shade and a peaceful atmosphere. Being "not far from the lake" (Cheat Lake) further expands the recreational possibilities, from fishing to boating. For West Virginians seeking an adventurous yet comfortable camping trip that deeply connects them with their state's breathtaking natural heritage, McCollum Campground stands out as a highly suitable, accessible, and rewarding destination, promising "great campgrounds and location!" for future visits.