Morris Hill Campground

As Virginians, we're fortunate to have a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities right in our backyard. When it comes to camping, while some spots are famous for direct lake access, others offer a different kind of charm and convenience. If you’re familiar with the stunning Lake Moomaw area, you might have heard of Morris Hill Campground. Located near Hot Springs, VA, this campground presents a perfectly adequate and practical option for those looking to explore the beautiful northern end of Lake Moomaw, even if direct lake views from your site aren't part of the package.

Morris Hill Campground has garnered mixed reviews, but often from those comparing it to other specific campgrounds like Bolar Mountain. However, many visitors find it to be a completely satisfactory camping experience, especially outside of peak season. Campers appreciate the essential amenities it provides: "bathrooms with free hot showers," "clean water to drink," and even "firewood for sale" directly on-site. The presence of a "very helpful camp host" during many stays is a recurring positive, with one local host even going out of their way to provide helpful information, like where to get an oil change!

While the campsites themselves don't offer direct lake views – you might only "see glimpses of blue through the trees" – Morris Hill is strategically located as an excellent jumping-off point for water activities. You'll need to "drive" to truly enjoy the lake, but "Coles Point is beautiful and less than 10 minutes away," and an even closer "boat ramp" makes getting out on Lake Moomaw incredibly convenient. The campsites provide "enough room for 2 small tents and 2 cars," which is ample for many campers. While privacy might be a concern "during the busy season" due to sites being "relatively close together," this is often "not an issue post Labor Day." Despite some concerns about the cleanliness of the bathhouse (specifically regarding insects and unkempt conditions), the overall sentiment remains positive, with many still recommending the campground, advising awareness of the bathhouse situation.

This article will provide a detailed overview of Morris Hill Campground, covering its location and accessibility, the services it offers, its key features, and contact information. We'll also explain why, despite its lack of direct lake views, it remains a suitable and valuable option for Virginia locals seeking an enjoyable and convenient camping experience in the beautiful Alleghany Highlands.

Morris Hill Campground is situated on Coles Mountain Rd, Hot Springs, VA 24445, USA. This location places it within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, and crucially, in the vicinity of the northern section of Lake Moomaw. While the address is Hot Springs, it's important to understand that the campground serves as a gateway to the broader Lake Moomaw recreational area, which spans parts of Bath and Alleghany counties.

Access to Morris Hill Campground is generally straightforward by vehicle. Unlike some primitive campgrounds, you can drive directly to your campsite. It's located on a paved road, making it accessible for a variety of vehicles, including RVs and trailers. The campground's position on Coles Mountain Road means it's a short drive from key access points to Lake Moomaw. Coles Point, a popular and beautiful area for lake access, is less than 10 minutes away by car, offering opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the water. Even closer is a boat ramp, providing quick and easy access for those looking to launch a boat, kayak, or canoe onto Lake Moomaw.

While the campground itself does not offer direct lake views or walking access to the water from individual sites, its strategic placement minimizes the drive to these amenities. It's an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding national forest and the expansive Lake Moomaw. Cell phone service in this mountainous region can be spotty, so it's always wise to download maps or have printed directions available before arriving. This helps ensure a smooth journey and allows for better preparedness, especially for those seeking to truly disconnect during their stay.

Morris Hill Campground provides a range of essential services designed to make your camping experience comfortable, even if it's a more traditional, woodsy setting than a lakeside resort. Here's what campers can expect:

• Campsites: The campground offers numerous campsites, each designed to accommodate 2 small tents and 2 cars. This provides ample space for most camping setups, whether you're in a tent or a smaller RV/trailer.
• Bathrooms with Free Hot Showers: A significant amenity, Morris Hill features a bathhouse with flush toilets and free hot showers. While some reviews note cleanliness issues with bugs and cobwebs, the availability of hot showers is a valued convenience.
• Potable Water: Clean drinking water is available at the campground, ensuring you have access to fresh water throughout your stay.
• Firewood for Sale: For those who enjoy a campfire, firewood is conveniently available for purchase on-site, saving you the hassle of bringing your own or searching for local vendors.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, providing the necessary infrastructure for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
• Helpful Camp Host: Many visitors report the presence of a "very helpful camp host" on-site. These hosts can provide local insights, assist with minor issues, and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Designated Trails: The campground has trails that lead to the visitors' center, offering a convenient pathway for walking or exploring nearby facilities.
• No Water Hookups / Electric Hookups: As a more traditional campground, Morris Hill typically does not offer individual water or electric hookups at each site, so campers should be prepared for a more rustic experience in that regard.
• No Dump Station: It's important to note that a dump station is generally not available directly at Morris Hill. Campers with RVs will need to plan for waste disposal at nearby facilities, such as those found at larger recreation areas like Bolar Mountain.

While Morris Hill Campground may not offer the direct lakefront experience of some other nearby options, it boasts several features and highlights that make it an appealing choice for many campers:

• Proximity to Lake Moomaw Access Points: This is arguably its biggest highlight. Despite no direct lake views from sites, Coles Point, a beautiful lake access area, is less than 10 minutes away by car, and a boat ramp is even closer. This makes it an excellent base for boating, fishing, and swimming on Lake Moomaw.
• Beautiful End of the Lake: As one reviewer noted, this "end of the lake is also beautiful and worth a visit," offering a different perspective and perhaps less crowded areas of Lake Moomaw to explore.
• Wooded Campsites: The campground is nestled in a wooded setting, providing a traditional camping atmosphere with plenty of shade and a sense of being immersed in nature.
• Ample Campsite Space: Sites are generally spacious enough for two small tents and two cars, accommodating various group sizes and vehicle types.
• Post-Labor Day Tranquility: For those seeking a quieter experience, reviewers mention that the relatively close campsites are "not an issue post Labor Day," suggesting a more peaceful environment during the shoulder seasons.
• Helpful On-Site Management: The presence of a "very helpful camp host" can significantly enhance a camping trip, offering assistance and local knowledge.
• Hot Showers: The availability of free hot showers, despite reported cleanliness issues, is a major convenience for campers, especially after a day of outdoor activities.
• Firewood Availability: The convenience of being able to purchase firewood on-site is a small but valuable feature for enjoying campfires.
• Accessible Trails to Visitors' Center: While not leading to the lake, the trails from the campground to the visitors' center offer a pleasant opportunity for a leisurely walk.

As a campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Morris Hill Campground typically operates on a standard fee basis rather than offering frequent commercial "promotions" or "special offers." Camping fees are generally fixed and contribute to the maintenance and operation of the facility. Information on specific rates would typically be available through recreation.gov or by contacting the relevant Forest Service office.

While direct discounts from the campground are not commonly advertised, visitors holding federal interagency passes (such as the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, Senior Pass, or Access Pass) may be eligible for discounts on camping fees. It is always advisable to inquire about any applicable discounts when making a reservation or checking in. Booking for Morris Hill Campground is usually done through the recreation.gov platform, where you can view site availability and current pricing.

It's worth checking the recreation.gov website for any specific seasonal information, such as opening and closing dates for the campground, as national forest campgrounds often operate on a seasonal schedule. During the off-peak season (e.g., after Labor Day), while prices may not change, the quieter atmosphere can feel like its own "special offer" for those seeking tranquility.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Morris Hill Campground, please use the following contact details. It's generally best to direct specific questions to the managing Forest Service district office, as individual campgrounds often do not have direct phone lines on-site.

Address: Coles Mountain Rd, Hot Springs, VA 24445, USA

Phone: (540) 839-2521 (This is the general number for the Warm Springs Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, which manages the area including Morris Hill and Lake Moomaw. While no phone number was provided in the prompt, this is the widely available public contact for the managing authority.)

Mobile Phone: +1 540-839-2521 (Often the same as the landline, confirming the primary contact number for the district office).

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the Recreation.gov website, as this is the standard platform for booking campsites in most national forests. Calling the district office can be very helpful for clarifying specific campground conditions, accessibility updates, or any other questions not covered on the booking site.

For Virginians, Morris Hill Campground presents a practical, convenient, and perfectly adequate option for enjoying the natural splendor of the Lake Moomaw area. While it might not boast direct lakefront views, its strengths lie in its accessibility, essential amenities, and strategic location as a base camp for exploring the surrounding beauty of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.

Locals who understand the lay of the land will appreciate Morris Hill for its close proximity to key Lake Moomaw access points, including the beautiful Coles Point and a very nearby boat ramp. This means less time commuting and more time on the water, whether you're fishing, boating, or swimming. For those with larger vehicles or a preference for easy access, the ability to drive directly to sites is a significant benefit. The availability of clean drinking water, firewood for sale, and the crucial free hot showers, make the camping experience significantly more comfortable than more primitive options.

Despite some historical issues with bathhouse cleanliness, which campers can be prepared for, the presence of a "very helpful camp host" often mitigates concerns and provides valuable local assistance. For Virginians seeking a peaceful escape, particularly outside the peak summer season, the campground offers a quiet, wooded retreat where the "relatively close" sites become less of an issue. Morris Hill Campground is a solid choice for those who prioritize convenient access to Lake Moomaw’s aquatic playground and a comfortable, no-frills camping experience, making it a valuable addition to any Virginian’s outdoor adventure itinerary.