Riverside Mountain Retreat

100%

19 reviews

· Bloomery, Hampshire, West Virginia · 214 acres

Hosted by Jonathan O.

Motorhome/tent pitch

· 7 guests max

Nomadic camping

Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.

Visit the site ranked by Hipcampers as one of the top three sites in West Virginia. Pitch your tent on a wooded mountain knoll overlooking the Cacapon River surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains as far as you can see. The Cacapon River is a hidden scenic gem and the cleanest river in West Virginia. This is rugged West Virginia at its best. Wildlife abounds and it is common to see Bald Eagles, Black Bears, and Whitetail Deer. If relaxing on the ridge line and enjoying the views are not enough, hike down to the river via the powerline cut or trails and swim, paddle, or fish (WV license required...one day passes are available online). You can also hike the creek running through the deep hollow, which follows the state access road while enjoying dark Hemlock woods and shale cliffs. If you like to mountain bike, you will find the mountain access roads and trails offer you some back country riding fun. The campsite has nice level areas for pitching a tent and an established fire ring and picnic table. Trails allow one to hike in or drive (a four wheel drive is necessary to access the ridge line campsite). The campsite is very private, but it's possible you will see a friendly neighbor pass by on the trail or see folks staying at the cabin in the valley along the river flats if you go down to the river or you can get a bird's eye view of cabins in the valley across the river from the top. The campsite is no trace so you must bag out all garbage and waste. Cat holes and such are not permitted so campers must bring and use a camp toilet. During exceptionally dry periods, open fire restrictions may be put in effect. You will need a four wheel drive vehicle to access the site. If not, or in inclement weather (snow or heavy rains), you can hike in from the state road where the access road begins. Learn more about this land: The property's history dates back to pre-European settlement and was originally inhabited by Native Americans with archaeological evidence dating back at least 10,000 years. After European settlement, numerous of battles were fought in the area during the French and Indian War, American Revolution, and it was even a cross-roads for armies during the Civil War. Farming, sustenance farming, and logging were the primary industries throughout the region. Later, during the Industrial Revolution, the river, limestone, charcoal, and iron ore from the area fueled a local iron bloomery, which the area, "Bloomery," is still named. The land you are camping on was nearly completely logged over the last hundred years, but a few old growth trees can still be found throughout the mixed hardwoods forest. On the way to the campsite you will also pass the old original school house (now a hunting cabin) located on a neighbor's adjoining property. There are still a few old timers left that attended the one room schoolhouse as children, but the building predates them by many years. There is also an old Methodist Cemetery located on the property (not near the campsite) that dates back to the 1700s. If you happen to find this site, please do not disturb it.Visit the site ranked by Hipcampers as one of the top three sites in West Virginia! Pitch you tent on a wooded mountain knoll overlooking the Cacapon River surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains as far as you can see. The Cacapon River is a hidden scenic gem and the cleanest river in West Virginia. This is rugged West Virginia at its best. Wildlife abounds and it is common to see Bald Eagles, Black Bears, and Whitetail Deer. If relaxing on the ridge line and enjoying the views are not enough, hike down to the river via the powerline cut or trails and swim, paddle, or fish (WV license required...one day passes are available online). You can also hike the creek running through the deep hollow, which follows the state access road while enjoying dark Hemlock woods and shale cliffs. If you like to mountain bike, you will find the mountain access roads and trails offer you some back country riding fun. The campsite has nice level areas for pitching a tent and an established fire ring. Trails allow one to hike in or drive (a four wheel drive is necessary to access the ridge line campsite). The campsite is very private, but it's possible you will see a friendly neighbor pass by on the trail or see folks staying at the cabin in the valley along the river flats if you go down to the river. The campsite is no trace so you must bag out all garbage and waste. Cat holes and such are not permitted so campers must bring and use a camp toilet. During exceptionally dry periods, open fire restrictions may be put in effect. You will need a four wheel drive vehicle to access the site. If not, or in inclement weather (snow or heavy rains), you can hike in from the state road where the access road begins.

Vehicle details

Campervans and Cars allowed

Limbs along the access road can present some overhead clearance issues for larger vehicles above 8 feet. 4WD trucks, vans, and SUVs have had no issue accessing the site. This includes trucks with attached campers. However, larger campers or trailers are not suitable for the site. If you have a larger camper, but want to access the property for camping, contact me for options.

Vehicles under 15 feet allowed

The site offers room to pull-in or through. Note that the last 100 feet depart from the access road and you will follow blazes painted on trees via a lightly used trail through the forest to the site that's kept very low impact and barely noticeable. This can be difficult to see at night so we recommend all first time guests arrive with sufficient daylight to access and establish the camp before dark.

Pull-in site

Accommodates slideouts

Surface type: Grass or field

If you have a small RV (Sprinter van type or smaller) you can access the site. You will be parked on forest floor. There are level spots, but I err on saying you'll need to plan for leveling depending on the site you select in the camp.

Surface levelness: Requires leveling

No Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs

Generators allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

What to expect

Motorhome/tent pitch

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

7 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit, private. FIRE: Fire is our number one danger and rules rules are strictly enforced. At no time shall a fire be left unattended and spot checks of the site are conducted. Failure to follow the fire safety rules will result in immediate termination of your stay. Before leaving...even for a short walk...all fires must be completely extinguished so don't build huge fires and practice low impact camping. Further, in times extreme drought/fire danger, the local fire marshal may enact no burn/open fire restrictions. You will be notified of any fire restrictions, but they must be followed. Please bring and place a dedicated jug of water to extinguish your fire (recommend at least 5 gallons) by the fire ring during your stay.

Pets allowed

Please bag and pack out all pet waste. Off leash is acceptable, but pet owner assumes full responsibility and liability for their pet.

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

No potable water

Bring your own water, purify from river or stream, purify from lake or pond. There is no running water on the property. Although there are springs, no sources are tested and proven potable and no sources are available on the ridge. Be prepared to pack in all water.

No showers

Bathe in river or stream. You can hike down to the river to swim and cool off, but please do not use any soaps that are not safe for aquatic plants/animals.

Pack it out

TRASH: ALL trash and waste must be begged out. If it came in with you, it must leave with you. We love our pristine camping area and want to maintain it for future generations to enjoy. We have bears and any trash left unsecured will become the property of a bear. This makes bears become problem bears that usually have to euthanized so please don't feed our animals with your trash.

Cooking equipment absent

You can cook over the fire pit, but we recommend bringing a camp stove in case a burn ban is in effect prohibiting open air fires.

Picnic table absent

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 4 vehicles

4WD required

You can opt to hike in to site if you do not have a 4WD vehicle. Access is via private dirt access road that is steep, will have ruts and rocks, and can be slippery and/or muddy. Standard 4WD vehicles are sufficient, but improved off-road tires and suspension is optimum.

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Our Homemade Pure Maple Syrupgood

$20.00

Eight ounce bottle of our pure homemade small batch maple syrup. Every year we tap our sugar maples along the creek and cook the down the sap over open hardwood fire making for a syrup with fantastic maple sweetness and flavor. It's a true treat you don't want to miss. Please let us know over email in advance to coordinate bottle delivery.

Firewood bundlegood

$5.00

Did you know bringing wood into our forest can import pests and diseases? Help us save our trees and conserve resources. Use our locally sourced wood pile. Take what you need, but only what you need. Remember, always keep the fires small, never leave them unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving camp.

Reviews

100% Recommend26 Ratings · 19 reviews

Matthew C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2023

Tent

Beautiful drive up and into the property, and for any off-road enthusiasts, the trek up to the campsite is challenging! Took every bit of my 4Runner's capability to get through the ruts. Campsite is very idyllic and well set up. However, a look down the hill reveals multiple houses, so it wasn't as secluded as I expected. I was disappointed when the neighbors decided to use the gun range at 7:30pm, and then a chainsaw fired up at twilight. It ruined what was becoming a nice peaceful sunset. I guess it comes with the territory of renting private property. Overall, fun property to explore and mostly very peaceful.

Tim.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2023

Tent

Outstanding location for those with 4Wheel drive vehicles and those that are outdoor precision sports enthusiasts!!!

Kurt F.

4 reviews

Recommends

· April 2022

Cacapon River Valley View

Tent

Wow!!!! What a great place to camp. Jonathan's description and directions were spot on. 4×4 definitely recommend. Plenty of level camping spots and hammock hangs to view sunrise and sunset from. You definitely want to bring plenty of water and supplies as the site is remote but worth getting to with lots of room to walk around and explore. I wish there were more spots like this, definitely be returning!

Eric B.

17 reviews

Recommends

· April 2022

9 ft campervan

The communication with Jonathan was excellent. The location was very secluded. The directions provided were excellent and the google map coordinates lead us straight to the camp site. As stated in the description, four wheel drive is a requirement but we had not issue getting there with 4x4. We would love to make return visit.

Caleb P.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2021

Group trip

Absolutely love this camp site, private location great views with amazing host i most definitely we’ll visit again highly recommend this location if your a fan of the outdoors.

Mike B.

4 reviews

Recommends

· October 2021

Group trip

This camp site has probably been one of my wife and Is favorite to date. Jonathan has a dream property with some pretty spectacular views. It was extremely private and there was plenty of space for the dog to run around and explore. Like most of the other campers have mentioned, the directions seemed a little confusing at first but once you get on the property it all makes sense and was explained really well in the documents provided. The drive to the camp site was one best parts and really adds to that feeling of getting out there for the weekend and detaching. We are working on future dates to bring some friends back with us. Add this Hipcamp to your list - it will end up being one of your favorites.

Location

Bloomery, Hampshire, West Virginia, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee) and Massawomeck First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking