Elkins Racetrack Campground

Hello, fellow West Virginians! When it comes to embracing the natural beauty and tranquility that our state has to offer, camping is often at the top of the list. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Elkins Racetrack Campground, a local camping spot nestled in the scenic area of Montrose. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and informative look at this campground, helping you, our neighbors in the Mountain State, determine if it’s the right fit for your next outdoor adventure.

West Virginia is truly “Almost Heaven” for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and winding rivers. Campgrounds like Elkins Racetrack Campground play a vital role in providing access to these natural wonders. Unlike large, amenity-rich resorts, many of our state's campgrounds embrace a more rustic and natural experience, focusing on the core elements of camping: peace, nature, and a break from the everyday hustle. Understanding these characteristics is key to choosing the right spot for your specific camping style.

In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of Elkins Racetrack Campground. We’ll cover its precise location and how easily accessible it is within our beautiful state. We’ll detail the services it offers and highlight its unique features, keeping in mind the kind of experience it provides. While current public information on specific promotions is limited, we'll provide the available contact details for you to inquire directly. Most importantly, we’ll discuss why Elkins Racetrack Campground could be an ideal choice for us, the locals, offering a convenient and authentic West Virginia camping experience. So, let’s explore what makes this campground a noteworthy destination in our own backyard.

Elkins Racetrack Campground is located at Old Rte 219, Montrose, WV 26283, USA. Montrose is a small community situated in Randolph County, West Virginia, not far from the larger city of Elkins. This location places the campground squarely within the heart of the Monongahela National Forest region, an area renowned for its rugged beauty, extensive wilderness, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

For West Virginia residents, particularly those in the central and eastern parts of the state, accessing Montrose via U.S. Route 219 would typically be a straightforward drive. While the address "Old Rte 219" might suggest a more rural, less-traveled road, it usually indicates a quieter approach to the campground, which can be a significant advantage for those towing RVs or seeking a peaceful setting.

The campground's proximity to Elkins means campers have access to a variety of town amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and medical facilities, providing a convenient balance between secluded nature and necessary services. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider Elkins area. The region around Montrose and Elkins is a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and even scenic train rides. Being nestled near the Monongahela National Forest, campers can expect direct access to a vast network of trails and wilderness areas for exploration. The area's natural topography, characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and clear streams, ensures a genuinely immersive outdoor experience. For West Virginians who cherish our state's wild and wonderful landscapes, the location of Elkins Racetrack Campground offers prime access to some of its most cherished natural treasures.

Based on available public information, Elkins Racetrack Campground appears to offer a more traditional and rustic camping experience, focusing on essential services that connect campers with nature.

• Campsites (13 Units): The campground features 13 individual units suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs. This limited number of sites often contributes to a more intimate and less crowded camping environment, enhancing the sense of privacy and tranquility.

• Maximum Trailer Length (22 feet): The campground specifies a maximum recommended trailer length of 22 feet. This indicates that while RVs are welcome, larger motorhomes or fifth-wheel trailers may find access or maneuvering challenging. This feature points to a design more suited for pop-ups, smaller travel trailers, or van conversions.

• Restrooms (Vault Toilets): Elkins Racetrack Campground provides vault toilets. This is a common feature in more rustic or national forest campgrounds, indicating that modern flush toilets and showers are generally not available. Campers should be prepared for a more basic restroom experience.

• Drinking Water: Access to drinking water is available at the campground. This is a crucial amenity for all campers, ensuring a supply of potable water for hydration and basic needs.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, or simply gathering with fellow campers.

• Fire Rings (Implied): While not explicitly stated for this specific campground, it is highly common for forest service campgrounds to provide fire rings at each site, allowing for campfires (where permitted) and outdoor cooking. Campers should confirm fire regulations upon arrival.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means reservations are not typically accepted, and availability depends on when you arrive. It’s advisable to have a backup plan, especially during peak seasons.

• No Garbage Service: A critical detail is the absence of garbage service. Campers are expected to "pack out what you pack in," adhering to Leave No Trace principles to maintain the natural environment.

Elkins Racetrack Campground, despite its rustic nature, offers several appealing features and highlights that make it a desirable spot for specific types of campers from West Virginia and beyond.

• Secluded, Nature-Immersed Experience: The campground is praised for its ability to offer a "private experience surrounded by nature." With only 13 units, sites are typically well-spaced, ensuring a tranquil and secluded atmosphere. This is ideal for those seeking a genuine escape from urban noise and a deeper connection with the natural world.

• Racetrack Creek Proximity: Racetrack Creek flows through the south edge of the campground. The presence of a creek adds to the serene ambiance, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water and potential opportunities for stream-side relaxation or exploration.

• Gateway to Monongahela National Forest: Being located at Old Rte 219, Montrose, places the campground in close proximity to the vast Monongahela National Forest. This is a significant highlight for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers endless possibilities for hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of one of West Virginia's most iconic natural areas.

• Affordable Fees: The fee for the campground is stated as $15, with a $5 extra vehicle fee. This low cost makes it a very affordable option for camping, especially when compared to private campgrounds with more amenities. This budget-friendly aspect allows more West Virginians to enjoy the outdoors.

• Open Season (May through September/Hunting Season): The operational hours, "Open seasonally, May through September as weather permits," and extending "through hunting," provide a clear window for visitors to plan their trips during favorable weather conditions and align with hunting seasons, a popular activity in West Virginia.

• Suitability for Tent and Smaller RV Camping: While not a "highlight" for all, the suitability for tent camping and smaller RVs (up to 22 feet) ensures that the campground caters to a specific segment of the camping community that prefers a less developed setting. This preserves the natural feel of the area.

Based on the publicly available information for Elkins Racetrack Campground, there are no specific promotions or special offers explicitly advertised. The fee structure appears to be a flat rate of $15 per night, with an additional $5 for extra vehicles.

Campgrounds that operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially those managed by government entities like the Forest Service (if this is the case for Elkins Racetrack Campground), rarely offer traditional "promotions" in the same way private businesses might. Their pricing is typically set and consistent to cover basic operational costs.

However, the inherent "special offer" of Elkins Racetrack Campground lies in its affordability. At $15 per night, it represents a highly economical way to access the beauty of the Monongahela National Forest and enjoy a rustic camping experience. For West Virginia locals who prioritize a budget-friendly outdoor adventure, this consistent low fee can be more valuable than fluctuating promotional discounts.

If you have any specific inquiries about rates for extended stays, or if there might be any unadvertised considerations for local groups or non-profit organizations, it is always best to use the provided contact information to speak directly with the campground management or relevant authority. However, based on the current data, campers should anticipate paying the standard nightly fee.

For those interested in learning more about Elkins Racetrack Campground or seeking to confirm details about its operation, here is the available contact information:

• Phone: (304) 816-7857

• Mobile Phone: +1 304-816-7857

• Address: Old Rte 219, Montrose, WV 26283, USA

Given that the campground operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis and lacks an online reservation system, direct phone contact is the most practical way to inquire about current conditions, estimated occupancy (though this can change quickly), specific amenities, or any local alerts (e.g., fire bans). While the provided information does not include customer reviews to gauge responsiveness, using the phone numbers listed is the recommended approach for any prospective camper. It would be advisable to call during typical business hours to ensure someone is available to answer your questions. This direct line of communication will provide the most current and accurate information for planning your visit to this tranquil West Virginia campground.

For us, the residents of West Virginia, Elkins Racetrack Campground offers a particularly suitable and appealing camping experience, aligning with our appreciation for genuine outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of our state. Its location in Montrose, nestled near the Monongahela National Forest, positions it as an accessible escape that doesn't require extensive travel, making it perfect for quick weekend getaways or longer, immersive stays. We cherish our mountains and forests, and this campground provides direct access to some of the most pristine wilderness areas West Virginia has to offer.

The "no-frills" approach, characterized by vault toilets and the "pack out what you pack in" policy, resonates with a desire for authentic, self-reliant camping. For many West Virginians, camping isn't about luxury amenities but about disconnecting from the everyday and reconnecting with nature. This campground provides that opportunity, encouraging a minimalist approach that fosters appreciation for the environment. The availability of drinking water and picnic tables at each of the 13 sites ensures basic comfort while maintaining the rustic charm.

Furthermore, the affordability of Elkins Racetrack Campground, with its $15 nightly fee, makes it an exceptionally budget-friendly option. This accessibility ensures that more local families and individuals can enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation without a significant financial burden. It's a reminder that some of the best experiences in West Virginia are often the most straightforward and cost-effective.

The first-come, first-served basis, while sometimes challenging, adds to the spontaneous, adventurous spirit of camping. It means that with a bit of flexibility, you can often find a peaceful spot to call your own. The proximity to Elkins ensures that essential supplies and services are never too far away, striking a good balance between wilderness immersion and practical convenience.

In essence, Elkins Racetrack Campground is ideally suited for West Virginia locals who value quiet, natural settings, a straightforward camping experience, and affordable access to our state's stunning outdoor landscapes. It’s a place where you can truly unwind by the creek, explore the vastness of the Monongahela National Forest, and create lasting memories, all within the familiar and welcoming embrace of Almost Heaven.

Elkins Racetrack Campground

Old Rte 219, Montrose, WV 26283, USA