Morris Hill Campground

morris hill campground

For Virginians dreaming of a tranquil escape into the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, Morris Hill Campground offers a perfectly adequate and uniquely rustic camping experience. Tucked away on a ridge overlooking the beautiful Lake Moomaw, this campground provides a serene base for exploring one of Virginia's most picturesque natural areas. While it may not boast ocean views or lavish amenities, Morris Hill stands out as a genuine haven for those who appreciate the simpler joys of camping: fresh mountain air, starry nights, and direct access to a wealth of outdoor activities. It’s an ideal spot for families, groups of friends, or solo adventurers looking to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature.

Operated within the expansive George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Morris Hill Campground embodies a peaceful, unpretentious atmosphere. Guests often highlight the helpfulness of the camp host and the overall sense of community, even among strangers. This is a campground designed for those who enjoy being in a natural setting, where the focus is on outdoor recreation and relaxation, rather than elaborate resort features. If you're a local Virginian eager to explore the western part of our state and experience genuine mountain and lake activities, Morris Hill Campground should certainly be on your radar. It’s a place where the sounds of the forest and the promise of adventure set the tone for your next getaway.

Morris Hill Campground is located on Coles Mountain Rd, Hot Springs, VA 24445, USA. This placement is particularly advantageous for Virginians, as it situates the campground within the stunning George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and in close proximity to Lake Moomaw. While it offers a feeling of being 'away from it all,' it remains reasonably accessible from various parts of the state. For those coming from cities like Roanoke or Lynchburg, the drive offers scenic views as you approach the mountainous terrain. Hot Springs, a quaint rural resort town known for the Omni Homestead Resort, is about a half-hour drive to the east, providing an option for dining or other amenities if desired. The campground itself sits on a ridge above the southern end of Lake Moomaw, approximately half a mile from the lakeshore. While campsites do not offer direct water views, glimpses of the lake can be seen through the trees, and accessing the water for swimming, fishing, or boating is a short drive away. Coles Point, a beautiful area with sandy swim beaches, is less than 10 minutes drive, and a boat ramp is even closer, ensuring that water-based activities are very convenient. The roads leading to the campground are well-maintained, but visitors should be prepared for mountain driving conditions. Given its location within a National Forest, the setting provides a genuine wilderness feel, yet with the managed amenities of a Forest Service campground.

Morris Hill Campground, managed by the USDA Forest Service, provides essential services designed to offer a comfortable yet rustic camping experience. These services focus on convenience and safety within a natural setting.

• Campsites: The campground offers standard family campsites and also group campsites. Family campsites typically have enough room for two small tents and two cars, and most sites can accommodate various RV sizes. Each site generally includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
• Restrooms and Showers: Flush toilets with warm water showers are available in the family campground. While generally appreciated for having hot showers, some past reviews have noted occasional issues with cleanliness, specifically regarding insects and webs in the bathhouses, which is something to be aware of, especially during peak seasons. Vault toilets are available in the group campground.
• Potable Water: Clean drinking water is available at the campground, ensuring campers have access to a vital resource.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, typically at a reasonable price (e.g., approximately $5 a bundle), making it convenient for campers to enjoy campfires.
• Camp Host: A camp host is usually on-site, particularly during the open season, providing assistance, information, and maintaining the grounds. Their helpfulness has been positively noted by previous visitors.
• Playground: For families with children, a playground is available within the family campground, offering a dedicated space for kids to play and expend energy.
• Trash Disposal: Proper trash disposal facilities are provided to help campers maintain a clean environment.
• Reservations: Campsites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, typically 2 days to 6 months ahead for standard sites and up to 12 months for group sites.

Morris Hill Campground boasts several features that make it a compelling choice for a memorable Virginia camping trip, particularly for those seeking a rustic, nature-focused experience.

• Proximity to Lake Moomaw: A major highlight is its location just half a mile from Lake Moomaw, a 2,530-acre cold-water lake known for its inviting swimming beaches, excellent fishing (brown and rainbow trout, bass, crappie), and boating opportunities.
• Access to Water Activities: While not directly on the water, the short drive to Coles Point offers sandy swim beaches, and a boat ramp is even closer, making it convenient for launching personal watercraft or simply enjoying a day by the lake. A fishing pier is also located less than a mile from the campground.
• George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Setting: Being nestled within this vast national forest provides a stunning natural backdrop, rich with Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing (including 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds).
• Hiking and Biking Trails: The campground provides access to trails, including the Morris Hill Bike Trail and Fortney Loop Trail, which connect to the visitors' center. While trails from the campground may not directly lead to lake views, the broader area offers numerous hiking and biking opportunities, including popular trails like the Jackson River Scenic Trail.
• Peaceful and Rustic Atmosphere: Guests consistently describe Morris Hill as a peaceful and rustic campground. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the opportunity to truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
• Helpful Camp Hosts: The presence of helpful and local camp hosts who assist with maintenance and provide local knowledge is a significant asset, contributing to a positive experience.
• Family-Friendly Recreation: With a playground on-site and easy access to lake activities, it's a great spot for families, allowing children to enjoy outdoor play while adults relax.

As a campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Morris Hill Campground typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private campground might. Pricing for campsites is generally set and consistent throughout their operating season, which typically runs from Memorial Day Weekend through late October. However, certain federal passes can provide discounts on campsite fees. For instance, the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass series (which includes annual passes, senior passes, access passes for those with permanent disabilities, military passes, etc.) and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Seasonal Day Use Pass are accepted. Specifically, the America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes often provide a 50% discount on the base campsite fee (though not on hook-ups if available, which is not the primary offering at Morris Hill). It is always recommended for Virginia residents to check the official Recreation.gov website or contact the James River and Warm Springs Ranger District Office directly for the most current fee information and any applicable pass discounts before making a reservation. These passes are designed to make public lands more accessible and affordable for a wider range of visitors.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Morris Hill Campground, you can utilize the following resources:

• Address: Coles Mountain Rd, Hot Springs, VA 24445, USA
• Reservations: Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
• Local Ranger District Office: James River and Warm Springs Ranger District Office.
• Address for Ranger District: 422 Forestry Road, Hot Springs, VA 24445
• Phone for Ranger District: (540) 839-2521
• Operating Hours for Ranger District: Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed on federal holidays)
• Please note: While the provided prompt includes "Phone: (434) 592-9544" and "Mobile Phone: +1 434-592-9544", based on public data, the relevant phone number for Morris Hill Campground inquiries is typically associated with the James River and Warm Springs Ranger District.

For Virginians, Morris Hill Campground offers a highly suitable and rewarding camping experience, especially for those who cherish the state's natural beauty and outdoor activities. Its location within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, overlooking the pristine Lake Moomaw, means immediate access to fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking – all within a manageable drive from many parts of Virginia. While it provides a rustic setting, the availability of essential amenities like free hot showers and potable water ensures a comfortable stay. The sense of community fostered by helpful camp hosts adds a welcoming touch, making it easy for locals to feel at home. Moreover, for Virginians seeking an alternative to the often-crowded coastal destinations, Morris Hill provides a peaceful mountain retreat where the focus is truly on nature and relaxation. It’s an opportunity to explore the lesser-known but equally stunning landscapes of Western Virginia, create lasting memories with family and friends, and embrace a simpler, more authentic camping adventure right here in our beautiful Commonwealth.

Morris Hill Campground

Coles Mountain Rd, Hot Springs, VA 24445, USA