I am trying to help plan a Boy Scout outing to Dolly Sods, WV.
We want to camp one night, maybe do some day hiking and learn more about this unique area, such as how/why this area is so much like the Tundra.
We will not be backing packing, but car camping. (carry our equipment in our Scout Trailer)

I am seeking advice of where to camp and what activities we can do.

Thank You!

Bryan Smith
Committee Member for Troop 349
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hi Bryan (a.k.a The PIG Smith) -

Welcome to the Forest Camping forums!

I can see that the area the Troop is planning to visit is part of Monongahela National Forest. While I have not been there personally. it looks like a really cool area that the scouts will enjoy! (I'm a former scoutmaster & district leader and still an Eagle Scout!)

In case you have not seen it, the official website is: http://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf

Under the recreation link on the left side of the page is a sub-category called camping and cabins. That will have a list of the Group camping areas along with other useful info to get you started. I see there is also a lot of hiking trails and other activities.

Hopefully, some of the members of the forum will be able to provide you additional information!

I couldn't agree more with Trailhiker - Dolly Sods is a very cool place to visit. In fact, if you could eek out two nights stay that would be even better. Go to http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/eastern/moninfo.htm for additional information. Although not a group campground, you'll note Red Creek campground might be a perfect place for your troop. Talk to the Potomac Ranger District office at 304-257-4488 and see if they can work something out for you at Red Creek. And, maybe, just maybe, they might provide an interpretive walk/talk for your troop. See some pictures at http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/pictures/pictures.htm#monongahela of Dolly Sods and the area.

Thank you Tom for that warm welcome.

I was born and raised southwestern West Virginia, but my parents exposed me to much of eastern West Virgina.
My parents have a 'camp' (small home) near Greenbank, WV.

While it has been many years since I've been to Dolly Sods, I recall camping one night with my grandparents in the summer of 1970.
I slept in the back of a Buick stationwagon, snuggled to my grandfather.
The wind howled all night and we nearly froze to death.
I was only 8 years old then and not Boy Scout yet, so we were not 'prepared'.
I am guessing that looking the evidence, we must have parked in a the picnic area or some place like this and slept in the car.
While that was a poor 'camping' experience, I would not trade those experiences with my grandfather for all the gold in the world.

Thanks for the links, but I've already browsed through them.
It seems the closest campground is near Seneca Rocks.
We may decide to camp here, for hiking to the top of Seneca Rocks is one of the things we want to do on our trip.

I was hoping for camping in or near Dolly Sods to experience the Tundra environment.
I 'hear' of folks camping at Dolly Sods and talk about how the vegetation is similar to what can be seen in the Arctic Tundra.
I am wanting for my Troop to be able to share the same kinds stories of how great Dolly Sods with others here home.

I also understand Dolly Sods is a Wilderness area.
I am a Leave No Trace trainer, we practice LNT more aggressively than other Scout units, for I insist on it.
So, if camping were to be permitted at Dolly Sods, we know how to keep it in pristine order for the next people to enjoy.

My desire is get some more information, thus the purpose of this posting.
I would appreciate all the tips, advice, comments and flames about our plans

We are all super excited about this trip.
One the other places we plan to visit is the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO).
Not only are we getting a tour, but they are hosting an Astronomy Merit Badge Workshop for our Scouts.
(How awesome is that to learn about Astronomy from 'real' Astronomers?)

Fred,

Thank You very much!
This the kind of information that make this a once in a lifetime trip for our Scouts!

Dolly sods has a campground on the dirt road going though the area. If you go make sure to check out Bear Rocks on the same road. Spectacular vista and flora. Make sure you take warm clothes. It can get very windy and cold due to the elevation. If you go hiking don't pick up anything resembling ammunition. The area was used during WW2 as an artillery practice range and a few rounds are still found occasionally. Its a eerily beautiful area with dense shrubbery that is easy to get lost in. A compass and top map are a necessity for serious hikers.