sleepy creek wildlife management area

If you have never been to Sleep Creek WMAIt is beautiful!However it can be very very dangerous! There is one ranger for 12,000 Acres and is hardly seen. Cell phone service is very spottyThere are packs of coyotes that run wild at night. When they are hungry they terrorize campers. They are not afraid to run around the lake and chase people. If you hear them in the distance take shelter. There are many locals that consider Sleepy Creek "their land." They do not take kindly to people from out of state using their wildlife area (especially from DC). I have had many people get in my face for being there. There are numerous drifters who have made the park their home. They will steel your camping gear in a heart beat. Make sure everything is locked even when going to the bathroom. Bottom line....The place is lawless. A five mile road into the wild wild west. It is however very beautiful and depending on the water level, can be awesome for kayaking.

After 4 weeks of living in Martinsburg, I learned of Sleep Creek WMA. It's a leisurely 30 minute drive and very well worth it. I was looking for fire roads/ forest roads to adventure ride my motorcycle and this is a great location if you only have a half day or so. I can't recommend a Corvette but an SUV or pick up will do just fine. The twisty, so typical, WV blacktop roads leading to the gravel WMA roads are a hoot to drive. Once you get into the WMA you'll come up on a beautiful lake with plenty of overlook areas to park, as well as, primitive campsites. We were fortunate enough to be here on a Sunday afternoon and saw maybe 6-8 other vehicles. Very relaxing and peaceful, especially parking along the water and walking the dog. I can't wait to get back and explore more of this area on 2 wheels.All the best,Doyle PPS There is basic bathroom facilities (toilet only) along the camp site areas.

The area is teaming with wildlife! Be sure to bring the bug spray, though, as every time we have been to sleepy creek several members of our family have had ticks. Tons of ticks up here. There are many hiking trails, and check out all the geocaching trails for day or night. In the summer, on the drive up to sleepy creek you will pass several meadows teeming with lightning bugs. Slow down, or pull over and enjoy watching the firefly light show.