greenbrier state park

We spent our honeymoon on Dogwood loop in 1975 which was also our 1st camping trip ever ! After 9 days of BIG FUN, we are lifetime campers . Was our faverite campground till we bought our own lot and travel trailer in VA. Haven't been there in 8 years... but we're taking the 6 grandkids this summer !

Sadly this olace has gone very downhill since I was a child. They let anyone in, literally anyone. People hang their roasting pigs in trees, change their babies on the sand and then throw their diapers into the lake, cat fights and teenagers screaming and slipping fingers into unattended bags, criminals who hang around in packs and assault young women, and the lake closing for "contamination" on almost a weekly basis. This place has become a cesspool compared to the happy little family retreat it once was. It hurts my heart to even think about considering my happy childhood memories there.

We loved how convenient the park was located by the Appalachain Trail. There was a wide selection for pet friendly camp sites. There were many campers in the fall and there was even a race of friendly runners there that weekend. One park ranger wasn't as friendly as the rest,but that wouldn't deter us from camping here again. The campsites are spacious and we had two two-person tents and two vehicles there. There are easy-difficult trails and a scenic lake that's enjoyable even during the fall. I suggest going mis-October when the leaves are in a beautiful transition!!

Camped here for a weekend in September. Camp sites were nice, although we'd inadvertently reserved an accessible site, which meant that the fire ring was elevated about 3 feet off the ground on a concrete pad. Easy on our backs, but the heat went up and over us. Our main issue was the highway noise. We didn't realize that, although you drive for about 10 minutes after exiting the interstate, it actually curves around and borders the park, so it was maybe about a half-mile to a mile away. It also comes down a mountain there, so trucks were "jake-braking" down the hill all night long. Tire noise was very loud, as well. So much for getting "back to nature." We didn't really explore the lake area. There are a lot of trails in the park, for hiking and mountain biking, and you can connect to the Appalachian Trail. Overall, the campground was well-maintained and clean. Too bad the road noise overpowered the positives for us, we most likely won't camp here again.

The beach is nice. A little crowded with Non-English folks on holidays. The camp sites are nice with private gate with code, the bathrooms are nice, the camp hosts are very friendly and helpful. There is expensive ice and firewood to buy. No camp store.We too got the militaristic initiation for talking past 10 pm with beer. Four rangers stalked our site from the road multiple times and eventually pounced. Looking in cars, coolers, cups in our hands. They even sniffed our kids milk jug from the cooler looking for alcohol. Pretty hardcore but in all honestly we did break the noise/alcohol rules because of a birthday celebration. Go somewhere else if you want to stay up past 10 pm and drink a beer while camping.

On the face of it Greenbrier seems like a nice park - it's right next to the Appalachian trail, with other nearby trails. It's clean, with well kept bathrooms. There's a large man-made lake. All of these things originally attracted me to this campground, which is why I drove here from DC past other, closer campgrounds.When my friends and I first arrived to the campgrounds at about 1:30pm on Saturday, we were told that NO ONE could go in until they were done cleaning. We couldn't even go hiking or to the lake. So we made a picnic on their one table near the front until we could enter. We kept hearing roaring, "1984" type announcements coming from the woods, which we discovered later come from a loud speaker every couple of hours near the lake, telling you various things. The lake itself is incredibly crowded, and very noisy.The campgrounds themselves are quite small if you have more than one tent (you have to stay on your little gravel pad), and you are pretty much on top of your neighbors - at least in the Dogwood loop. We still managed to have a good time, and were laughing and joking, making smores near the campfire later that night, when 2 rangers came to our campsite and told us we were being far too loud. They also made my friend dump out his beer - to which I say, yes - beer is NOT allowed at the campgrounds, but BEARS?? What ranger tells you that you must dump your food/drink on the spot next to your tent? Very safe there, rangers.The hiking didn't feel like nature at all, either. The longest hike (aside from the appalachian trail), is 4.5 miles long, but throughout this hike there are signs about whether you can hunt, or can't hunt every few feet. And every time there's an intersection with another trail, they place a map there so that you never feel like you're really in the woods. I prefer my hiking to be simple - follow the markers, carry a map if needed or check one before you go. I will personally never go back here, and wouldn't recommend it to anyone that truly enjoys the outdoors. I saw a number of campers who looked like they were coming off of the appalachian trail for a rest, and to those guys - this looks like a fine place to sleep the night, take a good shower, make a campfire and rest up. But for car-camping, hell's no.

Stayed here for a weekend of family camping. Nice quiet sites although he sites could be larger - could not extend the awning as it would have hung over the camp fire ring (not a recommended thing to do). Bathrooms were clean. Lake swimming area was very full - seemed like every 45 minutes everyone had to get out of water so they could get a handle on the crowd. Park also was at capacity so people were not allowed to enter until some of the crowd cleared out. They did have an informative hike with an introduction to geocaching which was nice. Overall a nice park.

Brought family visiting from out of town and they absolutely loved the park. There are plenty of areas to set up some chairs and blankets and enjoy the scenery and the water. Our family could not get over how we are lucky enough to have the cool water to swim in while having the beautiful mountains as a backdrop. We already bough the MD State park pass which allows a carload of up to ten people in and we appreciated being able to save money by putting this pass to use. The park is extremely clean and they offer restrooms and a snack bar. They also offer the opportunity to rent some paddle boats for a nominal fee.We especially noticed how the life guards are attentive and always paying attention to what's going on. Would highly recommend the park if you're looking for inexpensive family fun.

We headed to Greenbrier State Park this past weekend to get a break from the heat. The park was packed, to the point that no one else was allowed in past 1pm. It was 4th of July weekend so I am not sure if its like this every weekend. Despite the crowds the park was clean and everyone was very friendly. It was perfect for my 3 year old son because the water was not too deep and their were no waves to contend with. The bathrooms were rather clean also. I would suggest bringing your own food though even though they food stand. Make sure you bring cash also for entrance fees to the park and if you are active duty military (which my husband is) you get in free so be sure to show your ID.

The campgrounds are great and the lake is lovely. There are areas for grilling both within the campground and by the lake.

The family and I went camping there June 27-29 2014. We had lot 27 in the cedar area. The park is just okay to me. I like Cunningham Falls much better especially the bathrooms. The bathrooms at Greenbrier are clean however there is no privacy once you get out of the shower. Opposed to Cunningham falls where you have a private chaining area. The lots are close to one another so if you want space that's not really going to happen. Also I didn't like the fact that the rangers rode around at least every hour or 2 and they were walking around as well especially past 10:00. The lake area is pretty nice so I would check that out if your able to get into there since it stays so packed. Overall I would probably never go back to this park again, I just like the privacy at Cunningham falls.

We go camping every Father's day weekend with our neighbors and family. If you have a large group with children I recommend this place. Our group has children aged 8 to 18. It's also pet friendly but not allowed by the lake area. The lake area has snack bars and picnic tables.There are a lot of activities for the kids: they can ride their bikes around the camp sites, hiking, swimming in the lake and fishing. There are several trails for hiking.The rangers are strict about keeping quiet after 10pm. They walk around a lot so you feel safe.We were there for Spring break with just family and it was fun too. If you are not true campers you can pick a site that has electrical outlets.

Just wanted to add a note for the people who visited last November and found showers without shower curtains. There are shower curtains for each stall and one to divide the shower area. They are all removed once a week and washed with bleach, but there is an extra set that should be in use while one set is being cleaned.

So glad we stopped here on our from West Virginia.We will be sure to come back, as the facilities are beautiful and maintained well.A lovely place for a picnic, and a Barb B que, and a dip in the lake.There are lifeguards in season.Not to be missed, as parking is easy, and makes a refreshing stop.

love this place it's awesome for everyone and not a bad price very fun and it's nice to hike on off season