Love USACOE Sites

Morgantown, West Virginia


We spent two night in a row at campgrounds run by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE).
The first was at a place called Ives Run, in Pennsylvania close to the New York Border.  The second was a place called Outflow Camping close the West Virginia Border.  They were both very nice, but very different.

At Ives Run, we camped next to a lake.  At night is was very still and we were treated to the loudest insect cacophony we have heard in many years.  Perhaps the circadas?

At Outflow, we camped near the outflow of a hydro dam and power plant.  The region has had an excess amount of rain this summer.  We noticed the beauty in the hills coming in because they were exceptionally lush and green.  Very pretty.  Anyhow, the lake behind the dam is normally empty at this time of year, but right not it was filled to capacity and they were spilling water.   There was a tremendous roar from the spilling water.   It was the kind of roar you hear, for example, at Niagara Falls.  Part of the sound you hear, part you feel in your chest and stomach, and part through your feet as the ground shakes.  It is an awesome display of raw power.

We also had (welcome) noise from a nearby railroad.   We also had (unwelcome) noise from a hiss as our air mattress spring a leak.   We had a comical night trying to stay balanced on top of the deflating air mattress.  Compare it to sleeping on a beach ball, but not alone but with two people.  We kept falling off.  I hope we can repair it for tonight.

Youghiogheny Dam Power Plant, Spillway spilling at the left.  ROAR!

Ives Run Campground in the morning