Camp Creek State Park encompasses 550 acres with elevations reaching 2,100 feet in southern West Virginia, approximately 28 miles from Staffordsville, Virginia. The park's trail network connects to an additional 5,500 acres in Camp Creek State Forest. Winter temperatures average 25-40°F, while summer brings humid 75-85°F days with afternoon thunderstorms common.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: At Camp Creek State Park, trails lead to multiple cascades just a short walk from the campground. "The waterfalls are a short walk from the campground. Firewood is available and they deliver it to your site. The bundles are quite generous in size," notes Kevin E. from Mash Fork Campground.
Hunting for fairy stones: Located about an hour from Staffordsville, visitors can search for staurolite crystals. "We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun. It was just after covid 19 started and lessening restrictions began so the beach was closed and there were few people at the campground but we had a great time riding bikes and hiking," explains Bridget H. at Fairy Stone State Park Campground.
River swimming: Many campgrounds offer natural swimming spots to cool off during summer months. "The river is super planted so I wouldn't swim here either sadly," warns Hazel S. about Glen Lyn Town Park & Campground, suggesting visitors should check water conditions before planning water activities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as important. "Bath/Shower House was very clean. Instant hot water was appreciated at the tap (it was in the 30s when we were there in mid-October). Hooks and shelves for toiletries were appreciated," writes Lee D. from Mash Fork Campground.
Creekside sites: Waterfront camping spots provide natural soundscapes for sleeping. "We were in site number eight, it backed up to the creek and was quite private with the exception of the trail on the other side of the creek. The hiking is difficult in some areas but spectacularly beautiful," shares Julie B.
Primitive equestrian camping: Horse owners appreciate the dedicated facilities available at several area campgrounds. "Greenbrier River Trail Primitive Campsite at Mile Post 9.5 is close enough to North Caldwell, WV…the GBT Southern Terminus…that you could make a quick journey north from the parking area for an exceptional night of camping," explains Dave V. about Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5 Primitive Campsite, which features "adirondack style shelter, raised tent pads, picnic tables, metal fire rings, large clean pit latrine," and other amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal bathroom access: Not all facilities operate year-round despite campground availability. "We had a nice site near a stream and close to the bathrooms however, even though the campground is open year round, the bathrooms are not. We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away which was not exactly convenient," reports Jessica D.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience significant railroad disturbance. "There is a train station nearby and the trains are loud. They come by every now and then night and day, they do live music some nights and church gatherings where a man basically yells all night long. Lots of freeway noise so the nightly fee is kinda stupid considering you won't get any sleep if you stay here," warns Hazel S.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "No service for Verizon users… Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time," notes Nicole M., while Keith F. confirms, "No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple state parks offer play areas for children near camping areas. "Perfect places for families. We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones. Kayaking was fun," shares Bonnie T. from Fairy Stone State Park.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities. "The programming was also amazing for our eight and four-year old boys. Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!" reports Russell C.
Cabin options for mixed weather: Weather can change quickly in mountain areas, making cabins a good family option. "We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close. The yurt has a double bed, a twin trundle, a couch and some chairs, and a table and chairs. It also has a large wrap around deck with rocking chairs," explains Bridget H. from Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Most of the sites are not level and it felt very crowded," notes Jacqueline F., recommending campers bring extra leveling blocks.
Generous site dimensions: Campground pads typically accommodate larger rigs. "Site Quality: All camper pads are paved, have a generous camper pad length, and most are spread a decent amount of space apart," reports Lee D.
Specialized equestrian camping near Staffordsville, Virginia: Horse owners should consider sites with appropriate amenities. "We loved every moment of our stay from the fire pit to the beautiful tails on the property to seeing the farm animals. The constant songs of the birds is a reminder that we belong in nature," shares cheryl B. about her experience at CB Ranch, adding that "The farm is 4 miles from a quaint small town with shops and great restaurants. Lots of local attractions from State parks, Greenbrier rails to tails (77 miles long), Greenbrier river (Kayaking) and a couple caves to explore."
