Best Campgrounds near Athens, WV
Campgrounds near Athens, West Virginia range from established state parks to primitive riverside sites across the scenic New River basin. Pipestem Resort State Park, located approximately 10 miles southwest of Athens, offers both RV and tent camping with modern amenities including electric hookups, showers, and a sanitary dump station. Camp Creek State Park provides multiple campground options including Mash Fork and Blue Jay Campgrounds, with accommodations for RVs, tents, and cabin rentals. Several privately operated facilities like Brushcreek Falls RV Resort and Pipestem RV Park & Campground supplement the public camping infrastructure with additional amenities.
Access to many campgrounds varies seasonally, with some sites closing between mid-October and mid-April. The region experiences significant rainfall in spring that can affect water levels in the New River basin. "The New River has swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline. At this visit, after a night of rainfall, the powerful drone of the New River never subsides," noted one camper about riverside camping conditions. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when visitation peaks. Cell service is limited in many areas, especially in the more remote river access points like Bull Falls Campground in the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area, where tent-only sites are accessed primarily by boat.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with visitors highlighting swimming and fishing opportunities. Bluestone Lake State Park's campgrounds provide direct access to water recreation, while also offering hiking trails and cabin options. The landscape ranges from open meadows to densely wooded mountain terrain, providing diverse camping experiences within a relatively compact region. "West Virginia at its finest! Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here. There is a marina where we got to rent a boat and the catfish were plentiful," shared one visitor. Several campgrounds, including Little Beaver State Park and Kairos Wilderness Resort, offer a mix of camping styles from traditional tent sites to glamping accommodations, reflecting the region's growing appeal to both traditional outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking more comfortable nature experiences.
