The Aurora area offers diverse camping options at elevations between 1,800-2,500 feet across West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains. River camping sites experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night during spring and fall. Cell reception is strongest near town centers while becoming increasingly unreliable as elevation increases in the surrounding wilderness areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Five River Campground sits directly on Shavers Fork River, a Cheat River tributary. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," notes one visitor to Five River Campground. Campers can fish right from their site with proper West Virginia fishing license.
Hiking to overlooks: Multiple trails lead to scenic views within 30 minutes of the camping areas. "Next time, we'll visit Lindy Observation deck and more of Blackwater Falls State Park," mentions a camper who stayed at Five River Campground. The area connects to numerous wilderness hiking options.
Stargazing: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers good night sky visibility. "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing," notes a reviewer about Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort. The low light pollution in the area creates prime viewing conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
River access: Many campgrounds provide direct river frontage for water activities. "Location is prime!! Loved the RV sites right on the water. Perfect if you are a trout fisherman or hiker," writes a visitor to Smoke Hole Caverns. The shallow river sections are family-friendly for wading and swimming.
Level parking: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers a natural setting while maintaining practical features. "It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels," shares one camper. The riverfront location adds to the appeal.
Local activities: The proximity to towns provides easy access to supplies while maintaining a wilderness feel. "Plenty to do in the immediate area, with the caverns, fishing, hiking, and climbing. Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley are also nearby," notes a camper from Smoke Hole Caverns. Many campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for exploring the region.
What you should know
Campground layouts: Spaces between sites vary significantly between campgrounds. "The RV sites are very close together but in the week that we stayed we never heard any noise other than our own children," explains a camper from Five River Campground. Site selection affects privacy levels dramatically.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect access and facility availability. "Season is March to December," notes a reviewer about Smoke Hole Caverns. Winter travelers need to verify which facilities remain open year-round before planning trips.
Primitive plus options: Just Plane Adventures in Medley provides water, electric and sewer hookups with accommodations for larger vehicles. Many campgrounds near Aurora offer a mixture of primitive sites and those with basic amenities like water access points.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground provides structured recreation options. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!" shares a visitor. The organized programming helps keep children entertained.
River safety: For families planning water activities, consider depth and current. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks," notes a Brooklyn Heights reviewer. Water levels change seasonally, affecting safety conditions.
Local attractions: Nearby towns offer additional family entertainment options. "There's a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground," writes a Five River camper. These supplemental activities provide options during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: The Blue Canoe RV Resort has specific considerations for vehicle positioning. "Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable," notes one RVer. Bringing adequate leveling blocks is recommended for most rv campgrounds near Aurora, West Virginia.
Hookup quality: Water pressure and electrical reliability vary by location. "Sites are large and level. Water pressure was good," reports a Smoke Hole Caverns visitor about their RV site conditions. Testing hookups immediately upon arrival allows early troubleshooting if issues arise.
Year-round options: Five River Campground offers four-season RV camping with reliable internet service. "Ended up staying 2 weeks as the wifi service is the best we have had on the road. The majority of the site is level and grass," shares an RV camper. Winter visitors should confirm road access conditions before travel.
