Camping near Baker, West Virginia offers diverse experiences across heavily forested mountain terrain. The region sits within the Ridge and Valley Appalachians with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F while summer nights remain cool even when days reach 80-90°F, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.
What to do
Cavern exploration: 5-mile drive from Baker provides access to underground adventures. At Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort, guests enjoy proximity to natural formations. "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing" mentions one reviewer about the resort area, which serves as a convenient base for underground exploration.
Hiking to elevated viewpoints: Mountain trails offer panoramic valley views. Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides direct access to challenging paths. "The hiking around here is first rate—Big Schloss offers one of the most unique views in the region!" notes a visitor about this free campground with 9 first-come, first-served sites.
Trout fishing: Year-round opportunities in mountain streams near RV sites. Visitors at Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground enjoy direct water access. One camper shared: "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."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Riverside camping spots provide direct water entry points. At Riverside Cabins and RV Park, tent campers appreciate the location. "We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!" remarked a satisfied guest.
Dark skies for astronomy: Limited light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing" highlights a reviewer about Smoke Hole Caverns area, noting this benefit alongside river access and full hookups.
Spacious sites at established campgrounds: Many RV sites near Baker, West Virginia provide ample room between neighbors. At Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages, campers find generous spacing. "Most sites are spaced enough to give some feeling of privacy, some are fairly close together. A few sites are nicely secluded for those of us that crave privacy," noted one reviewer who couldn't identify a single thing to detract from a 5-star rating.
What you should know
Mountain road challenges: Access routes to many campgrounds feature steep grades and tight turns. A Wolf Gap visitor cautioned about approaching from the west: "Once you hit the steeper climb, there are some switchbacks and narrow areas that would not be at all fun in an RV."
Limited cell service: Communication options vary widely by specific location and carrier. "No cell phone coverage" notes a reviewer about Smoke Hole Caverns camping area, while others report spotty service throughout the region, particularly at higher elevations.
Seasonal weather variations: Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night occur regularly. At Outlanders River Camp, a guest observed: "The bugs here were crazy, even for it being fairly cool out. The flies were almost overwhelming" - highlighting that even cooler seasons bring insect challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Riverside recreation: Bring tubes for water activities at river-adjacent campgrounds. A family visiting Luray RV Resort noted: "Bring tubes if you have them. This place is great for tubing. Everything you need for a great stay."
Dedicated kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer specialized facilities for young campers. At Fort Valley Ranch, one family shared: "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill. Also, the availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus."
Playground access: Important for rainy days when hiking isn't feasible. "If you have kids definitely get closer to the play ground, you won't regret it!" advises a visitor to Outlanders River Camp, noting the convenience of having on-site entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Big rig limitations: Many smaller campgrounds have maximum length restrictions around 30 feet. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground specifically notes "RV's 30 foot or less recommended" for their limited riverfront sites due to tight access roads and turnarounds.
Level site considerations: Mountain camping often requires additional leveling equipment. According to one experienced RVer at Fort Valley Ranch: "All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed. Most of the sites, both RV and primitive are near the stable, bathrooms and showers."
Road access assessment: Some RV parks require advance planning for larger vehicles. "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us. The access was smooth and hassle-free," reported a Fort Valley Ranch visitor.
