Camping near Belington, West Virginia offers diverse experiences with elevations ranging from 1,900 to 3,000 feet throughout the region's campgrounds. The area sits within the Monongahela National Forest watershed, creating a varied landscape of river valleys and forested hills. Most campgrounds in this area open from April through October, though several RV parks near Belington remain accessible year-round.
What to do
Fishing access: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground provides direct river access with community fire rings along a beach area. "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available. Relaxing," notes one camper.
Paddling opportunities: The Shavers Fork river near Five River Campground is ideal for various water activities. A reviewer explains, "The Shavers Fork river (a Cheat River tributary) is also ideal for rafting, tubing and paddling. Most will take out 11 miles downriver before class 3 rapids (and higher) begin."
Hiking trails: Multiple hiking options exist within 30 minutes of Smokey Bottom Campground. According to a visitor, "This campground was very close to hiking trails in the area and was close enough to Elkins to quickly run into town. There was also a really good BBQ place right next to it. The campground host was very friendly and recommend hikes in the area."
Cave exploration: Smoke Hole Caverns offers underground tours with formations dating back millions of years. "Location is prime!! Loved the RV sites right on the water. Perfect if you are a trout fisherman or hiker. Trail head to Chimney Rock is 2 minutes from camp site and Seneca Rock is about 20 minutes away," reports a camper.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campers appreciate the direct water access at RV parks in Belington, West Virginia and surrounding areas. At Riverside Cabins and RV Park, a reviewer shared, "We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!"
Community atmosphere: The welcoming environment at campgrounds makes for positive experiences. A camper at Revelle's River Resort noted, "Revelle is family operated, and it's obvious they take pride in their work. The grounds are nicely kept, and the bathrooms are very clean indeed. They have weekend activities for guests, and a small convenient store that's well stocked with the basics."
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Seneca Shadows, a reviewer mentioned, "Clean and serene campground that wasn't too busy on a drizzly June weekend. Not sure if you can get a first come first served site every weekend, but there were several empty ones near me at site 13. Chipmunks everywhere you look and incredible sunrise birdsong."
Stargazing conditions: The region's limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities. A visitor to Smoke Hole Caverns commented about the "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing."
What you should know
Varying site sizes: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers different accommodation types with specific limitations. A reviewer noted, "The camp includes 14 camping sites (firepits, slabwood benches, parking, and future picnic tables), 5 primitive shelter cabin sites (10x12 lofted barn cabins with hasp for your padlock), and 5 short term RV sites near the river (RV's 30 foot or less recommended)."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, though some remain open year-round. Seneca Shadows specifically runs "April 2 to October 25" according to their listing information.
Primitive amenities: Many tent sites lack electrical hookups or running water. At Five River Campground, "Tent sites do not [have power and water]. In fact, tent sites might be considered primitive, possessing no picnic table."
Cell service availability: Unlike many wilderness areas, certain campgrounds maintain reliable connectivity. Five River Campground provides both cell service and WiFi, which one reviewer noted is "the best we have had on the road."
Pet policies: Seneca Shadows and most other campgrounds welcome pets, but restrictions apply at some locations. A reviewer at Smoke Hole Caverns mentioned, "When we got here, we read signs about 'no pets', but they didn't ask when making the reservation, so we had no idea until a few days after being here."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Five River Campground offers family-friendly activities and amenities. A camper mentioned, "There's a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground."
Swimming areas: Safe water access points exist at several campgrounds for children. At Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground, "across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks."
Bicycle-friendly terrain: Level campgrounds provide safe areas for children to ride. Five River Campground "is a pretty level area so riding bicycles around the campground and even into town are doable."
Convenience access: Some locations offer easy access to supplies. A reviewer at Revelle's River Resort mentioned they have "a small convenient store that's well stocked with the basics."
Campground activities: Organized events can entertain children during longer stays. At Revelle's River Resort, "They have weekend activities for guests," which can help keep families engaged.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most RV parks offer reasonably level spaces. At Double G Campground, "Nice full hook up sites and cable TV. Staff was very friendly. Firewood is abundant, good quality, and cheap."
Navigation challenges: Mountain roads require cautious driving. A camper at Five River Campground advised, "There are areas of steep elevation and grade getting to Parsons."
Hookup reliability: Full-service connections work well at most established RV parks in Belington, West Virginia. A visitor to CAMP73ROCKST☆R simply noted it as a "Safe place to pull over for the night right of interstate."
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations on larger vehicles. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground recommends "RV's 30 foot or less" for their riverside sites.
Seasonal availability: Year-round RV camping is available at select locations. Riverside Cabins and RV Park operates "all year" according to their listing information.
