3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers pets-allowed camping with electric and non-electric sites across two loops. Dogs must remain on leashes throughout the campground areas, where spacious sites provide access to clean bathhouses with showers. The trails within the park accommodate leashed pets on most paths. Many sites back up to forested areas providing shade and natural settings for pet walks. Sites on the outer loop provide better privacy for pets who may be reactive to passing foot traffic. Bears occasionally visit the campground area requiring proper food storage to protect pets and wildlife.
Dolly Sods Backcountry permits pets on its extensive trail system with proper waste management required. The free dispersed camping areas allow dogs but have no designated pet facilities or waste stations. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed camping areas provide pet-friendly primitive sites without facilities, ideal for self-sufficient campers with animals. Nearby pet-friendly attractions include trails around Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley. Local towns of Davis and Thomas offer pet supply stores and limited veterinary services. Seasonal considerations include muddy conditions in spring and tick prevention in warmer months. Five River Campground provides additional pet-friendly options with tent, RV, and yurt accommodations open year-round. Visitors frequently spot deer roaming through campsites in early morning and evening hours, requiring dogs to be controlled.
"This campground is the highest in West Virginia, it has a total of 65 campsites 30 of which are electric and 35 are non-electric."
"Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/ Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."
from $50 / night
"Exercise area for pets is huge. Within five minutes a local grocery store. I love this campground and hope to return for the blue grass festival next year."
"Lots of happy, courteous kids and well-behaved dogs on leashes. Our pups loved it, especially swimming! We appreciated the poop bags and trash cans convos fly located around the campground."
from $15 / night
"road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"
"The one downside, if you are into privacy, is that all of the sites are RIGHT NEXT to that dirt road, so others will be driving past your site."
"Campground Review: Canaan Valley State Park and Resort, Davis, West Virginia The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season."
"There’s a centrally located bath house with flush toilets and hot showers. Many of the sites are pull-through with parking parallel to the loop road."
from $20 - $45 / night
"Having visited Dolly Sods numerous times at the Red Creek Campground, using that as the base camp to launch off to explore the myriad of trails."
"We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow."
"Great place to connect with family in the wide open spaces of West Virginia. Very nice bathroom facilities,no bath house but plenty of water."
"If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $125 / night
"I'm mobility impaired and it was just my dog and I. The guys were super helpful bringing the wheelbarrow of wood to me, which would have been difficult for me."
"Only toilet facility is an outside port-o-potty but they have spray, tp, hand sanitizer and seems well kept."
from $20 - $55 / night
"There is a trailhead on forest rd 162 with miles of hiking with a hand full of trails to choose. We arrived around 4PM on a Sunday. Plenty of sites to choose from. Was about half full."
"simply would not like it all, but might be ideal for your purposes, such as two or three areas where there is essentially a big field with a short loop road with maybe half a dozen campsites right next to"
"I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen."
"West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $65 / night
"We did have a pet friendly site reserved but found out after we arrived that dogs are not allowed out of the campground."
"Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs camped on the site in 1918, and 1921."
from $22 - $33 / night
TravelerThere aren't many spots... everything is off of the road. The road quality is good though. There's a very large parking area for room for an RV or many cars to camp. It's been very quiet. Not many people out here or who come down the road. There are some hunters who come here but didn't have any issues. Not a place I would stay more than a night. Not much privacy.
TravelerLovely little campground in a beautiful forest, with a great waterfall hike walkable to the campground. I stayed in Garrett in October and it was still packed full of people, which for me was nice because I like feeling like I'm in a community of campers. But the sites were super close together, basically right now the main drag, not very private, especially without leaf cover, and a little smaller than I expected. But well kept, in more forest than I was expecting, and I enjoyed myself. The canyon trail was mobbed, but it was a stunning weekend so that's not surprising. Bathrooms in the offseason could have used a bit more attention, but they weren't too bad.
TravelerNice open field off a fire access road. Need four wheel drive to access but has some great views.
TravelerGreat place if you want to off road a little and have an amazing view to wake up and go to sleepp too. Would definitely do this again!
TravelerBeautiful camping sites along the river! This is a small State Park, but packs a punch with some beautiful trails, and direct river access from almost half of the sites. Nice camp store and heated, full bath houses with showers. Note that sites are gravel….so if tenting bring a cot and/or some extra cushioning. Wi fi is available within close range of the camp store. I was at Site #8.
TravelerGenerous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
GuideThere are numerous Md. State DNR Campsites along Savage River Road.. No hookups but water may be available at Big Run State Park. These campsites are remote and very private for the most part. Some may be able to accomodate trailers and RV's for dry camping. Check MD DNR WEBSITE for more info
TravelerThere are 25 or so established sights at Mower Basin and you're bound to find one with an incredible view of the mountains. Sight 12 took my breath away, but unfortunately as a tent camper the wind pushed us down to the lake sight just passed it. It was close to the road but still felt private. Everyone who passed our sight was very friendly. It's a gorgeous place, and from someone who's never been to Virginia, it was the perfect place to have my first experience. We will probably go back when we are heading back down south.
TravelerYou read that right. All the plans to arrive earlier went out the window and I pulled into the road well after sunset. Able to navigate well enough with recent rainfalls so road was pitted and rocky. Somewhat drove past lake and found pre-utilized spot. Nice ground for set up and plenty of room for vehicle in/egress. The 2:20am howl of the eastern coyote caught me off guard; definitely inside a mile. He traveled because at 2:40am he met his buddies and had a howl-fest in the far distance. By day light I was able to explore and see some great lake sites you would enjoy. Highly recommended. No cell service.
Dispersed camping options near Thomas, West Virginia offer scenic alternatives to established campgrounds. At elevations between 2,500-4,000 feet, the area receives significant rainfall and maintains cooler temperatures even in summer months. Spring brings muddy trail conditions while fall delivers spectacular foliage displays along with temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
Tackle challenging hikes: At Dolly Sods Backcountry, trails traverse varied terrain from rocky ridges to boggy meadows. "The trails can be muddy and rocky but a gorgeous area. Bear country so bring a cannister or hang your food," notes Megan B. The landscape changes dramatically across short distances.
Enjoy water activities: Fishing opportunities abound near Thomas with catch-and-release areas along riverfront campgrounds. At Horseshoe Recreation Area, "There is a large maintained field in the middle of the campground that you can play frisbee, soccer, football, etc... Make sure to bring a swimming suit too because there is an awesome swimming hole in the nearby stream," suggests Adam W.
Explore small mountain towns: The towns near Thomas offer unique experiences beyond camping. "Spent the day in Thomas looking at local art & antiques. The evening in Davis eating at hellbender burritos. Hiked some cool trails in the park and to see the falls," shares one camper who stayed at Blackwater Falls State Park.
Dark night skies: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, campers enjoy unobstructed views. "The sky was absolutely perfect to view from the campground - you could bring a telescope!" notes one reviewer at Blackwater Falls.
Uncrowded camping spots: Finding secluded sites requires timing and exploration. "We arrived in the late afternoon and found a very pleasant back-in spot about a mile or so in. Hiked a few of the nearby trails. Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs," reports Scott R. about Canaan Loop Road.
River access for cooling off: Many campgrounds provide direct water access. At Five River Campground, "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," mentions one reviewer, while another adds "The river melody is loud enough to drown out most other distant noises. Our stay was peaceful and serene."
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly throughout the year. "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites," reports Jacob about Canaan Loop Road, while another camper warns, "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered."
Shower availability: Many dispersed sites lack facilities while established campgrounds offer varying amenities. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, "The shower and bathrooms were spotless," mentions Sienna L., contrasting with primitive options.
Road conditions: Access to some pet friendly camping near Thomas, West Virginia requires careful driving. "Road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine," notes Lillian R. about Canaan Loop, while another adds "The last mile or two you need a 4x4."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Thomas, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Thomas, WV is Blackwater Falls State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 55 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Thomas, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 109 dog-friendly camping locations near Thomas, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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