Gail G.
Traveler
TravelerKrodel Park Campground
okay for overnight
Had full hookups, but poor water pressure. Campground in city park, even had a splash pad and was quiet
Best Campgrounds in West Virginia
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The mountainous terrain of West Virginia provides diverse camping experiences ranging from developed state parks to remote wilderness sites. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground in Davis offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and modern amenities, operating from late April through October. Seneca Shadows, located in Monongahela National Forest, features spectacular views of Seneca Rocks with separate areas for RVs and a large tent-only meadow. Harpers Ferry Campground serves as a convenient base for Appalachian Trail hikers and history enthusiasts, with proximity to the historic town and water activities on the Potomac River.
Weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions throughout the state, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. As one camper noted, "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts, but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt." Many campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October or early November, with limited winter options. Cell service remains spotty or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly in the mountainous regions and along trails. Winding mountain roads can be challenging to navigate, especially after dark, with several reviewers mentioning wildlife encounters while driving to campgrounds.
Wildlife sightings rank high among visitor experiences, with deer commonly observed at dawn and dusk. Bears are present throughout the region, requiring proper food storage precautions. According to a visitor at Greenbrier River Trail, "This is bear country, so we kept all our food items and toiletries in a bear cannister during our trip." Riverside campsites are particularly sought after, with locations along the Greenbrier River and near Spruce Knob Lake receiving consistently positive reviews. The state's extensive rail-trail system provides unique bikepacking and camping opportunities, with primitive sites positioned along former railroad corridors. Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at state parks despite limited budgets, with clean bathrooms and helpful staff highlighted in numerous reviews.
Best Camping Sites in West Virginia (344)
1. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
55 ReviewsDavis, WVWebsite+1 (304) 259-5216$50 / night
"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."
"This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."
2. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
41 ReviewsHarpers Ferry, WVWebsite+1 (304) 535-6895$40 - $80 / night
"We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "
"We were able to walk or ride our bikes to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and access the C+O Canal Tow Path from there."
3. Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
35 ReviewsDellslow, WVWebsite+1 (304) 594-1561$25 - $48 / night
"This is the largest state forest in West Virginia, it has a total of 25 sites that vary in their privacy. Each site has electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire grates, and utility post."
"There is also a small laundry room with dishwashing sink behind the bathhouse. Both ice and firewood are sold onsite."
4. Audra State Park Campground
33 ReviewsVolga, WVWebsite+1 (304) 457-1162"Audra State Park, is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the journey. Tucked away, just outside of Buckhannon, WV...home of West Virginia Wesleyan College."
"v=VLUEBlIxHpo) Trails undulate with the terrain. The short trail within the campground area is steep in areas but offers some nice views."
5. Seneca Shadows
32 ReviewsSeneca Rocks, WVWebsite+1 (304) 567-3082$17 - $65 / night
"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."
6. Rifrafters Campground
32 ReviewsFayetteville, WVWebsite+1 (304) 574-1065$15 - $50 / night
"Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."
"They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."
7. Five River Campground
27 ReviewsParsons, WVWebsite+1 (304) 478-3515$15 / night
"This is a hidden gem right outside of town. We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups."
"It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town."
8. Babcock State Park Campground
28 ReviewsWinona, WVWebsite+1 (304) 438-3004$33 / night
"The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."
"Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"
9. Middle Ridge Campground
26 ReviewsRomney, WVWebsite+1 (304) 822-8020"It is not near a main highway unless you call Route 50 through Romney a main highway. It is west of town up a curved mountain road. It is on the top area of "Middle Ridge" mountain. "
"Very positive experience."
10. Kanawha State Forest
27 ReviewsHernshaw, WVWebsite+1 (304) 558-3500$35 - $40 / night
"Tucked away in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by the constant reminder of wildlife around. I stayed for the very start of spring. The world was covered in the brightest green moss."
"Kanawha state forest is nestled in the mountainous Hills of West by God Virginia right on the outskirts of Charleston. There is plenty of hiking in Kanawha state forest."
Recent Camping Photos in West Virginia
657 Photos of 344 West Virginia Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews in West Virginia
1573 Reviews of 344 West Virginia Campgrounds
- EEric W.
GuideSummer Wind RV Park
Super convenient & peaceful
An exceptional setting, this RV park is conveniently located next to I-64 in the mountains of WV. While during the day one can hear the traffic, it’s not that bad, and it’s not loud at night. The park sits adjacent to a cattle ranch nestled in the mountains. All arrangements are made via text and payments are made via cash or Venmo. You definitely get a sense of community with the other campers here as all seem to be very courteous and cordial at the time of my stay. Sites are gravel and fairly level. A very clean and well kept bathhouse is on the premises. Laundry can also be done here with a load costing $2 to wash and $2 to dry. Currently there is no camp host but the park does have quite the surveillance camera set up. WiFi is also available and it works extremely well! All sites are pull-thru. I only planned to stay for one night but enjoyed it so much I decided to stay for two. I most certainly will be staying here during my next trip through WV!
Jonathan G.TravelerBee Run Campground — Sutton Lake
Quiet quick stop off the highway
We picked this spot because we were trying to make some miles on our way South and it was conveniently close to the highway. Only about 5 minutes off the freeway exit, it was extremely peaceful and quiet. We went to the camping loop a little further up the road rather the more RV oriented area closer to the highway. There were 12 small pull-through spots, suitable for trailers or RVs up to about 30 ft. No facilities other than pit toilets and a single water spigot. First come first served reservations by scanning a QR code on the picnic table at your site. There was a campground host trailer there, but we never saw the host themselves. Only one other camper when we were there. We didn't have time to explore the area much, but it is a national recreation area with a lake and the elk River nearby. There was a sign for a trail leading right out from the campground, we walked it and it quickly disappeared into a network of Little Jeep roads that might have been fun to explore.
- CCasie T.Traveler
Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground
Peaceful and spacious
Stayed with friends at RV6. Non electric spot but huge with a nice fireplace and benches. No picnic table but great views of the river and the peaceful sounds of flowing water. Only toilet facility is an outside port-o-potty but they have spray, tp, hand sanitizer and seems well kept.
David B.
ScoutHolly River State Park Campground
Don’t take the short trip in
Don’t follow the shortest trip using GPS it’ll take you on an old goat path to get here. But back to the campground it’s a really good location. Very very rural out in the middle of nowhere campsites are spaced. Adequately with plenty of shade several small playgrounds in each loop for the kids very quiet family oriented place. This place is so far out in the middle of nowhere they have to pipe the sunshine in.
- CChris F.Guide
Babcock State Park Campground
Quiet, out of the way
We stayed here for 3 nights, occupying site 32. Although is was close to the bath house, I would not recommend this specific site, as it is not very level.(But, there are plenty of other nice sites around the park.) When you arrive, you check in at the small building along Clifftop Rd. They have ice($3/bag) and firewood(skip it...find another place to buy wood as the park's is too green to burn).
The campground is a maze of fairly unmarked roads winding lazily through the trees.(Seriously, put up a sign or two for direction.) The bath house is dated, but relatively clean. Showers take a minute or two to heat up and lack serious pressure, but they work. Sites are generally spaced far enough apart and noise is kept to a minimum. The weekend we were there had a lot of kids riding bikes, playing in the playground and doing kid stuff. Good to see.
The park is out of the way, but only a short drive to the New River Gorge and park system. Cell service was 5G for both Verizon and T-Mobile. The park has wi-fi, but we never needed it.
Vidalia S.
LegendMountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)
Lovely gem
Lovely gem of a campsite close to the highway. Used by atv enthusiasts, the quiet wooded full service campground is clean, quiet, and heavily wooded. Almost empty in July on a weekday. Showers, flush toilets, electric water and pumpout for $30 a night. Non-Electric sites no longer available.
- KKathy C.Traveler
Battle Run
Nice park
This is a core engineer built Park sites are fairly level. Bath houses are old but clean. Electric only at sites. There’s water and a dump station at the entrance of the park. Which makes a little difficult if you here more than a few days and need water, you have to store everything in your motorhome pull in the electric cord, drive out and fill up with water and then come back and get leveled again.
Benji H.ScoutSmoke Hole Canyon
Very remote and beautiful place
This campground is very basic. The area is very remote. Make sure you bring supplies. Going out to eat is at least a 30-minute drive. Floating the loop at Big Bend is one of the best things you can do without traveling away from the camping area. Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, and Seneca Caverns are all within an hour drive.
Guide to West Virginia
Camping in West Virginia offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful state.
What to do
- Hiking and Trails: West Virginia is known for its beautiful trails. At Holly River State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, “Lots of scenery and trails to check out.”
- Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, check out Bulltown Camp — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area. A reviewer said, “Good fishing,” highlighting the lake's appeal.
- Family Activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. One visitor at Cedar Creek State Park Campground noted, “Plenty of playgrounds for the kids.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Stonewall Resort State Park Campground said, “Clean amenities and nice lake views from the campground.”
- Spacious Campsites: Many sites are roomy and well-spaced. One camper at Flatwoods KOA mentioned, “The entire place was full of trees! So different from other KOAs!”
- Natural Beauty: The breathtaking views are a big draw. A visitor at Camp Creek State Park Campground said, “This is a very beautiful campground!! Very peaceful.”
What you should know
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Holly River State Park Campground noted, “Absolutely zero cell service for AT&T and Verizon.”
- Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Cedar Creek State Park Campground operates from April 15 to October 15.
- Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor at Bulltown Camp — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area mentioned, “Loop C did have a few visits from a skunk but he didn’t bother anyone.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Camp Creek State Park Campground said, “The sites are right next to the creek which is very unique and beautiful.”
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Cedar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The trails are decently marked, and the fishing is on point.”
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Flatwoods KOA noted, “Limited amenities (pools at Days Inn).”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Stonewall Resort State Park Campground mentioned, “The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow.”
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A reviewer at Holly River State Park Campground appreciated the “electric hookups.”
- Be Prepared for Weather: Weather can change quickly. One camper at Bulltown Camp — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area shared, “A huge storm rolled through with 40/50 mph winds.”
Camping in West Virginia is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find tent camping opportunities in West Virginia?
Where can I find tent camping opportunities in West Virginia?
Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers exceptional tent camping about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia. This quiet campground has fewer sites than most and is primarily designed for tent camping, with both drive-up and walk-up options. For more primitive experiences, Greenbrier River Trail offers multiple tent camping sites along its 78-mile stretch, perfect for bikepacking adventures. The trail provides remote camping in some of West Virginia's most beautiful landscapes. Coopers Rock State Forest also offers excellent tent camping with options for drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access to campsites.
What are the best campgrounds in West Virginia for families?
What are the best campgrounds in West Virginia for families?
Babcock State Park Campground is a spectacular option for families with its picturesque grist mill (the most photographed place in West Virginia) and well-maintained trails. The park's natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for family adventures. Another excellent choice is Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground, which offers year-round activities in a popular outdoor recreation area. Summer brings hiking opportunities while winter offers skiing. Families should also consider Audra State Park for its family-friendly atmosphere and natural amenities. Most family-friendly campgrounds in West Virginia offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and easy access to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
Are there full hookup RV campgrounds available in West Virginia?
Are there full hookup RV campgrounds available in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia offers several full hookup options for RV campers. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders provides RV sites with convenient access to the spectacular hiking trails that lead to panoramic views above Harpers Ferry. Summer Wind RV Park is another option that caters specifically to RV campers with full hookup capabilities. For those seeking state park options, Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers big-rig-friendly sites with hookups. Many private campgrounds throughout the state offer full electric, water, and sewer connections, typically ranging from $30-60 per night depending on amenities and location.
What are the costs for camping at West Virginia state parks?
What are the costs for camping at West Virginia state parks?
Camping costs at West Virginia state parks vary by location, season, and amenities. At Lake Sherwood, lakeside campsites are available at moderate rates with most sites positioned right on the water. More primitive options like Eagle Rock Campground can be as affordable as $10 per night for tent camping. Most developed state park campgrounds like Tygart Lake, Babcock, and Canaan Valley charge between $20-35 per night for standard sites. Premium sites with electric hookups typically cost $25-40 per night. Some parks offer weekly or monthly rates at a discount. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months and fall foliage season when West Virginia's parks are most popular.
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