Tent camping at Bluestone Lake spans across West Virginia's rugged southern terrain, with elevations around 1,400 feet creating cool evening conditions even in summer months. Multiple primitive sites operate under the management of both state parks and wildlife management areas, requiring self-registration at many locations. Camping areas typically open from April through October, with most closing for winter.
What to do
Fishing access points: Stone Cliff Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities directly from campsites. "We came here to fish and ended up hiking and climbing. There is no wrong turn here!" notes Carrie J., highlighting the versatility of activities available from this riverside location.
Boat rental options: Bluestone State Park features marina services for water exploration. "There is a marina where we got to rent a boat and the catfish were plentiful," shares Mike T. from Old Mill Campground, adding that the lake offers "great time on the water" for visitors.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking options surround the camping areas, from riverside paths to forest routes. At Stone Cliff Campground, campers appreciate that "There is a great trail nearby that runs along the river" according to James A., making it convenient to explore the area without driving.
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds provide swimming access for cooling off during hot summer days. "We enjoyed hiking the trails, swimming in the lake and sitting by our campfire," reports Chelsey R. about her experience at Old Mill Campground, where natural swimming opportunities complement other outdoor activities.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Most tent camping areas around Bluestone Lake provide peaceful settings away from crowds. At Meadow Creek Campground, one camper observed "Watched a cluster of fireflies that looked like a lightning storm," demonstrating the natural tranquility found at sites throughout the region.
Level campsites: Many camping areas feature relatively flat terrain suitable for comfortable tent setup. Meadow Creek offers "17 sites, all free FCFS tent only sites... Sites are flat, large and spaced out," according to Casey L., though she notes "the trees are very newly planted so they provide no shade or privacy."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting creates opportunities for wildlife encounters. At Walnut Flats Campground, Amber A. mentions "Lots of wildlife too" while describing the camping experience, making it appealing for nature enthusiasts seeking animal sightings.
Clean facilities: Though facilities vary by location, several campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "The campground is very nice and well kept!" shares Chelsey R. about Old Mill Campground, while noting that "The ladies working at the check-in office were absolutely the sweetest and extremely helpful."
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Several campgrounds sit near active railroad tracks with frequent train traffic. Meadow Creek campers report trains "go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations," according to Casey L., making earplugs advisable for light sleepers.
Limited amenities: Most tent sites offer basic facilities with few luxuries. "No water and no electric. There is a river nearby but it has a very strong current," notes David about Meadow Creek Campground, emphasizing the need to bring all necessary supplies.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require specific vehicles or navigation. At Camp Success, Sue B. observed "Vault M/F toilet, BYOTP. No hookups and I didn't see a water spigot," highlighting the primitive conditions typical at many area campgrounds.
Seasonal facilities: Bathrooms and water sources may be inconsistent throughout the season. Jeff E. noted at Old Mill Campground that "The bathhouse is open air over half of it. Had no soap or toilet paper and the toilets were all plugged up," suggesting visitors should bring their own supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety precautions: While water access is available at multiple sites, currents can present hazards. "The river has a very strong current," warns David about waters near Meadow Creek Campground, suggesting closer supervision for children near water features.
Wildlife education opportunities: Several locations offer rich natural environments for learning. "Great simple site representative of this part of the country," notes Amber A. about Walnut Flats, where families can explore local ecosystems together.
Easy hiking options: Numerous family-friendly trails exist around the camping areas. Amber A. reports that near Walnut Flats there are "Good hikes nearby, nothing too difficult and all are beautiful," making them suitable for younger hikers.
Beach camping: Some sites offer sandy areas ideal for family recreation. At Stone Cliff, Kaylee F. describes "4 nice spots down on the beach" where children can play, though she "opted against these since we didn't want to clean sand out of everything when we packed up."
Tips from RVers
Site restrictions: Some locations have recently changed their RV policies. David notes that at Meadow Creek, "The ranger informed us someone who stayed here in a rv had a close call crossing the train tracks and now they have decided to make this campground a tent only place."
Access road limitations: Several campgrounds require specific vehicle capabilities. Stephanie J. warns that Walnut Flats has a "road up [that] needs a 4x4," limiting accessibility for larger RVs or those without appropriate clearance.
Weather preparedness: Wind exposure affects some camping areas particularly strongly. One camper at Meadow Creek reports "The wind here is also very strong and without strong anchors could easily pull up your tent," which would similarly affect RV awnings and outdoor setups.
For the best tent camping near Bluestone Lake, visitors should prioritize advance planning during peak seasons and prepare for primitive conditions at most locations. The reward for this preparation is access to exceptional water recreation, fishing, and natural surroundings with relatively few crowds compared to more developed camping destinations.
