134 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Bowden, West Virginia range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites within the Monongahela National Forest. Revelle's River Resort in Bowden offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations with river access. Five River Campground in nearby Parsons provides year-round camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites. The region's camping landscape includes primitive options like Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping in Whitmer, where free camping is available with minimal amenities. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront locations along rivers and streams, with many sites nestled in the mountainous terrain characteristic of eastern West Virginia.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigation on gravel or dirt roads with potholes. The camping season generally runs from April through October at most developed sites, though some areas like Five River Campground remain open year-round. Weather in this mountainous region can change rapidly, with afternoon rain showers common in summer months and cooler temperatures at higher elevations even during warm seasons. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many camping locations, particularly in more remote areas. Permits and reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays. One camper noted, "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."
The mountainous terrain provides campers with access to numerous outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Many campgrounds are situated along rivers, offering opportunities for swimming, tubing, and fishing. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, about 20 miles northeast of Bowden, features waterfall views and hiking trails with long valley vistas. Campers frequently mention the abundance of wildlife, with deer commonly seen wandering through campsites in the early morning and evening hours. Several visitors highlighted the pristine rivers and streams as standout features of camping in this region. Reviews consistently mention the friendly and helpful campground staff throughout the area. During peak summer weekends, campgrounds can fill quickly, particularly those with river access or electric hookups, making advance planning essential for prime camping spots.
"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through"
"Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site."
"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."
from $17 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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"
"It’s a nice base camp if you don’t mind driving to other trails nearby. Visit in spring with mountain laurel, rhododendrons, etc. are blooming in the nearby lands, it’s like nothing else!"
"You can either walk through or climb these boulders. The area has several great hiking and mountains biking trails."
"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."
"It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia). Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like. "
"The Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground."
from $15 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food. Service there was great. Bathrooms were older but very clean. Plenty of hot water."
"This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around."
"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."
"West Virginia is a state for anyone who enjoys the outdoors!!!! There are tons of out door activities! We recently camped 3 nights at Canaan Valley! We had a great time!"
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis place is beautiful! I loved seeing all the wildlife! My daughter and I enjoyed walking the entire campground looking for Bigfoot.😉 we loved waking up the next morning to having squirrels, chipmunks, deer and birds on our campsite. We stayed on site 14
ScoutSuper remote camp spot! The drive to the forest road was a little tight and windy for an inexperienced mountain driver as myself. Wouldn't want to do it at night.
Most camp spots are on loops of more group camping with 4-6 sites at each loop and I believe there were 3 or 4 loops. Not my cup of tea, too fish bowl for me and way too exposed. Outside of the loops, there were 8-10 sites that were more my style, with the one we stayed at was just right! The most perfect spot in the whole place (for our preferences) we were literally on a babbling creek. Couldn't get any closer. Had direct access to water for washing and other needs. However I read in a brochure to not drink the water without boiling for 3 minutes because the area has giardia.
Saw a lot of people headed further down creek to fish for trout. No cell service for about 20 minutes. We had to drive back to route 33 and the halfway to Elkins to catch a sliver of cell service.
If you are staying at camp and brought everything you need, you're golden. There are lots of things to occupy yourself with exploring. 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. When we got up the next morning to leave, most spots were open. We stayed until mid day on Friday. Action was definitely picking up. Saw more people, more kids and louder noises. We are definitely Sunday to Thursday campers. I want to camp without knowing the neighbors are there. When leaving on Friday most sites were taken.
Had no problems finding plenty of fallen kindling for our fire. We found a great roadside house on route 33 that was selling firewood in their front yard for only $10 a "row" as they called it. We got 2 rows because we werent sure what to expect when we got there. We built a good hearty fire every morning and every evening and still had firewood we left there since there was so much accessible resources.
We ended up doing a lot of "tourist" experiences that was a bit of a drive to get to due to my inexperience in driving in the mountains. The drives were usually 30 minutes to an hour and a half. But well worth the drive.
Elkins is the closest place to "civilization" (north on 33) we went there for cheap gas, ice, and the grocery store. Didn't explore Elkins as it was too "city" for us. We wanted more remote experiences.
Harman was the next closest place (south on 33) not much for exploring, but they have a dollar general (what remote town doesn't have a dollar general?) and a place for gas
Continue on 33 south and hit Seneca Rocks! Such a beautiful sight to see! Also have the oldest general store built in 1902 and Yokums country store. Its like going back in time. Both tourist traps but worth the experience. We went to the recreation area with river access so beautiful to see the cliffs upclose and personal. If you are a climber this is the place for you. We are hikers. But enjoyed the views.
Continuing on 33 south there is smoke hole caverns. Another tourist trap but fun. For $20 you get a cavern tour tack on a little more if you want to go gem "panning" and get a bag of dirt to find gems. Or putt putt. Giant gift shop. Someone said it was the largest gift shop in West Virginia.
From Seneca Rocks if you head west on 28 it will take you past Seneca Caverns. They were closed for the summer due to blasting nearby.
Continuing on 28 west you then come to one of my favorite spots. Spruce Knob. The highest elevation in all of West Virginia, gorgeous views all around! Terrible observation tower that you cant see anything due to trees. Nice picnic area. Going down the other side of the mountain Spruce Knob lake, lots more trail heads AND a fantastic dispersed camping area! Seneca Creek backcountry. Didn't camp here. Will camp here next time. All dirt roads down the other side of the mountain. But so worth the adventure!
From camp and going to Harman take 32 east and that will take you to Canaan Valley state park, didn't explore too much but access to a lot more hiking
Then you come to Davis WV one of the cutest little towns ever! Very developed for back country but very very quaint. The davis depot has some camping/hiking clothes and lots of tourist items with t-shirts stickers and such. But great designs. Spent a hunk of change here. Has a grocery store and a dollar general. And a hiking, camping, backpacking store. Has gear, clothes, shoes, you name it. Had an issue with my hiking boots. Got good quality boots here! There are several small boutique stores a couple of restaurants a brewery and a bicycle shop.
Last point of interest I'll address, on the other side of Davis, Blackwater State Park. Easy in intermediate hiking here did most of our hiking here. Gorgeous falls. 3 to be exact. Nice overlooks. Nice recreation center for the kids. Near Canaan loop rd.[Canaan loop rd has dispersed camping too. This is where I had planned on camping when we came to WV and ended up over in Glady. However, I was told by the guy at the camp store in Davis that it was closed. I cannot confirm this. But just definitely check into it before solidifying plans]
My preferences for camping are not usually the whole tourist thing. But WV has so much to offer I just couldn't get enough! So we kept trekking out to see more. The drive is a lot and was a whole day's journey round trip with spending time at those locations but so worth it. Not that far of a drive in the scheme of things
Will come back to this area over and over for all the dispersed camping options and for all the sights and experiences packed in such a small area.
TravelerThere were at least 12 numbered sites. Free dispersed camping. 14 day limit. Most sites had sun so you could have solar. Some sites were very private tucked far off the gravel road. All sites were very spaced out. Very quiet.
TravelerI used the coordinates and it took me to a campground that charges $15 a day. They weren’t private being right on the gravel road. There were tables,pits and the shepherds hook in each one. There were some that were on the river. There were toilets. I didn’t use them so I can’t say anything more about them. Not much sun thru the dense trees for solar. I kept driving around the forest on FR227 and came upon a whole nother set of labeled dispersed campsites that were very private and have open areas for solar. They were numbered. There were at least 12 that I saw.
ScoutThe biggest problem with the WV state parks is the cancellation policy. Make sure you check it out. Bath houses are decent. Shower had hot water and good pressure. Most of the sites are not level 1-9 are the best sites by far. Poor drainage when raining.
ScoutThe surroundings are beautiful as is the Campground. No water or sewer so be prepared for that. The shower/laundry/bathroom building is centrally located and immaculate.
ScoutAbsolutely no service here cell or internet. We have a starlink so are connected if needed Stayed at the furthest site removed from anyone. Very beautiful.
GuideRelaxed and quiet campground. No hookups Fire rings And a stream
TravelerI’m a new car camper and my mom and I took a day trip out to check out the sites. When I tell you this is the most beautiful, secluded, peaceful camping site I truly couldn’t have asked for a better find!! I did however (like an idiot) end up going waaay too far down the trail (aka the whole 18 miles) and THANK GOD I drive a 4 runner!! That road gets pretty sketchy in most spots the further you go down but I somehow (by the grace of God) made it through the whole thing IN TWO WHEEL DRIVE!! ugh may never do that again but the camping is fantastic!! If you wanna check out more of the off-roading aspect I recommend checking out nolimitbmore on youtube! Will be spending most of my summer & fall here!!
Camping spots near Bowden, West Virginia range in elevation from 1,750 to 4,863 feet across the Monongahela National Forest region. The area's unique microclimate creates frequent temperature variations, with mountain locations typically 10-15 degrees cooler than valley campgrounds even in summer. The region features over 200 miles of fishable streams with native brook trout and stocked rainbow trout accessible from multiple camping areas.
Fishing at Shavers Fork River: At Five River Campground in Parsons, campers can access excellent fishing opportunities. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," notes one camper who enjoyed the riverside location just 20 minutes from Bowden.
Explore unique rock formations: The Bear Heaven area features distinctive boulder formations for climbing and exploration. "Right beside the camp ground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders," explains a visitor to Bear Heaven Campground.
Visit Bickel Knob fire tower: Located a short drive from Bear Heaven Campground, this tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. One reviewer mentioned it's "just a few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower," making it a convenient side trip for campers.
Night sky viewing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create ideal stargazing conditions. A camper at Spruce Knob Lake Campground noted you'll "truly get away" with "a truly dark sky" perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
Riverside camping sites: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at multiple locations. At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, "each site is secluded and creek front" according to one reviewer who stayed at "the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between camping spots. At Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, a camper reported: "Arrived 8 May for a week. Nice and cool. 4 to 8 other campers. No one next to me. There were a couple of small groups, like two rigs together. Nice and quiet."
Wildlife encounters: Dawn and dusk wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region. A visitor to Revelle's River Resort in Bowden described it as "beautiful" with a campsite "right against the river with full hookups" in an area where deer are commonly seen.
Local breweries and restaurants: The nearby towns offer dining and refreshment options after outdoor activities. "Go into the town of Davis and there is a local brewery and some great food. Sirianni's has the best pizza, pasta and salads you will ever find," recommends a Canaan Valley camper.
Road access varies significantly: Some campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. A Spruce Knob Lake visitor advised: "Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away. Make sure you have what you need because it's a long way to a spot to resupply!"
Campground facilities differ widely: From primitive to full-service, know what to expect. At Audra State Park Campground, a camper noted, "As state parks go, it is spartan. For some reason, the state doesn't put too much money into this park. You will not enjoy wifi...but there is a payphone outside the campground."
Weather changes quickly: Mountain elevations experience rapid weather shifts. One Blackwater Falls visitor warned, "Choose your site wisely!" after experiencing significant rain during their stay.
Reservation policies vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. Five River Campground in Parsons remains open year-round with full hookups, making it one of the few all-season options in the region.
Swimming holes for children: Natural water features provide cooling recreation in summer. At Audra State Park Campground, "Across the road is a day use area for swimming and tubing - bring your own or rent one. The camp has a decent bath house and playground."
Playgrounds and open spaces: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A Canaan Valley visitor mentioned "a large open field with a play area near the campground" perfect for kids to run and play.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers and ranger programs enhance family camping experiences. "There's a nature center by a small lake. You can fish there & they have kayaks to rent," noted a Blackwater Falls visitor, adding activities suitable for different age groups.
Family-friendly hiking options: Choose trails appropriate for children's abilities. At Seneca Shadows, a camper appreciated that "You can just roll in, set up & hit the most amazing trails!!" with options suitable for various fitness levels.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose campgrounds with appropriate access and space. At Five River Campground, an RVer observed it "can accommodate tents to large rigs" and "is a pretty level area so riding bicycles around the campground and even into town are doable."
Hookup availability: Plan for your power and water needs. A visitor to Canaan Valley noted, "The campsite was full hookup & very inexpensive!!!! Plenty of trees providing shade!"
Dump station locations: Know where services are available. One RVer at Blackwater Falls pointed out a potential issue: "The dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing," suggesting bringing extra water for rinsing.
Maneuvering challenges: Be prepared for tight turns at some locations. A reviewer warned that at Audra State Park, "Big/long RV's (driven or pulled) have difficulty navigating this narrow, curvy campground road pocked with rocky outcroppings. Park in the day use parking by the bridge or picnic area and scout it out first."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bowden, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bowden, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Bowden, WV and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bowden, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bowden, WV is Blackwater Falls State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 55 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bowden, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Bowden, WV.
What parks are near Bowden, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Bowden, WV that allow camping, notably Monongahela National Forest and Burnsville Lake.
Keep Exploring
