Best Campgrounds near Bowden, WV
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.
