Looking for the best campgrounds near Bowden, WV? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Bowden, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Bowden, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$50 / night
Nestled in the scenic hills of West Virginia near the Monongahela National Forest, Five River Campground is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends or to meet new ones! Located on the beautiful and serene banks of the Shavers Fork River it is a prime area to relax or invigorate your spirit with activities centered on the outdoors. Five River Campground serves as a base camp for adventure. We are centrally located to many areas that offer exciting and exhilarating outdoor escapades for the novice or expert alike.
Five River Camp Ground has a 84 full service RV/Camper sites with lots of tent sites and a centrally located bath house with unlimited hot showers, modern restrooms, Laundromat, and two dumping stations. Campsite pedestals are 30/50 amp service. The campground is open year round, however the bath house is only available from April 1st through October 31 annually. Nightly reservations are accepted for anytime except July 10th - August 7th due to Pickin' In Parsons Bluegrass Festival.
All campsites are natural grassy areas within walking distance to over 2,500 feet of natural shoreline on the Shavers Fork River.
Furry, Four legged friends are welcome as long as they are well behaved. We also ask that your keep everyones pet safe by leashing, and cleaning up.
$15 / night
Seneca Shadows Campground overlooks Seneca Rocks and is surrounded by mountains on both the east and west. Hiking and nature study at Seneca Rocks are just a couple of the popular activities in the area. The North Fork South Branch Potomac River is nearby, making fishing a popular pastime. Two local caves beckon ambitious explorers, and the 900-foot high Seneca Rocks can be viewed from most campsites.
Rock climbers and hikers adore Seneca Rocks. Both sports will take visitors to the top of the impressive rocky tops with rewarding views of the mountains and valleys beyond. The hiking trail can be accessed across the street from the Seneca Shadows Campground. Seneca Rocks Visitor Center provides a catch-and-release fishing area, viewing platforms, educational displays and a gift shop.
The campground sits in the river valley within the Monongahela National Forest, which extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations range from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country.
Campers make Seneca Shadows a convenient base camp while traveling through the Potomac Highlands. Explore the scenic roadways, especially when fall colors are at their peak.
$65 / night
As one of the industrial backbones of the country, West Virginia has always been recognized and appreciated for its diverse geography consisting of towering plateaus and endlessly rolling mountain ranges. Located partially between Upshur County and Barbour Country, Audra State Park boasts 355 acres of unspoiled forest, diverse ecosystems, and unique caves and river runs. While much of the surrounding region has suffered the consequences of mining and deforestation, this park preserves 355 regional acres of natural beauty for anyone to enjoy.
Audra State Park has long served locals as an affordable way to recreate, with a variety of fun activities to partake in. Hiking, cycling, fishing, and even geocaching are all common activities that can be easily enjoyed here on a budget. Furthermore, during the summer months, the Middle Fork River comes alive while families, kids and teenagers enjoy the many natural swimming areas available throughout.
Hidden along 3 miles of groomed trails in the park lies Alum Cave, a natural geological rock feature which hangs over the river below. In the winter, large icicle spires form down the cave canopy making this an ideal spot for Photographers.
For those looking for an experience indoors, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the regional wild-life. Nearby, the town of Buckhannon offers an array of small town attractions, including a movie theatre and local eats. If you’re visiting in May, be sure to check out their annual Strawberry Festival!
The campsites are spacious and fully functional for those intending to utilize a tent. Open from April through October, there are 67 available with thirteen of them offering electrical hookups. Furthermore, there are two fully-serviced bathhouses with warm-water showers, and coin-operated laundry available. There is also a well stocked camping store, which offers normal conveniences as well as firewood for purchase. All reservations are first come first serve, so be sure to make your plans well in advance.
Spruce Knob Lake Campground is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful setting with easy access to boating on the lake and hiking through the mountainous region. Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. A stone and steel observation tower is perched atop the peak, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the area.
Sixty miles of picturesque hiking trails crisscross the region, and the campground provides direct access to the pleasant 1-mile Big Bend River Loop. Trout fishing is available nearby at 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake, and in surrounding creeks. Facilities at the lake include a small boat ramp, parking area and vault toilets. A wooden pier along the shoreline provides barrier-free access to the lake.No swimming is allowed.
The campground is situated on a wooded ridge overlooking the lake. To the east is 4,863' Spruce Knob. The vegetation atop Spruce Knob has adapted to a harsh, exposed environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants cover the ground. Due to its location, the campground may experience cold fogs and strong winds year-round.
The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles Spruce Knob and provides panoramic views of the beautiful area.
$18 / night
Red Creek Campground is a primitive, small campground that sits on top of the Allegheny Plateau and within the Dolly Sods Scenic Area. The climate and plant life here resembles Northern Canada. A stones throw from the campground is Dolly Sods Wilderness which offers a unique wilderness hiking opportunity for those looking for adventure. This area features unique scenery and unusual plant communities. Flowering laurel, rhododendron and azaleas highlight this area from May through June. Huckleberry picking is popular during the month of July. And for those looking for wildlife, bird banding is performed in late summer and during the fall. Located approximately 20 miles northwest from Petersburg, West Virginia and 24 miles north of Seneca Rocks.
$20 - $45 / night
Stay on designated trails. Do not create new trails Camp at existing campsites. These usually have a fire ring and show bare ground around them. If you camp at a place without a fire ring DO NOT create one. Use a backpacker-type stove for your cooking needs and enjoy a night without a campfire.
Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5152038.pdf The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. For more information, see Dolly Sods Wilderness Brochure, Trail Map, and Expansion Map.
Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of roads, streams and trails. Dolly Sods Wilderness has 47 miles of trails, many of which follow old railroad grades and logging roads. There are fords on some of the trails that may be a problem to cross during high water events. There may be additional small stream crossings as well.
$50 / night
Nestled in the scenic hills of West Virginia near the Monongahela National Forest, Five River Campground is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends or to meet new ones! Located on the beautiful and serene banks of the Shavers Fork River it is a prime area to relax or invigorate your spirit with activities centered on the outdoors. Five River Campground serves as a base camp for adventure. We are centrally located to many areas that offer exciting and exhilarating outdoor escapades for the novice or expert alike.
Five River Camp Ground has a 84 full service RV/Camper sites with lots of tent sites and a centrally located bath house with unlimited hot showers, modern restrooms, Laundromat, and two dumping stations. Campsite pedestals are 30/50 amp service. The campground is open year round, however the bath house is only available from April 1st through October 31 annually. Nightly reservations are accepted for anytime except July 10th - August 7th due to Pickin' In Parsons Bluegrass Festival.
All campsites are natural grassy areas within walking distance to over 2,500 feet of natural shoreline on the Shavers Fork River.
Furry, Four legged friends are welcome as long as they are well behaved. We also ask that your keep everyones pet safe by leashing, and cleaning up.
$15 / night
Seneca Shadows Campground overlooks Seneca Rocks and is surrounded by mountains on both the east and west. Hiking and nature study at Seneca Rocks are just a couple of the popular activities in the area. The North Fork South Branch Potomac River is nearby, making fishing a popular pastime. Two local caves beckon ambitious explorers, and the 900-foot high Seneca Rocks can be viewed from most campsites.
Rock climbers and hikers adore Seneca Rocks. Both sports will take visitors to the top of the impressive rocky tops with rewarding views of the mountains and valleys beyond. The hiking trail can be accessed across the street from the Seneca Shadows Campground. Seneca Rocks Visitor Center provides a catch-and-release fishing area, viewing platforms, educational displays and a gift shop.
The campground sits in the river valley within the Monongahela National Forest, which extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations range from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country.
Campers make Seneca Shadows a convenient base camp while traveling through the Potomac Highlands. Explore the scenic roadways, especially when fall colors are at their peak.
$65 / night
As one of the industrial backbones of the country, West Virginia has always been recognized and appreciated for its diverse geography consisting of towering plateaus and endlessly rolling mountain ranges. Located partially between Upshur County and Barbour Country, Audra State Park boasts 355 acres of unspoiled forest, diverse ecosystems, and unique caves and river runs. While much of the surrounding region has suffered the consequences of mining and deforestation, this park preserves 355 regional acres of natural beauty for anyone to enjoy.
Audra State Park has long served locals as an affordable way to recreate, with a variety of fun activities to partake in. Hiking, cycling, fishing, and even geocaching are all common activities that can be easily enjoyed here on a budget. Furthermore, during the summer months, the Middle Fork River comes alive while families, kids and teenagers enjoy the many natural swimming areas available throughout.
Hidden along 3 miles of groomed trails in the park lies Alum Cave, a natural geological rock feature which hangs over the river below. In the winter, large icicle spires form down the cave canopy making this an ideal spot for Photographers.
For those looking for an experience indoors, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the regional wild-life. Nearby, the town of Buckhannon offers an array of small town attractions, including a movie theatre and local eats. If you’re visiting in May, be sure to check out their annual Strawberry Festival!
The campsites are spacious and fully functional for those intending to utilize a tent. Open from April through October, there are 67 available with thirteen of them offering electrical hookups. Furthermore, there are two fully-serviced bathhouses with warm-water showers, and coin-operated laundry available. There is also a well stocked camping store, which offers normal conveniences as well as firewood for purchase. All reservations are first come first serve, so be sure to make your plans well in advance.
Spruce Knob Lake Campground is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful setting with easy access to boating on the lake and hiking through the mountainous region. Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. A stone and steel observation tower is perched atop the peak, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the area.
Sixty miles of picturesque hiking trails crisscross the region, and the campground provides direct access to the pleasant 1-mile Big Bend River Loop. Trout fishing is available nearby at 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake, and in surrounding creeks. Facilities at the lake include a small boat ramp, parking area and vault toilets. A wooden pier along the shoreline provides barrier-free access to the lake.No swimming is allowed.
The campground is situated on a wooded ridge overlooking the lake. To the east is 4,863' Spruce Knob. The vegetation atop Spruce Knob has adapted to a harsh, exposed environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants cover the ground. Due to its location, the campground may experience cold fogs and strong winds year-round.
The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles Spruce Knob and provides panoramic views of the beautiful area.
$18 / night
Guide
Family camping trip and we tagged along in our tent. We’ve been priced out of our area so pleased to find this hidden gem. A small, comfortable, family run campground that has enough amenities to keep the littles entertained and adults relaxing. We stayed in the tent area, which we had all to ourselves. Our site was on the river and able to pull our motorcycles right up. I do think if the tent area is full it will feel crowded. There’s a small bathroom attached to back of camp store nearby. Then the larger bathhouse down the way. The RV sites were flat, clean, in an open area. We will, for sure, be back.
Ranger
Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay.
The campground is long and narrow bordering on Abrams Creek. We took daily walks to the end of the campground and enjoyed the scenic views.
The campsite has port-a-potties for each cabin and for groups of campsites. Water was clean and had no oder.
The only concern noted was the bath house. It was poorly lighted and made of what looked like left over materials.
The gentleman that checked us in was a wealth of knowledge. He told us all about the campground and told us they offer an outdoor shower. Their were two outdoor shower stalls which were shower curtains next to the shower house.
Ranger
There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.
The campsites are boarded by boulders. The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky.
Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large. We removed lots of trash from our fire ring, mostly aluminum cans.
Traveler
If you live in Harrisonburg, Bridgwater and any surrounding area, this place is amazing. Fair warning, this place is DARK DARK, but your campers, so. The campsites are clean, $5 a night will get you a place to stay. Payment box upfront. There’s a pond up the road to fish.
Traveler
Was coming back from fishing and need a place to sleep without paying for a hotel. Great place honestly. I don’t really have anything negative to say about it. At $10 and fishing, I’ll definitely be back.
Guide
This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.
Traveler
That's the best way to describe this park. It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels.
However, the plus is that there are lots of little amentities, a coffee pavilion, wood to buy, portapots, and an incredibly kind "staff." 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.
The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks.
The property was clean and quiet other than the occasional diesel truck going down the road.
Scout
It was dead when we arrived; only saw two other vehicles. Very quiet and secluded. Easy to navigate and find a spot.
Guide
Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason. I had no signal for almost two hours heading towards VA.
Guide
I didn’t find and good spots, but it was quiet and peaceful. I drove from there to flag pole. The trail was really fun and moderately difficult.
Guide
I drove to Switzer Lake first and from there stayed on the trail all the way to Flag Pole. The drive took a few hours but was a ton of fun. There are a few good spots up there and it gets fairly busy.
Traveler
Bennies has a cool spot by the creek for tent camping. I was the only one there - after having driven through the aging RV neighborhood. Check-in was mystical, but finally reached the groundskeeper by phone and left money in a mailbox. "$40 cash money..." Way overpriced considering the unsanitary (gross) showers and restrooms. I think I felt cleaner before the shower. If you don't need a shower and don't mind dropping $40 for a place to pitch your tent then Bennies may be for you.
Guide
Clean, comfortable campground with spacious sites. Some of the sites are very private, others are a little less. Some have bear boxes and some are a lot closer to bath house than others. There is a large overflow lot available and set up for campers. However, we went on a Monday night and only shared the campground with 4 other groups of campers. Hosts are on site and both friendly and informative. Hiking trails nearby and some start at campground. Lake is low but still good for swimming or floating. We had a very peaceful night, even with the rain. Recommend!
Guide
We booked this trip last minute on Memorial Day weekend and literally took the last site reservable. The place was crowded and our corner was as crowded as anywhere. The people beside us had way too many cars that made it a little tough to back in. The 5 dudes standing around helped us navigate their vehicles but it was annoying. Later the guy brought us over some whiskey and beers, maybe as an unstated apology.
The CG itself was very family oriented and our site was a good size. We went swimming in lake two days and drove down to Flatwoods for some of the best ice cream you can find at The Spot (UFO and alien sighting location lol).
A huge storm rolled through with 40/50 mph winds. We had a little heads up thanks to buying a day of WiFi but most people were caught flat footed. We saw 30 plus awnings and canopies destroyed. Power went out for entire last day but we were fine. No rangers or park folks let us know anything but that was fine.
I’d recommend c1-c5 if you have kids.
Guide
After years of tent camping, this was our first camping trip with camper our and two youngest kids. When we stayed it was cold outside but we had full hook up and were prepared.
We had nice view of the lodge. The lodge amenities are top notch with a heated pool that only costs a a daily charge to use on top of camping. The campsite itself was a little pricey with the only thing distinguishing the campground being lodge activities you have to pay for.
I’d recommend sites 1-5, 20, and 39.
ScoutWe have been coming to Eagle Rock for years. Most of the people change every year but there are some that have permanent campers here. A few rude people this year but we still enjoyed our time. It doesn’t have all the amenities that some would want. If you enjoy roughing it then ER is worth camping at.
Guide
We love this park! We have camped and stayed in a camper cabin. We love camping in the trees that provide some privacy. At night time, the owls hoot away. The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean. I like that the campground is dog friendly, but didn’t realize the park is not. The waterfall trails are beautiful and a sight to explore. Definitely recommend this park!
ScoutWe tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday. Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer....
GuideThey said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?
TravelerLoved camping here! We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!
Traveler
It's a curvy small road to get there but it's well worth the drive. Beautiful campsites,some right on the river. Access to water that is icy cold but definitely fun to play in. The camp store is well stocked and the employees are friendly.
GuideWe were the only campers on a giant spot right on the river. The grounds are well maintained and stunning. Water is crystal clear and everyone is respectful
Scout
Great location for Cass RR or start or end of the greenbrier river rail trail. Privately owned. Grassy sites, “mostly “ . We camped in our Van. 110/30 amp service at most sites. Many seasonal rental spaces. “Simple “ plywood shower and toilet house. (Mens side not so clean) hot water shower. $30/night with or without electricity. Tight sites, we camped mid week before the Memorial Day holiday.
Traveler
This establishment does NOT offer tent sites anymore! 5/18/2024. I called to make a reservation and they said they do not do that anymore as of a few years ago.
Traveler
I recently went tent camping with my two children and 2 dogs it was a wonderful experience! The catch and release pond was a wonderful place to take kids to learn and gaurentee to catch a fish with worms. We also found newts! Plenty of trash cans around and a nice park to play at. We tied our doggos between two trees and let them run. Firewood for sale. None to gather around not even sticks so be prepared for that. The tent camping sites arnt marked you kind of just go anywhere which was fine since we were the only ones there. We loved it!
GuideI drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .
Ranger
Lots of bmx bikers, tucked far back in the woods so decent for privacy except that sites are basically in an open field.
Camping near Bowden, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Bowden, West Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bowden, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bowden, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 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 4.5-star rating from 48 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.
