Campers visiting Bowden, West Virginia find themselves in a mountainous region with elevations around 2,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The area sits within the Monongahela National Forest where the Shavers Fork River provides fishing opportunities for trout and smallmouth bass. Weather conditions can shift quickly in the mountains, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 30 minutes from Bowden. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple waterfall trails. "The falls are amazing and the gift shop has some interesting goods," mentions Dale O. The park offers several trail options ranging from the accessible Falls of Elakala trail to more challenging routes.
Mountain biking: Available year-round. The trails surrounding Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground offer terrain for riders of various skill levels. "Tons of Mountain Bike trails, indoor and outdoor pools. There is a scenic chair lift you can ride to the top of the ski mountain and hike back down to the bottom," reports Chris S. The park maintains designated bike paths that connect to broader trail networks.
Star gazing: Best on clear nights. The mountain elevation around Spruce Knob provides exceptional night sky viewing. "On the clear night I was there, the sky was brilliant," notes Jean C. about her camping experience. The area has minimal light pollution, making it ideal for viewing constellations and occasional meteor showers.
What campers like
Winter options: Year-round accessibility. While many campgrounds close seasonally, Five River Campground remains open through winter months. "I have been camping there since 1972. Both upper and lower sites... I have camped there just about every month of the year," shares randall T. The campground provides access even during snowy conditions.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening best times. The forested settings around Bowden support diverse wildlife. "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," observed Dave V. when camping at Canaan Valley. Many campers report seeing wild turkeys, groundhogs, and occasionally black bears in the surrounding forests.
Tubing opportunities: During summer months. The gentle sections of river near camping areas provide safe floating options. "We walked up river to the end of the property and were able to tube down to the lower end of the property," explains Jamie R. about her experience at Five River Campground. The shallow sections allow families with children to enjoy water recreation safely.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Pack for temperature swings. The mountains around Bowden experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. "If you visit in the fall bring long sleeves because it is windy and quite a few degrees cooler than down below," advises Craig B. about visiting Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower. Temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer nights.
Flooding awareness: Check forecasts before riverside camping. Low-lying areas along waterways can flood during heavy rains. "The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising. Later I learned this area is prone to flooding," warns Kelly G. about her camping experience near rivers in the region. Selecting slightly elevated sites can prevent weather-related problems.
Cell service limitations: Plan communications accordingly. Coverage varies dramatically across the region. "Be forwarded this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes," explains randall T. about camping near Seneca Rocks. Five River Campground stands as an exception, with campers reporting reliable service and wifi availability.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Available at select campgrounds. Swallow Falls State Park Campground offers recreation facilities within walking distance of campsites. "My kids love the swings and playground also," mentions Dale O. The playground provides an activity option during downtime between outdoor adventures.
Level tent sites: Easier for family setup. Finding flat ground simplifies camping with children. "The tent sites were completely level with no need to worry about rolling down a hill in my sleep," reports Mike B. about his family's experience at Swallow Falls. This feature proves especially important for families using larger tents.
Wildlife education: Dawn and dusk viewing opportunities. Children can learn about local animals through observation. "There is a nature center by a small lake. You can fish there & they have kayaks to rent," reports Cynthia K. about facilities at Blackwater Falls State Park. Rangers often provide educational programs about regional wildlife during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check orientation before booking. At Revelle's River Resort, placement along the river offers prime views. "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river," reports Kevin C. RV campers should confirm site direction to ensure hookups align properly.
Hookup availability: Variable across campgrounds. Full-service sites remain limited at some locations. "There's 64 campsites, I believe they are all electric. There's water at the bathhouse which is inconvenient. You can't drive close to the bathhouse," notes Cynthia K. about Blackwater Falls. Many smaller campgrounds offer only basic electric without sewer connections.
Winter camping considerations: Check accessibility. While glamping in Bowden, West Virginia continues year-round at some locations, road conditions can limit RV access. "This is a great state park! The campground had modern shower houses, although we did not use them," shares Gary P. about facilities that remain open in colder months. Larger rigs should confirm road clearance before winter visits.
