RV camping near Bowden, West Virginia offers accessible sites in the mountainous terrain of Monongahela National Forest, where elevation ranges from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Campers can access both primitive and developed camping options along the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River and Shavers Fork. Many campgrounds remain open through multiple seasons, with varying degrees of cell coverage depending on proximity to towns.
What to do
Fly fishing access: Five River Campground provides direct river access for fishing enthusiasts. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," notes one camper, while another mentioned "Our two dogs loved it, especially swimming!"
Hiking to Douglas Falls: Located within a 30-minute drive from Parsons, this trail offers scenic forest views. A visitor to Five River Campground shared, "We checked out Douglas Falls. Next time, we'll visit Lindy Observation deck and more of Blackwater Falls State Park."
Cavern exploration: Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort provides convenient access to underground formations. "Plenty to do in the immediate area, with the caverns, fishing, hiking, and climbing. Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley are also nearby," reports one reviewer who appreciates the location.
What campers like
River proximity: Revelle's River Resort offers premium riverfront sites. "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," one camper observed.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies in this region make for excellent night viewing. A camper at Smoke Hole Caverns noted, "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing."
Local entertainment options: Some campgrounds feature on-site or nearby establishments. A reviewer at Revelle's River Resort mentioned, "There is a saloon on site (Shavers) that has live music in the weekends. You have to go to Smoke on the Water for dinner."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The mountain climate brings frequent rain. "It does seem to shower quite a bit in WV," observed one Five River camper who recommended bringing a tarp.
Cell service variations: Seneca Shadows has limited connectivity, as one visitor noted, "No cell phone coverage." However, Five River Campground offers better options: "It is one of the only campgrounds in all of WV where you have cell service...and wifi!"
Winter accessibility: While many campgrounds close seasonally, some remain operational. "Five River Campground, Parsons WV... has 120 RV sites many with full hook-ups. It can accommodate tents to large rigs," noted a reviewer who appreciated the year-round availability.
Mountain driving challenges: Roads in the region require careful navigation. A reviewer at Seneca Shadows cautioned about the terrain, mentioning that "the visitor's center, hiking and climbing trails, plus the quaint town of Seneca Rocks where you buy gas, food and gifts" are within walking distance, avoiding difficult driving.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers river recreation. "On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks," reports one visitor, highlighting activities for various ages.
Local recreation facilities: Communities near camping areas provide additional entertainment. A Five River Campground camper shared, "There's a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground."
Safe biking areas: Level terrain at some campgrounds makes cycling accessible. "It is a pretty level area so riding bicycles around the campground and even into town are doable," mentioned a reviewer at Five River Campground.
Tips from RVers
Space between sites: Site configuration varies widely between campgrounds. At Riverside Cabins and RV Park, big rig access with 50-amp service is available, while a Smoke Hole Caverns visitor noted, "Sites are large and level, but close to one another and open."
Local assistance: Campground owners often provide extra help with parking and setup. At Five River Campground, "All of the other campers were so generous to help us navigate backing in our new Teardrop, including John, the owner. He spent plenty of time coaching us to park all the way to the do's and don'ts of hooking up electric and sewage."
Convenience supplies: On-site stores provide essentials. Revelle's River Resort offers "a small convenient store that's well stocked with the basics," while Five River Campground's "store onsite has just about anything you could need for your stay including firewood."
