Camping options near Brandywine, West Virginia expand beyond glamping into traditional camping with diverse terrain that ranges from dense conifer forests to river valleys. The area sits within the Allegheny Mountains at elevations typically between 2,500-4,800 feet, creating significantly cooler microclimates even during summer months. Tent campers should prepare for temperature swings of 20-30 degrees between day and night, particularly at higher elevation sites.
What to do
**Summit exploration: At Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest point, hike the accessible half-mile summit loop trail. "There's a picnic shelter that has picnic tables, no running water, but there is a pit toilet," explains reviewer Hannah V., who adds that "the moss-covered ground and rocks make it the perfect oasis for a weekend trip."
**Backcountry hiking: Trek the less-traveled trails for challenging descents. "Trails at this time of the year are in need of repair (downed trees, missing trail markers) and full of mud, rocks, and roots on sharp/steep descents without switchbacks," notes Berg W. about the Spruce Knob area, adding that "the camping down at the creek was spectacular with plenty of trees to hammock hang from, abundant water, and breathtaking waterfalls."
**Night sky observation: The remote locations offer exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. At Blackwater Falls State Park, camper Kellie A. notes, "The sky was absolutely perfect to view from the campground - you could bring a telescope!"
What campers like
**Mountain top solitude: The high-elevation sites offer unique forest conditions. "In the pines, just below the summit, it is eerily quiet and muffled. I've never seen another camper when I've stayed, so the solitude is glorious," writes Dave V. about Spruce Knob's dispersed sites.
**Temperature relief: Higher elevations provide natural cooling during summer months. "It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife," notes Dave V. about Spruce Knob camping.
**Wildlife encounters: The parks feature abundant deer and other wildlife. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Jim C. reports, "There are deer everywhere!" while Aimee L. elaborates: "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening."
What you should know
**Limited services: Most primitive campsites lack amenities. At Spruce Knob, Dave V. cautions, "No water, so bring enough with you. There are waste receptacles but be wise and take trash with you."
**Rustic bathrooms: Many campgrounds have basic facilities. At Natural Chimneys County Park, reviewers note clean but basic facilities, with Kaleigh reporting, "Bath houses were clean and the chimneys were cool!"
**Weather vulnerability: River camping areas can flood during heavy rains. Kelly G. warns about the lower campgrounds at Yokum's Vacationland: "I couldn't figure out why I was the only one picking a choice spot by the river. The first night was great... I should have checked the weather. The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising."
Tips for camping with families
**Activity variety: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreational options. Big Meadows Campground offers "interesting ranger programs" according to Kim L., who adds that "nice trails are accessible from campground" with "Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground."
**Site selection: Choose more secluded spots when available. Katie M. says of Blackwater Falls, "Our site #37 was near the bathroom which was a plus with kids but did not have a lot of privacy. People were walking right through our site to get to the bathrooms, so weird! It was pretty out in the open with sparse trees around but I did see some sites that were more secluded."
**Weather planning: Pack for temperature fluctuations. Cynthia K. reported at Blackwater Falls: "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."
Tips from RVers
**Hookup positioning: Check site layouts carefully before booking. Kevin E. warns at Blackwater Falls State Park that "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side" and "the dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing."
**Site spacing: Look for campgrounds with adequate room between sites. At Rivers Edge Campground, Sarah C. notes, "The RV sites were flat, clean, in an open area" while The C. appreciates that the facility is "amazingly well taken care of, and it is a true family owned campground."
**Cell service: Prepare for limited connectivity in mountain regions. Randall T. cautions about the area near Yokum's Vacationland: "Be forwarded this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes."
