Salem, West Virginia camping areas sit within the central Appalachian region at elevations ranging from 1,000-1,500 feet. The surrounding hills create a varied camping landscape with sites often situated along waterways including the Elk River and North Bend Lake. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F while fall brings cooler weather with nights dropping into the 40s.
What to do
Rail trail biking: North Bend Rail Trail offers 72 miles of converted railway with tunnels for biking. Cokeley Campground visitors appreciate this feature, as one camper noted: "Fantastic biking on the 72 mile North bend trail which is an abandoned rail way with multiple tunnels including one that is a quarter long and haunted."
River activities: Multiple campgrounds offer river access for fishing, swimming, and boating. At Elk River Camp and RV Park, campers enjoy direct water access: "The park is right on the beautiful Elk River where you can swim, float or kayak. I love this park!!"
Lake recreation: Several camping areas provide lake access for water activities. Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers diverse water recreation options, with a camper sharing: "Aside from this, the park has much to offer for just about anyone. It has everything from an Arnold Palmer golf course, to hike/bike trails, to any type of water activity possible on a lake."
What campers like
River views: Waterfront sites are highly valued by campers seeking scenery. One review of Elk River Camp noted: "Mix of wonderful water and electric sites with ok full hookups. Beautiful river spots. The owner was wonderful."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise. A Lone Pine Campground reviewer shared: "Our family loves to camp at this local campground, super clean bathrooms and pool with kids area is so much fun."
Helpful hosts: Personal service from campground owners makes a significant difference. At Harris RV Park, a camper explained: "The owner, Max, is amazing. He met us with a welcome packet in a reusable bag. He has so much info on where to eat and what to see in the surrounding areas. The guy bends over backwards for his guests."
Site spacing: Campers frequently mention appreciation for adequately sized sites. At Elk River Camp, a visitor observed: "Spacious sites, and he is making amazing improvements to the park. Beautiful river setting."
What you should know
GPS challenges: Several campgrounds have access issues with navigation systems. North Bend State Park's Cokeley Campground specifically warns: "Do not follow GPS to get to North Bend SP(Cokeley or River Run) Call the park office directly. GPS took us up some nasty horse-shoe hills!"
Seasonal considerations: Most rv sites near Salem, West Virginia operate seasonally. Stonewall Resort State Park Campground runs "early apr-mid dec" according to their listing, meaning winter camping options are limited.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. One Elk River Camp reviewer cautioned: "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions."
Payment methods: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. Harris RV Park, located approximately 30 miles from Salem, only accepts "Cash or Check only" according to a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Campgrounds with dedicated children's areas offer added value. A reviewer at Lone Pine Campground noted: "super clean bathrooms and pool with kids area is so much fun."
Consider fair timing: Local events can enhance family camping trips. As one Lone Pine visitor shared: "We had the best time when we camped at there for the fair, it was right next to the campground."
Check lake activities: Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers various family-friendly water options, with one visitor mentioning: "At the lodge there's some restaurants, indoor outdoor pool, spa, you can rent kayaks to paddle around. They also have a boat that will take you on a tour of the lake."
Watch for mud: Weather conditions can affect camping with children. A Lone Pine camper warned: "Only downfall is if it rains the end lots get really muddy."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites near Salem, West Virginia offer varied hookup options. At Ashland RV Park, a camper confirmed: "Large sites. Great staff. Absolutely love this place. Slow pace and quiet."
Site leveling: Level sites save setup time for RVers. A visitor to CAMP73ROCKST☆R described it as a "Safe place to pull over for the night right of interstate."
Big rig access: Several campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Cokeley Campground features "nice deep sites" according to one review, and another noted: "Most of the sites are not shaded, ours had partial shade."
Dump station quality: Properly designed dump stations matter to RVers. A Cokeley Campground visitor specifically mentioned: "dump station is very well done and easily accessible with any RV configuration."
