Best Campgrounds near Buckeye, WV

Campgrounds in the Buckeye area of West Virginia provide access to the scenic Greenbrier River and nearby mountains with diverse accommodation types. The region includes established options like Watoga State Park's Riverside Campground, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins along the Greenbrier River. Seneca State Forest, situated approximately 20 miles from Buckeye, features tent camping, cabins, and the unique Thorny Mountain Fire Tower experience. Several primitive campgrounds along the Greenbrier River Trail connect campers with this 80-mile former rail trail, providing both hiking and water access opportunities in a largely undeveloped setting.

Camping seasons in this mountainous region typically run from early April through December, with several campgrounds closing during winter months. Road access varies significantly throughout the area, with some locations requiring navigation of winding mountain roads that can be challenging after dark or in adverse weather. Watoga State Park and Lake Sherwood maintain improved facilities including showers and electric hookups, while primitive sites along the Greenbrier River Trail offer basic amenities like pit latrines, fire rings, and occasional well pumps. Many primitive sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while established campgrounds generally require reservations. A visitor noted, "The Greenbrier River Trail is one of the most beautiful and often most remote trails I have had the privilege of bikepacking."

Several campgrounds in the area feature Adirondack-style shelters at primitive sites, particularly along the Greenbrier River Trail. These sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof trash receptacles. Campers report high satisfaction with riverfront locations, which provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. The Greenbrier River Trail's primitive campsites receive consistent praise for their maintenance and strategic placement along the waterway. Wildlife viewing represents a common highlight, with reviewers noting deer sightings and abundant bird activity. While cell service is generally unavailable in remote areas, this disconnection is mentioned as both a pro and con in visitor feedback. A review mentioned that Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 63.8 offers "all you need for a great time, nothing more and nothing less," highlighting the rustic appeal that defines much of the camping experience in this region.

Best Camping Sites Near Buckeye, West Virginia (117)

    1. Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park

    10 Reviews
    Hillsboro, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    $23 - $50 / night

    "The river is beautiful, the hiking excellent, and the fantastic rail trail is right there. The area has so much to offer - Bear Town, Cranberry, Falls - it’s all wild wonderful West Virginia!!"

    "Another terrific park in West Virginia. So much to do. The sites accommodate everything from tents to large fifth wheels. "

    2. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 279-4144

    $16 - $85 / night

    "I stayed on campground 1 on a lake side site with access to the lake, the views from my tent were breathtaking! The campground is clean, it has shower and flushable toilets."

    "The Lake is wonderful. There are 3-4 actual campgrounds. One is more for large groups like boy/girl scout troops. Easy access to the lake from marina or each campground."

    3. Beaver Creek Campground — Watoga State Park

    4 Reviews
    Buckeye, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    $23 - $26 / night

    "Campsite 2 is across the path from the check in point and you are quite on display but on the other hand you have WiFi signal and are close to water and perfect distance from the campground."

    "So much to see and do, a lot of history and nearby attractions to make the most of being in the area. No cell service is a plus, battery last longer for photos."

    4. Lake Sherwood

    7 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    14 miles
    Website

    $20 - $100 / night

    "The campground is butted up against Sherwood lake and a small mtn ridge range that divides West Virginia and Virginia. "

    "We visited the Pine Run camping Area of Lake Sherwood Campground in July 2016. We stayed with my sister’s family on sites 48 & 49 and they were perfect pair sites to share."

    5. Tea Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Marlinton, WV
    12 miles
    Website

    "Campground is always clean and access is directly off the scenic highway. Several hiking trails nearby. First photo is 100 yards from the campground."

    "Wonderful location and very clean and well kept sites."

    6. Seneca State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Dunmore, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-6213

    "To get to the fire tower you will want to take the Loop Road, it is gravel and there are pot holes on the edges of the road so you will want to be careful of those."

    "There is much history and lore that is behind every fire tower.

    The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower was built by the CCC sometime around 1935...and is erected at an elevation of 3458 ft."

    7. Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    Buckeye, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    "Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite, Watoga, WV

    West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail**  (GRT) **stretches from its Northern Terminus at the Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown"

    8. Day Run Campground

    1 Review
    Marlinton, WV
    8 miles
    Website

    "There are 2 restrooms located in this camping area with vault toilets only. Take your own toilet paper if campground isn’t busy because it doesn’t get maintained daily and we ran out."

    9. Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    Marlinton, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    "Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite, Located between Clover Lick and Clawson, WV (south of Sharp's Tunnel)

    The Greenbrier River Trail is one of the most beautiful and often most"

    10. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Clifton Forge, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 862-8100

    $20 - $40 / night

    "General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."

    "Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale."

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Recent Reviews near Buckeye, WV

466 Reviews of 117 Buckeye Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Babcock State Park Campground

    Spacious campground. Near RiverGorge National Park

    The facilities were clean and well maintained. Babcock State Park has access to trails, a scenic drive, grist mill, and souvenir store. WIFI is slow but there is a WiFi lounge at park store. No food store or restaurants nearby. Limited large rig sites and roadways are very narrow.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Babcock State Park Campground

    All the Amenities and then some!

    We truly enjoyed our stay at this park. Its peacefully serene setting was exactly what we needed after a weekend long festival. Ya just can’t beat a free hot shower with great water pressure and affordable laundry facilities! Ya know?! Nice trails to forage and nearby Gristmill to top it all off. If we’d had the time, we would’ve stayed an extra night.

  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • Brac S.
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area

    Don’t understand the positive reviews

    We headed here based on the reviews, there were other campers that were there for rafting (Sept release season) but camping was literally a parking lot with fire pits around it. We stayed just up the road at Battle Run, which was a beautiful place (paid of course).

  • Ronnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins

    Nice place

    Trails were never nicely marked and well cleared. Good size spaces and distance between each camper.

  • Sonder B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    Clean, Remote, Pristine, off the beaten path = Mower Basin

    I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. 

    The first three I would be solo and on that Friday my partner in crime would come to camp. I went to the primary camp site, and it was occupied. 

    I had four other camp sites chosen and continued to the other four. I found that other campers were on the other spots. I went to the last one and found it to be open. In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. 

    One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles! The attached photo is the last dispersed camp site. It was a little over a mile from the other site. I was dispersed camping in the Mower Basin. You can drive right up to your camp site, but don’t be fooled, this is primitive camping. 

    You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you.

    Nearest Cell tower is here 38.688719,-79.979097

    Fuel &  small gocery store can be found here 38.710707,-79.979095

    Minor Automotive shop and tire repair here 38.713085,-79.979352

  • Tamara W.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins

    Nice campground but….

    We camped here for 3 nights the campground is very large with multiple nice playgrounds for children, hiking trails frisbee golf, miniature golf, a beach lake access and other things I’m sure I’m not aware of I did walk a hiking trail and it was nice. There are lots of trees so as fall approaches it will be a beautiful area. The cons most sites are not level at all, there is one single bath house for each level making some sites very far from a bathroom/shower, the showers are very rough we checked 2 different bath houses both the same . Bathrooms also are cleaned only once per day per a post telling the cleaning times however the men’s facility was dirty and with out paper towels up until the day we left. It is pet friendly that is a big plus for us since we have no kids with us now but 2 fur babies. However we were unaware you need their rabies certificate with you there was no mention of this when I booked the site we have stayed lots of places and have never been asked for that before thankfully they allowed me to contact the vet Monday morning to get them emailed. Overall a nice stay

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Flatwoods KOA

    It's ok. Site 44

    Very unlevel spot. Not sure if they are all like this, but it's a big ugh... trash pick up is 1/day & 1 bag of trash 🤦🏼‍♀️

    Wifi is non existent! Tried connecting TV to it and connected with no internet. So, hotspotted my cell phone and showed a internet connection, but very slow. Yeah yeah ...I know we're camping ,but it is 95° outside and the sun is shining all over us...hopefully after sunset?


Guide to Buckeye

The Buckeye region sits within West Virginia's Pocahontas County at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 4,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley campgrounds and higher elevation sites. Camping seasons typically run April through November, with primitive sites along the Greenbrier River Trail remaining accessible year-round but without winter maintenance. Night temperatures can drop below 40°F even in summer months at higher elevation campgrounds.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Tea Creek Campground provides direct access to the Williams River, known for exceptional trout fishing. "This is a great place for pull-type campers or tent camping. Campground is always clean and access is directly off the scenic highway. Several hiking trails nearby," notes Jeff S.

Mountain biking: Beaver Creek Campground in Watoga State Park offers easy access to multiple trail systems. A camper explained: "I decided to stay here because it is close to Greenbrier River Trail and I wanted to bike that trail. However, I found that this park is absolutely wonderful even without being close to Greenbrier River Trail. The biking is tremendous."

Kayaking and boating: Lake Sherwood offers calm waters ideal for beginners and families. "The lake was beautiful. There is a great hike around the lake as well as other hikes offered that are accessible in the campground. Make an effort to get up and see the sunrise over the lake - you will not be disappointed at the beauty of the sky and the mist over the lake," shares Pawsfuradventure T.

What campers like

Privacy and seclusion: Sites at Seneca State Forest offer ample space between neighbors. As Mike C. describes, "One of the best when it comes to size of site, privacy, and remote feeling. Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures. Short drive or hike to Lake with boat rentals and fishing. Campground is only 10 sites with plenty of canopy for shade."

Digital disconnection: Most campgrounds in the Buckeye area have limited or no cellular service. At Riverside Campground, a camper noted: "I liked this campground — most RV sites have electric, and water fill stations are easily accessible. Note: It's in a valley, so there's no cell service. The wash houses have wi-fi, but it's not great and you have to be either in the building or sitting at the bench outside to use it."

River access: Primitive sites along the Greenbrier River Trail offer direct water access. Dave V. reports about the Mile Post 63.8 Primitive Campsite: "Riding and camping along the picture-perfect Greenbrier River offers fantastic views and opportunities to cool off...bring your swimwear." These sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof trash receptacles.

What you should know

No-alcohol policies: Several campgrounds in the area, including Watoga State Park, prohibit alcohol. Check rules before packing beverages, as rangers regularly patrol camping areas during peak season.

Limited provisions: Campgrounds near Buckeye WV have minimal on-site supplies. A visitor to Seneca State Forest commented: "There is no cell service within 30 miles, so for an outsider who doesn't know the area, it was difficult to find the campsite. You also better bring everything you need beforehand. There are no grocery stores anywhere near the campsite."

Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage at all buckeye wv campground locations. Dave V. advises about Greenbrier River Trail sites: "This is bear country, so we kept all our food items and toiletries in a bear cannister during our trip. We did not experience any encounters or sightings, but fellow cyclists traveling in the same direction, observed a juvenile bear during the day along the trail."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides kid-friendly water access. Nicole R. explains: "The campground Bolar Mountain Rec Area is on Lake Moomaw. We had the pleasure of having a campsite with lake view and access both times. Campground 2 site 53, has a nice private beach area where you can go fishing or swim. Bring water shoes, the rocks can be sharp."

Weather preparation: Mountain climate brings sudden temperature changes even in summer. A Watoga State Park visitor suggests: "Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt. In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts...but they can be gully-washers."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer dawn and dusk animal sightings. At Beaver Creek Campground, Amelie B. reports: "Perfect combo of shade and sun with deers grazing right next to your tent!!" Families should bring binoculars for spotting wildlife from safe distances.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups: Many campgrounds near Buckeye offer electric-only connections. Danny M. notes about Riverside Campground: "Large sites, clean bath house and showers. $52/night with tax. 110/30 amp electric at site. No sewer, no water at site. Water available, sewer dump station available. Has sites along the river."

Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds can be challenging for larger RVs. At Douthat State Park, an experienced RVer warns: "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles."

Site selection: Some campgrounds offer better RV accessibility than others. Jeremy W. advises: "Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It's a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Buckeye, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Buckeye, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Buckeye, WV and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Buckeye, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buckeye, WV is Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buckeye, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Buckeye, WV.

What parks are near Buckeye, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Buckeye, WV that allow camping, notably Monongahela National Forest and Summersville Lake.