West Virginia's Pocahontas County, where Buckeye is located, sits at elevations between 2,300-4,800 feet with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Most campgrounds in this region provide access to the Greenbrier River and extensive trail systems for recreation. Local camping areas range from primitive sites with vault toilets to full-hookup RV parks with 50-amp service.
What to do
Trout fishing in mountain streams: Tea Creek Campground offers direct access to premier trout fishing waters. "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.
Paddle the Greenbrier River: Elk River Camp and RV Park provides riverside camping with water access. "Beautiful RV Park. Wonderful sites for parking your RV. Very well lit with very modern water and electric hook ups. They also have commercial metal tables to use to prepare and serve meals. The park is right on the beautiful Elk River where you can swim, float or kayak," says Katrina B.
Mountain biking on forest trails: Nearby state parks connect to extensive trail networks. "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," writes Mark K. about his June 2023 stay at Watoga State Park.
Scuba diving at Summersville Lake: Battle Run campground offers access to some of the clearest water in the East. "Summerville Lake is surrounded by cliffs topped by trees. Perfect for exploring by boat. Lots of wildlife, nice beach. Some sites are at the edge of the lake so you can dock your boat just 10 feet from your tent," reports Dan N.
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Many campers appreciate sites directly on the water. "I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service," writes Blake B. about Bolar Mountain Recreation Area.
Peaceful natural settings: Watoga State Park Riverside Campground offers a quieter experience. "The Riverside loop... the Greenbrier River was right at the back of our site. People were floating and fishing and paddling. The Greenbrier River Trail, an 80 mile long rail trail is just across the river, accessible two mile from the park, we rode our bikes to the trail," reports Marcandpatti B.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see deer and other wildlife. "Sit & watch deer in the valley most mornings," notes Randy G. about Summer Wind RV Park.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained restrooms. "Bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever seen at any campground and were a very short, convenient walk from our site," reports Joanna G. about Bolar Mountain.
What you should know
Digital connectivity limitations: Most mountain campgrounds have limited or no cell coverage. "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," advises Julie about Watoga State Park.
Seasonal availability varies: Many campgrounds close during winter. "Starlink access was excellent as there is not a single tree to obstruct the view! The views are nice, the bathrooms were clean and all of the amenities worked normal. Summer Wind was inexpensive compared to some other places we stopped in West Virginia," reports Whistle P.
Reservation processes differ: Some areas require advance booking while others use drop-in systems. "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. But there was plenty of room and everything worked out fine," notes a reviewer about Summer Wind.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger vehicles. "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground... One lane road in & our... Under construction... 42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground," cautions Beth R. about Elk River Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds provide specific recreation areas for children. "Basketball and volleyball courts are in the center of the campground, as is a horseshoe pit…and kids activity area," notes a reviewer about Battle Run.
Swimming opportunities: Douthat State Park Campground offers safe swimming areas. "A quiet great place, we love to camp this park you have all you want if you love outdoors: lake, hiking trails, horseback riding trails, RV's site, tent site, cabins... the rest is pure fun," shares Wilfredo D.
Site selection considerations: When traveling with children, choose sites strategically. "Along Allegheny Trail and Greenbrier Trail, lots of wildflowers, dense forest, rolling hills, streams. Some campsites are by a playground, avoid those if you don't have kids yourself. Sites are all shaded, in the trees, semi-private," advises Dan N. about Beaver Creek Campground.
Fishing for beginners: Stocked waters offer easier fishing experiences for children. "We arrived the day after trout stocking and so there were quite a few fishermen in the stream and on the lake. I caught a few large trout in the stream on a fly but it really was a bit like fishing in a barrel," shares Diane P.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Several rv parks near Buckeye, West Virginia offer electric sites with varying amperage. "We stayed for a weekend as a parking spot to explore WV. Turned out to be a great location. No frills with pull thru 30/50 amp spots. Emailed to reserve spot in the evening and heard back right away," shares Never Sitting S. about Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area.
Site leveling preparations: Many mountain campgrounds have sloped sites. "Super friendly camp host. He met us and drove us to the camp park because it was so dark. Spacious sites, and he is making amazing improvements to the park. Beautiful river setting," notes Gary F.
Water access planning: Since many sites lack individual water hookups, plan accordingly. "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," reports Danny M. about Watoga State Park.
Clearance considerations: Watch for low tunnels and bridges on approach roads. "If you want easy level spots row c is best (which is where 50 amps are). Easy off and on the interstate and we fit fine driving 40' towing," advises a reviewer about Summer Wind RV Park.
