Buckhannon, West Virginia serves as a gateway to diverse camping environments, with several established campgrounds located within a 30-mile radius of the city. Audra State Park Campground, situated along the Middle Fork River, offers 67 sites for tent and RV camping, with 13 featuring electrical hookups. Nearby Stonewall Resort State Park provides additional options including cabin rentals and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, while some like Kick Back n Camp and Broken Wheel Campground remain open year-round for extended season camping opportunities.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping availability around Buckhannon, with most state park campgrounds operating from April through October. Audra State Park typically opens in mid-April and closes in mid-October, while Holly River State Park extends slightly longer from early April through late November. Weather conditions can significantly impact the camping experience, particularly along waterways where river levels fluctuate with rainfall. The Middle Fork River at Audra can transform dramatically after heavy precipitation, creating challenging conditions for riverside campsites. A camper noted, "The Middle Fork River was at a tranquil flow when we first arrived, but after several days, it swelled into a wild ride."
Riverside camping represents a distinctive feature of the Buckhannon area, with many campsites positioned directly along waterways. Audra State Park receives consistently high ratings for its riverside sites, where visitors can enjoy the sounds of flowing water throughout their stay. Several campers highlighted the peaceful atmosphere created by the proximity to water. "Falling asleep to the sounds of the river every night was perfect," one visitor wrote. While riverside sites offer natural ambiance, they also tend to fill quickly during peak season. Campgrounds farther from town such as Holly River State Park and Tygart Lake State Park provide alternative settings with varying degrees of development and natural features. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, though site sizes and levelness vary considerably across locations.
"Audra State Park, is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the journey. Tucked away, just outside of Buckhannon, WV...home of West Virginia Wesleyan College."
"RANGER REVIEW: Midland X-Talker Extreme T77VP5 Dual Radio Set at Audra State Park, WV CAMPGROUND REVIEW:
Audra State Park is located south of the city of Buckhannon about 15 miles, with 355 acres"
"Stonewall Resort State Park is now the official name of this mountain retreat located around the edges of Stonewall Jackson Lake. "
"However, secreted away on the bank of Stonewall Jackson Lake, in Briar Point Campground there are five token tent sites."
"Plenty of trash cans around and a nice park to play at. We tied our doggos between two trees and let them run. Firewood for sale. None to gather around not even sticks so be prepared for that."
$25 - $40 / night
"We called the campground, and they had availability for walk-ins! Usually, you’d have to book in advance. The campsite was a semi-private spot, and it cost less than $30 a night, without electricity."
"There was a bathroom close by with running water and showers. It was beautiful and very close to the lake."
"Trails to lakeside/shore where campers do swim although no swimming from shore is "not" allowed. Just be respectful and clean up after yourselves and usually no drama involved."
"I should preface each of my reviews for West Virginia campgrounds and state forests by stating...West Virginia has the nicest and friendliest people I've come across...and that is a pure pleasure in this"
"We enjoyed the beautiful drive in with the fall colors and the little stream next to the road that goes through the campground. The sites are a little tight if you have a bigger camper."
$15 / night
"This is a hidden gem right outside of town. We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups."
"It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town."
$34 - $46 / night
"Bulltown Camp, Burnsville Lake, WV https://www.recreation.gov/camping/bulltown-camp/r/campgroundDetails.do?"
"Bulltown Campground offers a couple hundred spaces, multiple playgrounds, and clean restrooms on the edge of Burnsville Lake, managed by the U-S Army Corps of Engineers."
"Much easier than driving around to find an open spot. We stayed at the waters edge this time. It was nice and quiet, close to the bath house, water fountain and playground."
"good shady sites. good area for kids to ride bikes. some sites were tight fit for our tent but we still enjoyed it. took our kayaks we stayed right next to lake. good clean bathroom and campground. hosts"
$50 / night
"Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/ Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."
"This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."
TravelerThere were at least 12 numbered sites. Free dispersed camping. 14 day limit. Most sites had sun so you could have solar. Some sites were very private tucked far off the gravel road. All sites were very spaced out. Very quiet.
TravelerI used the coordinates and it took me to a campground that charges $15 a day. They weren’t private being right on the gravel road. There were tables,pits and the shepherds hook in each one. There were some that were on the river. There were toilets. I didn’t use them so I can’t say anything more about them. Not much sun thru the dense trees for solar. I kept driving around the forest on FR227 and came upon a whole nother set of labeled dispersed campsites that were very private and have open areas for solar. They were numbered. There were at least 12 that I saw.
ScoutNice clean Campground not to crammed but not a lot of space either. Small pond with bluegill a few large fish but pretty scummy to fish on top of. Nice wide river beside us also swimming pool available Lodge with restaurant. Porta potties on site short walk across the trail to bathhouse and showers. A lot of geese! 😅🤷♂️
ScoutThe biggest problem with the WV state parks is the cancellation policy. Make sure you check it out. Bath houses are decent. Shower had hot water and good pressure. Most of the sites are not level 1-9 are the best sites by far. Poor drainage when raining.
ScoutWe love staying in the yurts. Peaceful. Like camping with amenities. Has fire or wood! Rain doesn’t bother us here. Stay as often as we can when available.
ScoutThe surroundings are beautiful as is the Campground. No water or sewer so be prepared for that. The shower/laundry/bathroom building is centrally located and immaculate.
ScoutBeautiful quiet place
ScoutA great place to fish and bike. The rail trail is great. The camp sites are cozy and the bath house is very clean.
TravelerI’m a new car camper and my mom and I took a day trip out to check out the sites. When I tell you this is the most beautiful, secluded, peaceful camping site I truly couldn’t have asked for a better find!! I did however (like an idiot) end up going waaay too far down the trail (aka the whole 18 miles) and THANK GOD I drive a 4 runner!! That road gets pretty sketchy in most spots the further you go down but I somehow (by the grace of God) made it through the whole thing IN TWO WHEEL DRIVE!! ugh may never do that again but the camping is fantastic!! If you wanna check out more of the off-roading aspect I recommend checking out nolimitbmore on youtube! Will be spending most of my summer & fall here!!
Campgrounds near Buckhannon, West Virginia range from river-adjacent state parks to lakeside recreation areas with accommodations for various camping styles. Audra State Park Campground, located along the Middle Fork River, provides tent and RV sites with some electric hookups. Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers cabin and glamping options in addition to traditional camping facilities. Most campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, while some provide additional amenities such as shower facilities, sanitary dump stations, and camp stores. Several sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though not all locations are suitable for large rigs.
Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from mid-April through October. Audra State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making weekday arrivals recommended for securing prime riverside sites. Sites along water features tend to fill quickly, especially during summer months. Most campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities with clean bathrooms and showers. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas. Weather conditions should be considered when planning, as river levels can rise rapidly after rain. According to one visitor, "The outer edge of the campground has sites next to the river but be weary of low sites during rainy days as the river rises rapidly."
The Middle Fork River provides a key attraction for campers in the Buckhannon area, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and riverside relaxation. Campers frequently highlight water access as a primary draw to campgrounds in the region. Trails throughout the area offer hiking opportunities and scenic views. Audra State Park features the Alum Cave Trail which follows the river and provides natural features to explore. While some campgrounds can become crowded during peak season, particularly on weekends, many sites maintain adequate spacing and privacy with tree coverage between campsites. A camper noted, "We were right on the river, surrounded by trees and could barely see the neighbors." Most locations accommodate pets, though rules require they remain leashed. Campgrounds in higher elevations tend to be cooler and may offer more seclusion from crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near Buckhannon, WV?
Audra State Park Campground is the closest campground to Buckhannon, tucked away just outside of town. This beautiful campground is slightly off the beaten path but well worth the journey. For additional options within driving distance, Stonewall Resort State Park Campground near Weston offers drive-in camping with amenities including water, toilets, and sites that accommodate larger RVs. Both locations provide good bases for exploring the Buckhannon area and enjoying West Virginia's natural beauty.
What activities and things to do are available near Buckhannon WV campgrounds?
The Buckhannon area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. At Tygart Lake State Park, you can enjoy water activities like fishing and boating. For hiking enthusiasts, Kumbrabow State Forest provides excellent trails through its 9,500-acre forest. Many campgrounds in the region offer fishing, swimming, and tubing opportunities in local rivers. Buckhannon itself is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College and has small-town charm with local shops and eateries. The area's mountain terrain makes it perfect for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and photography throughout the seasons.
Are there private campgrounds available in the Buckhannon area?
Yes, there are private camping options near Buckhannon. Camp Holly is a beautiful private campground in the mountains of West Virginia that offers multiple camping styles including hammock, tent, cabin, or RV camping. Though off-grid, they do provide WiFi access. Another option is Broken Wheel Campground near Weston, which is a short drive from Buckhannon and features reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces for RVers.
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