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Best Tent Camping near Buckhannon, WV

465 Reviews

Tent campsites near Buckhannon, West Virginia include several primitive options within the Monongahela National Forest. Bear Heaven Campground offers wooded sites with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits, located approximately 30 miles east of Buckhannon. Little River Dispersed Campsites provide more remote camping opportunities along creeks, with walk-in tent sites available in a forest setting.

Primitive tent campgrounds in this region generally lack running water, requiring campers to either treat water from nearby streams or pack in their own supply. Most tent sites feature basic amenities like fire rings, though firewood gathering policies vary by location. Access roads to dispersed camping areas can be challenging, with gravel surfaces and potholes common. A camper noted that the road to Little River Dispersed Campsites is "tucked in the back of a residential area" and easy to miss. Vault toilets are present at established campgrounds like Bear Heaven, but dispersed sites require campers to follow proper backcountry waste disposal methods.

Walk-in tent locations throughout the region offer increased privacy and natural settings. Bear Heaven Campground provides a peaceful tent camping experience with sites nestled among unique boulder formations and rock structures. A visitor commented that it's "a very small campground so get here early" and that "sites are wooded and relatively private with basic facilities." Wildlife sightings are common near water sources, particularly at dawn and dusk. Little River campsites feature spots along creek edges with natural shade from the dense forest canopy. Some tent sites require short walks from parking areas, rewarding campers with greater seclusion. Bear awareness is important, as one camper reported an encounter with an aggressive black bear near their dispersed campsite.

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Best Tent Sites Near Buckhannon, West Virginia (14)

    1. Misty Mountain Primitive Camping

    Be the first to review!
    Volga, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 472-5551

    $100 / night

    2. Bear Heaven Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bowden, WV
    30 miles
    Website

    "About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis."

    "Vault toilet and trash. A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower."

    3. Little River Dispersed Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "There’s a couple fire rings up by the parking spot, but we chose to set up a little closer to the creek. It rained a lot while we were there but there were ample trees to set up tarps."

    "Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits. Nice and quiet."

    4. Camp Ara

    2 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 652-4777

    $20 - $150 / night

    "Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!"

    5. Gatewood Group

    1 Review
    Circleville, WV
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-3082

    $60 / night

    "Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."

    6. New Town

    1 Review
    Sutton Lake, WV
    31 miles
    Website

    7. Swallow Rock Campground

    1 Review
    Whitmer, WV
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 846-2695

    "There are a good number of dispersed camping sites along the forest service road that follows Gandy Creek up to Seneca Creek Trail, sites are right on the river with easy access, fly fishing for trout"

    8. Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6

    1 Review
    Monongahela National Forest, WV
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-7416

    "GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL MILEPOST 69.6 PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA, Clover Lick, WV The Greenbrier River Trail is a converted C&O Railway that travels 80 miles from Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown,"

    9. Day Run Campground

    1 Review
    Marlinton, WV
    49 miles
    Website

    "All come with Lantern pole, fire ring with grate for cooking on, and picnic table. There are 2 restrooms located in this camping area with vault toilets only."

    10. Conaway Run State Lake

    1 Review
    Matamoras, OH
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 420-4550
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Buckhannon, WV

21 Photos of 14 Buckhannon Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Buckhannon, WV

465 Reviews of 14 Buckhannon Campgrounds

  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 27, 2019

    Red Creek Campground

    Allegheny Plateau and Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Small, primitive campground with 12-sites.  There were a surprising number of trailers and small RVs when I visited, especially when you consider visitors have to drive about 10-miles on a graded dirt road to get there.

    There are some walk-in tent sites for more privacy and you have the option of pure wilderness camping in the surrounding 17,400 acres of Dolly Sods as long as you use existing campfire rings, or use a backpack stove when you can't find one.

    No cell phone service or Internet… No electricity, pit toilets, and a busted water pump, but there is a fresh-water spring. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. 

    The camp hosts are super mellow and also lead the volunteer bird-banding that takes place just across the road from the Red Creek Campground.  

    The plant life and weather at Dolly Sods are similar to Northern Canada, so bring some extra layers. It was at least 15-degrees cooler than the valley when I reached the peak of the Allegheny Plateau. Add the wind and I had to put my sweatshirt after sweating in a T-shirt at Seneca Rocks that same day. 

    Bring a backpack and good hiking boots so you're prepared to experience some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife you’ve ever seen! 

    First-come, first-serve only and often full on weekends.

    *Word of caution: Dolly Sods was used for military training during WWII, so there are artillery and mortar shells still being found in this wilderness. Don’t touch any shells you might find, note the location and report to authorities.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower

    Peak Bagging Coolness!

    Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak and on a clear day offers breathtaking 360 degree views from the Observation Tower.      https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053

    Because of the thick conifer growth, long mountain views don't occur till nearly to the top and that only along the western roadway...but once you climb the observation tower...(as mentioned, on a clear day) you are rewarded with wonderful views of WV and VA mountains.  Watching storm clouds or simple clouds roll in and envelope the Knob offers a wonderful experience.

    I've taken the opportunity to camp on Spruce Knob on several occasions, once to the NE of the parking lot just into the pines, once a couple hundred yards down the Seneca Backcountry trail to the right and once directly south of the Tower in the pines.  Each offered a differ experience.  There is no cost, which is a huge plus!

    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.

    If you want shelter and a picnic table for cooking/eating...they are available, but only along the parking lot.  Pit latrines are nearly on the summit in the parking lot near the trailhead for the Observation Tower.  So practice leave no trace when camping and hiking!! No water, so bring enough with you. There are waste receptacles but be wise and take trash with you. 

    There are two levels to the concrete Observation Tower...and best views are from the upper level. I've often though about cowboy camping on the second level after the last sightseer has left for the night, but haven't seen, heard or read if its forbidden or permitted...so I haven't...yet.

    Obviously, on a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there no ambient light. It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife. 

    Note: utilize good camping practices and set camp on a previous location where there is an established fire ring. Again, use caution with campfires because of the wind.

    If you desire a more established campground, Spruce Knob Lake Campground is not too far away...down the mountain.

    Spruce Knob summit camping is a family highlight!

  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Seneca Shadows

    Perfect Location!

    If you're a fan of hiking and rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, Seneca Shadows is absolutely the best campground near this fantastic rock formation. 

    It’s located in the Monongahela National Forest near the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River with nearby peaks ranging from 1,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Seneca Shadows campground offers a view of the famed Seneca Rocks and puts you within walking distance of the visitor’s center, hiking and climbing trails, plus the quaint town of Seneca Rocks where you buy gas, food and gifts. 

    Make sure you visit Harper’s Old Country Store, a 4th generation family run business, operating since 1902. The visitor’s center has a nice collection of Native American artifacts and a cool video of the Army soldiers who trained here before WWII. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground is a modern campground with paved parking, flush toilets, showers and an amphitheater. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Seneca Shadows is part of a growing trend where a private concessionaire is a running a public camp-ground. I’m not a huge fan since it often mean higher fees, but I must say that the campground was spotless and well-run by a delightful couple who obviously enjoyed their summer job. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground has three loops to chose from: 

    The A& B Loops are for tents or RVs with no electric service. 

    The C-Loop has electricity. 

    There's also a group camping area and a "tent-only" camping area with walk-in sites from a nearby parking lot.

    Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods are nearby and both deserve a spot on your outdoor adventure“bucket list” in West Virginia.

  • Christy M.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Day Run Campground

    Spent 4 days here July 17-20

    Nice size sites for tents and/or RV. All come with Lantern pole, fire ring with grate for cooking on, and picnic table. 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. Trash cans are in fencing for bear proofing. Self pay.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Horseshoe Recreation Area

    Fish, hike, relax or seek river adventures

    This is a remote riverside campground with great fishing opportunities for catch and release(check the requirements for license/stamps; I included a picture of a sign). One loop comes with water/electic hookups($7 more) the others are primitive. If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites with parking near the bathroom. Parking pads are large and generally level. There are vault toilets and some flush toilets. No cell service(Verizon). Sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and lantern post. The prices for firewood are among the highest I’ve seen at$10/bundle. Camp store has limited hours, but ice and firewood are available. 

    You may have day visitors here to fish, swim, or picnic at one of the two pavilions. In addition to fishing, you may find it refreshing to swim/wade in the river, but I would definitely want water shoes to protect my feet. Interested in more adventure on the river? Head about 15 minutes down the road to St George where outfitters can set you up for both flatwater and whitewater activities on the Cheat River, depending on your preference, age, and water level.

  • M
    Jun. 11, 2021

    Spruce Knob Lake Campground

    Quiet, well maintained rustic campground

    Admittedly, we had awful weather - it rained more than 50% of the time.  The weather ruled out our main purpose for being their which was astrophotography at Spruce Knob Lake and doing some hiking.   That said, we had a lovely walk-in site with a nicely situated tent pad, fire ring and large picnic table nestled in a private space with lots of tree shade.  If you are wanting to take in the sites of the area and need a base for day hiking, this is a good spot.  There are a few things to know: this campsite is very basic with the only facilities being vault toilets and bins for your trash.  You are able to buy firewood there (if you can get it lit and enjoy before it rains!). There is no cell service whatsoever, so once you get there, you’ll have no clue what the weather is going to do unless you have access to a satellite source (we didn’t.)   There was a water spigot near our site, but we were told to boil the water before drinking any (which made us glad it wasn’t that hot out and we had brought a sizable stash from home.)

  • Alex M.
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Seneca Shadows

    Idyllic

    I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen.

    The front section of Seneca Shadows isn't all that interesting. There are standard sites here with gravel pads, water, and electricity, good for trailers and RVs. The sites are of an average size and have plenty of shade and privacy.

    There is also a large tent-only section at the back of the campground. This is where I stayed, and this is what made Seneca Shadows memorable. The tent section is a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges. There is also a picnic shelter here. Parking is adjacent; expect to carry your gear a few hundred feet. Many of the sites have shade trees, and a few have shrubs for privacy, but nearly all have an incredible view of Seneca Rocks, a magnificent geological feature.

    There are vault toilets located close to the tent section, but these didn't smell great so I avoided them. There are real bathrooms with flushing toilets, running water, and showers located just up the road. These were nice and clean when I visited.

    I intend to return someday for a closer look at Seneca Rocks. This place is a destination, not just a stopover.

  • Jenna R.
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Spruce Knob Lake Campground

    No Fuss Quiet Campground

    We had a nice time camping at Spruce Knob. Rich the camp manager was really chill. You can purchase firewood from him at that entrance for ~$20 a bundle. The walk up sites are pretty private, you can see/hear other campers but after quiet hours start it’s totally silent. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table. Bathrooms but no showers. Great place for star gazing and disconnecting from reality for a bit (seriously there’s not a drop of cell service there except up at Spruce Knob so plan accordingly if you rely on phone for maps and what not.) Within close distance of many trails. Looking forward to visiting again!

  • Lacey L.
    Jul. 7, 2020

    Island Campground

    Decent

    Island campground is okay. They only have 1 drive in campsite next to the creek but it was by far the nicest. Luckily we were the only people there and were able to grab it that day. There were 2-3 other campsites that would be decent (being flat and good setup between the picnic table and fire pit). The other sites were not the most level and hardly had any room/flat areas. Only enough flat area for the picnic table and fire ring. There were about 4 walk in campsites. 2 that were probably about 60ft from the parking area. One of those was next to 2 streams and they seemed nice and level with plenty of room. The other 2 were up a little incline and you had to go through one to get to the other. It did have a clean vault toilet that was stocked with tp. No water though. There were only 2 other campers there so not crowded. I guess it depends which site you get.

Guide to Buckhannon

Tent campsites near Buckhannon, West Virginia offer primitive camping experiences within the Monongahela National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm, humid summers averaging 75°F and winters that can drop below freezing. Fall camping provides colorful foliage displays while spring brings abundant wildflowers to forest camping spots within driving distance of Buckhannon.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Day Run Campground provides access to nearby streams with native brook trout. "Nice size sites for tents and/or RV. All come with Lantern pole, fire ring with grate for cooking on, and picnic table," reports camper Christy M., who spent four days at the Day Run Campground.

Explore rock formations: Several primitive camping areas feature unique geological features. Adam W. noted that at Bear Heaven Campground, "Right beside the camp ground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders."

Mountain biking trails: The region offers numerous biking paths through forested terrain. One cyclist described the Greenbrier River Trail as "a delightful bikepacking excursion. Very doable for all ages. I'd recommend road bicycles with tires no narrower than 700x32 or mountain bikes."

What campers like

Creek-side camping: Many campers appreciate tent spots along water features. Ashley W. shares about Little River Dispersed Campsites: "Wildflowers and ferns and grassy spots right by the river. Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits. Nice and quiet."

Secluded forest settings: Privacy ranks high on campers' preferences list. Tommy S. found his Little River site "breathtaking, with a small stream pool running along one edge, and the rushing river on another. Soft dirt padded the entire area, and great trees filled the space with their natural architecture and canopy."

Quiet atmosphere: The remote nature of camping near Buckhannon appeals to many. Erik C. described one area as "Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest. Not much for views and only stayed one night so didn't get to hike but it was a perfect, quiet spot for an overnight."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to many primitive tent sites require careful navigation. Tommy S. notes about Little River: "We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road. Dangerous for RVs, great for those looking for an escape."

Water sources: Most primitive camping requires water planning. At Swallow Rock Campground, Sam D. observed: "There are a good number of dispersed camping sites along the forest service road that follows Gandy Creek up to Seneca Creek Trail, sites are right on the river with easy access."

Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions in this region. Luke M. warns: "We were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights."

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly options: Some locations work well for introducing children to camping. Jen S. recalls her experience at Bear Heaven: "I camped here 20+ years ago when I (a city girl) had just started camping and I still think about how awesome this place was. This place helped inspire my love of camping and being outdoors."

Group camping areas: Larger family gatherings benefit from dedicated group sites. Justin S. recommends Gatewood Group: "This is a great spot for a large group. Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."

Facilities consideration: Bathroom options vary widely across sites. Ed M. describes Bear Heaven as having a "clean concrete vault toilet. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis. Very nice area and primitive campsites to base your outdoor adventures from!"

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most tent campsites near Buckhannon have restrictions for larger vehicles. Sam D. notes about Swallow Rock: "No hookups, no RVs, tent camping only in most sites, some are big enough for a small camper to fit."

Alternative lodging: For those seeking more comfort, some areas offer cabin options. At Camp Ara, jenn C. shares: "You can rent a cabin, camp in the woods, or rent a bunkroom or your group. Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing!"

Campsite identification: Finding dispersed camping locations can be challenging. Karli P. advises: "Just a heads up, the road to access these campsites is tucked in the back of a residential area. We missed it the first time by and had to turn around!"

Frequently Asked Questions

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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buckhannon, WV is Misty Mountain Primitive Camping with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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