Tent campgrounds around Cedarville, West Virginia offer mostly primitive experiences with varying amenities and natural settings. Options include Conaway Run State Lake near Alma, providing basic tent sites with access to a lake for fishing, and Kinderhook Trailhead in nearby Ohio, which offers designated camping spots in Wayne National Forest. Misty Mountain Primitive Camping provides a truly rustic experience with minimal amenities but allows reservations and permits pets.
Most tent sites in this region provide basic accommodations with few services. Conaway Run State Lake features vault toilets but no running water, requiring campers to bring their own supply for drinking and washing. Fire regulations vary significantly between locations, with some areas like Kinderhook Trailhead permitting campfires in established fire rings, while others prohibit them entirely. Picnic tables are available at select locations such as Kinderhook Trailhead, but many primitive sites lack this amenity. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with some areas providing good coverage while others offer none.
The tent camping experience near Cedarville emphasizes nature immersion over convenience. Kinderhook Trailhead offers a unique setting where tent campers share space with equestrian visitors during daylight hours, though the area becomes quiet after sunset when day users depart. The open area provides shade from tall trees despite limited physical privacy between sites. For those seeking more seclusion, Misty Mountain Primitive Camping offers more isolated tent sites. A review of Conaway Run State Lake noted: "Pretty rustic. Porta potties are all that is available. No running water so you have to bring your own. Lake fishing. Hiking trails. Shooting range."
"We pulled in and there was one couple setup at a designated site (picnic table and fire pit). As we drove around the trailhead, we found a second designated site."
"This is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet,a few trash cans,a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on."
from $100 / night
TravelerSites are basically parking pads with very little useful space around them but the sites are spaced apart. Bathroom and showers are usable but no frills. Scenery is pretty. ATV play area nearby.
TravelerBeautiful camping sites along the river! This is a small State Park, but packs a punch with some beautiful trails, and direct river access from almost half of the sites. Nice camp store and heated, full bath houses with showers. Note that sites are gravel….so if tenting bring a cot and/or some extra cushioning. Wi fi is available within close range of the camp store. I was at Site #8.
TravelerThis review is for the primitive boondockers like myself. It's a very established campground, full amenities, restaurant, gift shop, the works. I thought we would find a primitive campground with much more privacy based on the details and reviews of the grounds. The primitive camping spots are all in view of each other down a long stretch of dirt road. They're very clean and come with trash cans at each sight, which was nice. We were the only tent campers so it was enjoyable, but I don't know if I would have had the same experience if there were a lot of campers. I think that's a very important and left out detail about this location for the people who enjoy a more private environment. I'm still very happy with my stay, and the staff is absolutely WONDERFUL. They're all so kind and went out of their way to provide us with information when we had questions they didn't know the answer to, everyone who works there is a delight. 25$ a night felt a little much to sleep in our tent, but the showers, clean bathrooms, and care put into the property made it worth it. Waterfalls nearby as well. I'd stay again.
TravelerHuge campground. Well maintained. The lake is gorgeous, great for kayaking or paddle boarding
TravelerThis was a gem of a state park. It's small and older (which for me is a feature, not a bug), all entirely walkable with a central bathroom, camp store and playground at the heart of the campground. We had a site on the back of the campground that was larger than most (lots of small sites) and could fit our big tent set up. It rained like the dickens for a one of the days we were there and there was a drainage river running THROUGH our site that could have turned into a problem. Luckily the rain stopped in time and our site drained quickly. Despite all that, I loved our stay. It was VERY busy when we stayed, but I liked how it felt like a family retreat, where kids were safe to hop over to the playground to play with other kids, we could take walks right to the river for swimming or (after the rain) "viewing". If you can catch a dry weekend, this campground must be utter perfection. Would probably be dicey in sustained rain, especially if you're on the river itself.
ScoutIf youre looking for away from people. Away from most people youll be. Well taken care of.
ScoutOn west side of Summersville lake, 18 free first come campsites, drive-in, level. Vault toilets, no water. Picnic tables, grill and fire ring. Access to free swimming across road at winter boat ramp. Sandy beach swimming down the road for $5. Lake is clear and warm.
ScoutOnly one campground on the east side of Summersville lake, run by private family. “Primitive “ sites have no paved area to park. Just picnic tables on the grass, close together, hilly, and no shade. $25-45/ night. Across the lake on the west side we stayed at Gauley Tailwaters cg, 18 drive-in sites, Army Corps of Engineers, Free. Access to swimming across the road at the winter boat ramp.
RangerWe thoroughly enjoyed this camp spot right on the river. LOTS of different birds. And it was so quiet!
Tent camping near Cedarville, West Virginia offers rustic outdoor experiences in the Appalachian foothills, where elevations range from 800-1,500 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most camping areas feature limited amenities, requiring self-sufficiency for water, sanitation, and waste disposal.
Fishing opportunities: Conaway Run State Lake provides access to a 30-acre lake stocked with bass, bluegill, and trout. The lake includes designated fishing areas and maintains catch limits that vary by season and species.
Trail riding: Kinderhook Horseback Riding System offers multiple equestrian trails through Wayne National Forest. Campers should note that horse traffic can be heavy during daylight hours but typically clears out by sunset.
Target practice: Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area provides a public shooting range with established firing lines and backstops. Users must bring their own targets and follow all posted safety regulations regarding approved ammunition and shooting hours.
Natural quiet: Misty Mountain Primitive Camping offers secluded sites with minimal light pollution and low noise levels. The property permits campfires in designated rings and allows reservations to secure spots during peak seasons.
Equestrian-friendly atmosphere: Kinderhook Trailhead combines camping with horseback riding access. A camper noted, "This campground is the equestrian Kinderhook Trailhead within Wayne National Forest... With it being an equestrian trail, there were a lot of horses and trailers throughout the day. Before sunset, everyone cleared out and only campers remained."
Budget-friendly options: Most tent camping areas near Cedarville operate on a first-come, first-served basis with minimal or no fees. Several locations offer free dispersed camping with established fire rings and basic amenities like vault toilets.
Water planning: Conaway Run State Lake has no running water facilities. One camper reported, "Porta potties are all that is available. No running water so you have to bring your own."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. Kinderhook Trailhead provides reliable coverage according to one visitor: "One vault toilet and perfect AT&T and Sprint cell service."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area close during winter months due to accessibility issues and freezing temperatures. Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions while summer brings increased humidity and occasional thunderstorms.
Limited amenities planning: Families camping at Long Point Campground should prepare for primitive conditions with no running water or restroom facilities. Pack portable toilets, sufficient water for drinking and cleaning, and waste disposal bags.
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters, particularly with black bears, require proper food storage in sealed containers. Camping areas rarely provide secure food lockers, so vehicles often serve as the safest storage option.
Activity options: When camping with children, bring games and activities suitable for outdoor use in limited space. Most tent sites offer cleared areas approximately 10x10 feet with mixed sun and shade coverage throughout the day.
Size restrictions: Trailer Center Campground offers limited electrical hookups (30-amp) and water connections but accommodates only smaller rigs under 30 feet due to narrow access roads and tight turning radiuses.
Dump station access: Many tent camping areas lack sanitation facilities for RVs. Trailer Center Campground provides one of the few sanitary dump stations in the region, available seasonally from May through October.
Power management: RV campers should prepare for boondocking conditions at most tent sites near Cedarville. Generator restrictions apply at nearly all locations, requiring alternative power sources such as solar panels or battery systems for extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
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