Susan A.
Guide
GuideKiss the Earth
Very private site
This was a single party campspot, very private and quiet. Perfect!
Camping near Circleville, WV
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Circleville, West Virginia serves as a gateway to several campgrounds within Monongahela National Forest, particularly those near Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state. Seneca Shadows and Spruce Knob Lake Campground provide established camping options with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. For more remote experiences, Gandy Creek offers dispersed camping without developed facilities. The region includes opportunities for tent camping, RV sites, and even some glamping accommodations depending on the specific campground. Most established sites are located between 3,000 and 4,800 feet elevation, providing cool mountain air even during summer months.
Access to camping areas varies significantly by season, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Spruce Knob Lake Campground typically opens from April to early October, while nearby sites like Seneca Shadows remain open until late October. The mountain roads leading to these campgrounds are often narrow and winding, with some sections unpaved. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area, particularly at higher elevations near Spruce Knob. Water availability can be limited at some sites, and visitors should be prepared to filter or boil water from natural sources when camping at primitive locations. According to one visitor, "Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away."
The high-elevation camping in this area provides exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Spruce Knob Lake is particularly noted for astrophotography and night sky viewing. Several campers highlight the solitude and quiet atmosphere at campgrounds throughout the region. The developed sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, while dispersed camping areas require strict adherence to leave-no-trace principles. Hiking trails connect many of the campgrounds to scenic areas including Spruce Knob summit and various waterfalls along creek drainages. A recent review noted, "It's very remote, but you're at the top of a mountain so it's gorgeous." Circleville campgrounds offer a true wilderness camping experience with access to some of West Virginia's most stunning natural landscapes. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with birds being particularly diverse during spring and fall migrations.
Best Campgrounds near Circleville (128)
1. Seneca Shadows
"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."
"West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it."
from $17 - $65 / night
Check Availability2. Spruce Knob Lake Campground
"It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia). Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like. "
"The Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground."
from $15 - $32 / night
Check Availability3. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
"The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through"
"Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site."
4. Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower
"Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and offers great views."
"Campground is less than 1 mile from Spruce Knob Lake. Lake has boat ramp for small boats and kayaks and a pier for fishing."
5. Island Campground
"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."
"Good location next to stream and trail, Locust Springs right up the road."
6. Laurel Fork Campground
"Laurel fork campground is a nice place to go if you are looking to get away from the busy life. It’s not a very large camp ground or heavily populated. Finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem."
"Biggest surprise, given the location on the creek and remoteness of the campground ( settled deep in the woods) , there were No Bugs to speak of! Tons of wildflowers and butterflies!"
7. Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area
"This campground is mostly level, so bike riding for kids is great, walking to the lake or shower houses is very easy for those who have trouble with hills. The lake has a small but clean beach."
"A short walk from your campsite to the lake to enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming and picnicking. The camp has a bath house with showers. The camp host is very nice and keeps the campground spotless."
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability9. Big Bend Campground
"Forest, West Virginia."
"The campground is situated in the middle of a bowl in the canyon(you're surrounded by mountains)."
from $27 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Gatewood Group
from $60 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 2 hrs 4 min from Charlottesville, VA
- 2 hrs 15 min from Morgantown, WV
Recent Camping Photos near Circleville, WV
376 Photos of 128 Circleville Campgrounds
Dustin W.
The Trout Camp
Cassie M.
Back Ridge Shadows, LLC
Dave V.
Spruce Knob Lake Campground
Dave V.
Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower
Justin S.
Gatewood Group
Sam D.
Swallow Rock Campground
Nathan H.
Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
Dana M.
Laurel Fork Campground
Jillian E.
Seneca Shadows
Andy S.
Island Campground
randall T.
Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village
Vedant D.
Fourth Moon Camp
Recent Reviews near Circleville, WV
684 Reviews of 128 Circleville Campgrounds
Meagan S.
ScoutEagle Rock Campground
Totally ruined our holiday
Honestly I would not go here. Its a beautiful spot great for fishing and swimming. I wish it was doable. But no. We been here for 4 days for the holiday. We wanted something affordable and full of nature. We really thought this place would be like other campsites. But other than taking out trash (which most people just burn making it stinky the entire time and every single fire pit you probably shouldnt cook on) there are no rules no regulations. People can be in your site looking into your tent and they do not care here. People just go where they want and fish around kids swimming rather than going somewhere else. Music can be blared so loud theres nowhere to go without hearing it. Dogs do not have to he on leash despite the sign at the entrance. (Told essentially to get over it) the dogs will roam everywhere. Its completely taken over by "locals" who aren't actually locals at all. They are just people from other states that stay here all the time and take over during the holidays. If youre already established at this camp you are good to go. But if you are highly respectful people who respect nature and want the peace of real camping. Do not go here. We are packing and leaving 5 days early and will not be back.
Heather S.
TravelerCanaan Valley Resort State Park Campground
Beautiful place!
This place is beautiful! I loved seeing all the wildlife! My daughter and I enjoyed walking the entire campground looking for Bigfoot.😉 we loved waking up the next morning to having squirrels, chipmunks, deer and birds on our campsite. We stayed on site 14
- Cherith S.Scout
Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
Greatest experience of our lives!
Super remote camp spot! The drive to the forest road was a little tight and windy for an inexperienced mountain driver as myself. Wouldn't want to do it at night.
Most camp spots are on loops of more group camping with 4-6 sites at each loop and I believe there were 3 or 4 loops. Not my cup of tea, too fish bowl for me and way too exposed. Outside of the loops, there were 8-10 sites that were more my style, with the one we stayed at was just right! The most perfect spot in the whole place (for our preferences) we were literally on a babbling creek. Couldn't get any closer. Had direct access to water for washing and other needs. However I read in a brochure to not drink the water without boiling for 3 minutes because the area has giardia.
Saw a lot of people headed further down creek to fish for trout. No cell service for about 20 minutes. We had to drive back to route 33 and the halfway to Elkins to catch a sliver of cell service.
If you are staying at camp and brought everything you need, you're golden. There are lots of things to occupy yourself with exploring. There is a trailhead on forest rd 162 with miles of hiking with a hand full of trails to choose.
We arrived around 4PM on a Sunday. Plenty of sites to choose from. Was about half full. When we got up the next morning to leave, most spots were open. We stayed until mid day on Friday. Action was definitely picking up. Saw more people, more kids and louder noises. We are definitely Sunday to Thursday campers. I want to camp without knowing the neighbors are there. When leaving on Friday most sites were taken.
Had no problems finding plenty of fallen kindling for our fire. We found a great roadside house on route 33 that was selling firewood in their front yard for only $10 a "row" as they called it. We got 2 rows because we werent sure what to expect when we got there. We built a good hearty fire every morning and every evening and still had firewood we left there since there was so much accessible resources.
We ended up doing a lot of "tourist" experiences that was a bit of a drive to get to due to my inexperience in driving in the mountains. The drives were usually 30 minutes to an hour and a half. But well worth the drive.
Elkins is the closest place to "civilization" (north on 33) we went there for cheap gas, ice, and the grocery store. Didn't explore Elkins as it was too "city" for us. We wanted more remote experiences.
Harman was the next closest place (south on 33) not much for exploring, but they have a dollar general (what remote town doesn't have a dollar general?) and a place for gas
Continue on 33 south and hit Seneca Rocks! Such a beautiful sight to see! Also have the oldest general store built in 1902 and Yokums country store. Its like going back in time. Both tourist traps but worth the experience. We went to the recreation area with river access so beautiful to see the cliffs upclose and personal. If you are a climber this is the place for you. We are hikers. But enjoyed the views.
Continuing on 33 south there is smoke hole caverns. Another tourist trap but fun. For $20 you get a cavern tour tack on a little more if you want to go gem "panning" and get a bag of dirt to find gems. Or putt putt. Giant gift shop. Someone said it was the largest gift shop in West Virginia.
From Seneca Rocks if you head west on 28 it will take you past Seneca Caverns. They were closed for the summer due to blasting nearby.
Continuing on 28 west you then come to one of my favorite spots. Spruce Knob. The highest elevation in all of West Virginia, gorgeous views all around! Terrible observation tower that you cant see anything due to trees. Nice picnic area. Going down the other side of the mountain Spruce Knob lake, lots more trail heads AND a fantastic dispersed camping area! Seneca Creek backcountry. Didn't camp here. Will camp here next time. All dirt roads down the other side of the mountain. But so worth the adventure!
From camp and going to Harman take 32 east and that will take you to Canaan Valley state park, didn't explore too much but access to a lot more hiking
Then you come to Davis WV one of the cutest little towns ever! Very developed for back country but very very quaint. The davis depot has some camping/hiking clothes and lots of tourist items with t-shirts stickers and such. But great designs. Spent a hunk of change here. Has a grocery store and a dollar general. And a hiking, camping, backpacking store. Has gear, clothes, shoes, you name it. Had an issue with my hiking boots. Got good quality boots here! There are several small boutique stores a couple of restaurants a brewery and a bicycle shop.
Last point of interest I'll address, on the other side of Davis, Blackwater State Park. Easy in intermediate hiking here did most of our hiking here. Gorgeous falls. 3 to be exact. Nice overlooks. Nice recreation center for the kids. Near Canaan loop rd.[Canaan loop rd has dispersed camping too. This is where I had planned on camping when we came to WV and ended up over in Glady. However, I was told by the guy at the camp store in Davis that it was closed. I cannot confirm this. But just definitely check into it before solidifying plans]
My preferences for camping are not usually the whole tourist thing. But WV has so much to offer I just couldn't get enough! So we kept trekking out to see more. The drive is a lot and was a whole day's journey round trip with spending time at those locations but so worth it. Not that far of a drive in the scheme of things
Will come back to this area over and over for all the dispersed camping options and for all the sights and experiences packed in such a small area.
Carlos O.TravelerWolf Gap Recreation Area
Very clean spot
Very nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the remote experience. There are some sites a little further in but the diff is minimal. Overall very great, well maintained spot
Kimberly C.GuideFR227 Dispersed Camping
FR227 Dispersed Camping
There 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.
- Kimberly C.Guide
Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site
Not for me
I 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.
- kkayla A.Scout
Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
Peaceful Stay
This KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
- MMichael B.Scout
Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
Overall OK experience
The 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.
Guide to Circleville
Camping sites near Circleville, West Virginia range from primitive dispersed options to established campgrounds situated within Monongahela National Forest. Winter camping in this region requires special preparation as temperatures at higher elevations (4,000-4,800 feet) can drop below freezing even in early fall. Most campsites have fire rings, though some remote areas require campers to follow strict leave-no-trace practices when building fires.
What to do
Tubing the river loop: At Big Bend Campground, the South Branch Potomac River creates a natural lazy river surrounding the campground. "It's a great place to take a day trip to for fishing or site seeing. They have an awesome wooded hiking trail that goes around the entire lake approximately 1 mile long," shares Adam W. The full river loop takes about an hour to float, with just a 2-minute walk back to restart.
Backcountry hiking: For more challenging trails, explore the Huckleberry Trail near Spruce Knob. "We parked at the summit, descended down and came back up. It was one of the most gorgeous trails I've ever experienced and highly recommend it for a quick weekend backpack," notes Emily S. Several established backcountry camping spots can be found along this trail for overnight hikers.
Night sky viewing: With minimal light pollution, Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers prime stargazing opportunities. "You're in the middle of nowhere, so you do have a truly dark sky," explains Jean C. Bring a telescope or simply lay back to view the Milky Way, especially visible during new moon phases.
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Many campers praise the waterfront locations at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping. "We picked a spot about halfway into the dispersed camping area, creek side along the Gandy creek. The only others we saw from our campsite were people fishing downstream from our camp and they were respectful of our space," reports Melanie S. Sites along the creek offer natural white noise for sleeping.
Site privacy: At Gandy Creek, "Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site. My favorite areas are on the creek. Lots of privacy, every site is unique and special in its own way," explains Jennifer R. The free dispersed sites can be occupied for up to 14 days.
Cooler temperatures: The high-elevation campsites provide relief from summer heat. "Even when it's hot it's a great place to camp because the elevation and the creek," notes Jennifer R. about Gandy Creek. This natural air conditioning makes the area popular during July and August when valley temperatures soar.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Throughout the region, connectivity is extremely limited. "Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away," advises Jean C. about Spruce Knob Lake Campground. At Big Bend, "No cell service. Nearest cell reception is a 20 minute drive away," adds Jon C.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. For Island Campground, "Just getting to Laurel Fork Campground is a backwoods, seemingly endless gravel road journey. So something tells you…this is gonna be good spot. Its out there…I mean, really out there," explains Dave V. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some areas, particularly after rain.
Limited supplies: Most camping areas have minimal services. "Make sure you have what you need because it's a long way to a spot to resupply!" warns Jean C. The closest stores to many campgrounds are 30+ minutes away, and many close early or have limited hours during off-season.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Brandywine Lake Campground offers kid-friendly water access. "I love this campground because they have showers & toilets there, a fun beach on the lake for swimming and a fishing dock as well," shares Rachel B. The designated swimming area provides a safer alternative to the sometimes swift-flowing creek waters.
Wildlife education: Many campsites provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "Chipmunks everywhere you look and incredible sunrise birdsong," reports Erica H. about Seneca Shadows. Morning and evening hours are best for wildlife viewing, with deer commonly spotted at dusk.
All-weather options: Have backup plans for rain. "In mid April the campground had plenty of space, but nearby Spruce Knob Lake was encircled by fishers seeking trout from the latest release," notes Jean C. Fishing remains a popular activity even during inclement weather, and nearby visitor centers provide indoor alternatives.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At several campgrounds, the layout can be challenging. "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side. The dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing," cautions Kevin E. about Blackwater Falls State Park Campground.
Leveling preparations: Bring additional leveling blocks as many sites feature slight grades. "The campground is a short drive from Seneca Rock. Wind back into the woods for camping in a quaint quite setting (A-D) or camp in the meadowlands with Seneca Rock in the background (walk-sites)," advises Jillian E. about Seneca Shadows. Sites in sections A and B are reported to be more level than other areas.
Weather considerations: RVers should be prepared for rapid weather changes. "If you're going to camp at this campground I would totally recommend doing the Huckleberry Trail at the summit!" suggests Emily S. The higher elevation means cooler nights and more precipitation, so awnings and proper ventilation are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Circleville, WV?
Where are the best camping spots in Circleville, WV?
Circleville and its surrounding area offer excellent camping opportunities in the beautiful West Virginia mountains. Seneca Shadows is one of the most scenic options, with stunning views and both standard sites with utilities and walk-in tent sites. For a more secluded experience, Spruce Knob Lake Campground provides a quiet atmosphere with fewer sites and is conveniently located near West Virginia's highest peak. Other notable options include Horseshoe Recreation Area for its remote setting and family-friendly atmosphere, and Eagle Rock Campground for affordable riverside camping. The region's combination of established campgrounds and primitive sites makes it ideal for various camping preferences, from RV enthusiasts to backcountry adventurers.
What is the best time of year to camp in Circleville, WV?
What is the best time of year to camp in Circleville, WV?
The ideal camping season in Circleville, WV typically runs from late spring through early fall (May through October). Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, while Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground shines with its shaded sites and full hookups during the hotter months. Fall is particularly magical as Blackwater Falls State Park Campground and surrounding areas display spectacular autumn colors, typically peaking in October. Winter brings heavy snowfall to the region, making most campgrounds inaccessible except for Canaan Valley, which remains a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Spring camping can be beautiful but prepare for variable weather conditions and potential muddy trails as the snow melts.
What outdoor activities are available near Circleville, West Virginia?
What outdoor activities are available near Circleville, West Virginia?
The Circleville area is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with diverse recreational opportunities. Hiking trails abound, with Kumbrabow State Forest offering miles of scenic paths through its 9,500-acre forest. Water activities are plentiful along the Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite, where tubing, swimming, and fishing are popular. Rock climbing at Seneca Rocks draws enthusiasts from across the country. Mountain biking trails weave throughout the region, including the renowned Greenbrier River Trail for bikepacking adventures. The area also offers excellent fishing opportunities, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing. During winter, nearby Canaan Valley becomes a hub for downhill and cross-country skiing. With its varied terrain and four distinct seasons, Circleville provides year-round outdoor recreation possibilities.
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