Looking for an adventure where you can explore Circleville and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Circleville. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Circleville's most popular destinations.
This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.
A small primitive campground located approximately 14 miles northeast of Elkins, West Virginia, on Forest Road 91 (Stuart Drive) near the Otter Creek Wilderness. 8 available sites are nestled along rock outcroppings that offer unique landscapes. There is stream fishing and hiking located nearby. Middle Point Trail #140,__3.7 miles in length is located along Forest Road 91 (Stuart Drive) west of the Campground. The Otter Creek Wilderness offers several trails and__more challenging experiences just next door.
Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping: There are at least 7 dispersed camp sites Along Canaan Loop Road.
Camping Tips Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens. Vigorously boil local water for at least three minutes, or use a filter which is specifically labeled for removal of Giardia. Chemical treatments (iodine and chlorine) are not considered effective. Freezing temperatures and snow can occur anytime of the year, but mainly between October and April. Dress for the weather. Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams. Light weight camping stoves are encouraged. If using firewood it must be dead AND down branches only. Keep fires small. During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
$10 / night
Gatewood Group Campground is ideally located just two miles from Spruce Knob Lake in the Monongahela Forest, creating an ideal base camp for hikes and wildlife watching.
With over 500 miles of hiking trails, visitors are have many options in the forest, including the Gatewood Nature Trail. With some of the most beautiful overlooks in the area, Spruce Knob Lake offers fishing and boating opportunities (fish are stocked). No swimming is allowed. Unobstructed views of the night sky bring stargazer clubs to this spot all summer long.
The campground is situated on a ridge in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The Monongahela Forest extends over the north central highlands of the state, encompassing many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations range from 1,000-4,863 feet, and Gatewood sits at 4,300 feet. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country.
Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak, lies just 9 miles from the campground. It overlooks forested ridges and grassy open pastures. Visitors can drive or hike to the top. Rock climbing is also a popular activity.
$60 / night
I grow mushrooms and sell them at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. The camping area is about an acre and is beside the house. Park under a canopy of red cedar trees which are bug resistant so very few mosquitoes. Two fireplaces, first come first serve. No neighbors yet close to Harrisonburg. Free firewood. No curfews. Tent camping and conversion vans only. No RV's.
$25 - $30 / night
Hiking and fishing opportunities are abundant at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking trails that meander along the Jackson River, or break out that rod and reel as the trout stocked waters are popular amongst fly and traditional fishermen alike.
Traveler
Review from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along a stream on one side and campsite access road on the other. Clean and well maintained with super nice staff.
Scout
This place is amazing!!!. If your into primitive camping at it's best this place is it. This is where me and wife went on are first tent camping trip and ever since we compare every other tent site to Spruce Knob. As of know nothing has compared.
TravelerA great, quiet campground with fewer sites than most. 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. Some drive up, some drive, park, and walk up. There is a single water source and I'd highly recommend boiling first. H20 does NOT taste good at all. There are a couple of outhouses, and no shower facilities.
Legend
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.
Wanting to spend the a few days midweek in and around Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob, we chose Seneca Shadows Campground as our basecamp. Aptly named, as views of Seneca Rocks can enjoyed from your tent site.
Smack dab in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Shadows Campground is part of the U.S. Forest Service, so if you are planning a weekend or popular vacation time stay, log onto (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/mapof_Seneca_Shadows/r/campgroundMap.do?page=map&search=site&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70322 ) and reserve your site.
If you are driving a big RV or hauling a Camper, you'll be parking on one of the 38 sites designed specifically for that purpose. There are a few large group tent sites on the same side of the park roadway before you reach the individual tent sites. Be astute, some have electric and some do not.
Forgive me for saying, but the tent sites appear designed by someone only interested in allowing as many tenters as possible, without regard for privacy...more like cattle in a feed lot (with the exception of 50-53). These are considered "walk to" sites. So I would not camp here during a weekend or holiday. Fortunately, weekdays see few tenters and we had it all to ourselves. Staying on somewhat of an elevated site (50) with some encompassing foliage. However, a roadway runs along the campground to the north, so we heard truck traffic early morning and late. Water and restrooms are located by the parking lot and adequate.
The views of Seneca Rocks were welcomed, when it wasn't raining (a common occurance is WV)...and only one mile from entrance to entrance with the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=7050)...and 14.3 miles/Half hour drive to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak at 4,862 (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053). At the crossroads a mile away are a couple restaurants and a country store (with ice cream shop) for last minute needs.
While I prefer more isolated campgrounds and sites, this filled the need.
Legend
Campground Review: Canaan Valley State Park and Resort, Davis, West Virginia
The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season. Winter brings copious snowfall and the skiing here draws thousands...downhill and XC. The summer sees backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, gravel grinders, car-campers and RVers. Not only do you have hiking trails here on the State Park location...you can drive up to the nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness Area for camping, day-hikes or multi-day backcountry trips; Blackwater Falls (10 miles north) offers memorable falls, great hikes with long gorge views (Lindy Point a favorite). Even Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob are only 30 minutes or so away. Possibilities are endless in this neck of the woods. This very weekend was to be the Mountainbike Festival, but due to Covid-19, well you know the rest of that story. The Abe Run Trail was a pleasant trail leaving from the campground.
The campground portion is not expansive but 34 sites are situated in three small loops (see photo of campground map). Primitive tent sites don't have water or electric and parking is roadside but you are within 100 yards of the "Comfort Station." The three "tent only" sites have only been around for a couple years...but sites 1 and 2 are in a nice grassy area away from the RV loop 2. Always verify current rates, but June 18, 2020...mid $30's nightly for nonresidents (WV residents get 30% off). Primitive tent sites were $17 a night.
The Resort Lodge, Golf course, swimming pool and a covered ice skating rink (obviously the last three mentioned being seasonal) were further up the windy park roadway. (See rates on park website).
The campground "Comfort Station," is a restroom/shower/laundry and soda machine building. The gender specific restroom/shower rooms each have two wooden stalled modern facility stools, two shower stalls (men's are separated by a shower curtain, women's by a wall); a separate unisex ADA restroom/shower sits adjacent to the men's and appears newer.
The grounds are well-maintained and manicured as are all WV State Parks. Trails are scattered throughout the park. some are foot traffic only, others permit bicycles. The Back Hollow Trail was predominantly a mown grass trail but occasional wooded sections were rocky two-track. This is Wet Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months. I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping. It also still gets chilly in these mountains during the early summer months.
Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening. A kid's playground is situated beside (separated by a field) primitive tent sites 1 & 2.
We spent three days in June and experienced afternoon rain showers daily, but arranged our hikes and bikes around them.
Traveler
Beautiful river access directly from tent site! Lots of amenities from hot tubs, fishing pond and a heated pool. Staff was friendly and site was well maintained. Bathrooms were clean. Only complaint is that tent sites are really close together.
ScoutMy parents took me and my sister to Audra every summer and wks at a time and camping in a tent,it was the best memories i have as a child and yes im now 42,fulltime grandma of 4yr old axel w austism, i have worked m.j y butt off w him 2yrs straight to get his fits calmed down..yes he has had 1since last oct and that is because i figured out what was triggering them but so proud of him..i him..I wanted to take grandson sonewhere where ppl are friendly and say hi to axel where felt cummy and not get upset and hide...my neice ended uo going last mth,she invited us up to test axel out because this b a huge thing for him to do..oh my Aurda was still beautiful, clean, ppl so nice,there was no camp site available so we stayed till 7pm and went home..def a place to take kids w disabilities, ppl understand, do not stare and its alot of fun for kids,quit,gorgeous place to camp..wish they had a site open and it be kool to win a few days of camping..
GuideGreat location for fly fishing & hiking. The tent camping area has a view of Seneca Rocks while the camper trailer/RV sites are wooded.
Traveler
We stayed here in October 2020. Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots. We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!
Traveler
Great place to go tent camping and hiking. The sites are free and are first come first serve. Highly recommended you bring your own water or container to fill at the spring down the road.
Scout
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. First photo is 100 yards from the campground.
Scout
Hot clean showers, all the tent sites platforms were covered with mushrooms and map is labeled completely wrong. 3 stars for the high quality amenities available but needs site maintenance.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. I want to welcome this partner to our platform. This is private land where you will be camping in the woods. Site is level and perfect for car or tent camping. Pack it in, pack it out. Book your stay today and leave them some love!
ScoutGreat campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt. The one problem is the camper section is very tight, whereas the tent sites look more roomy.
Scout
Nice campground that is seldom full. 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. Very nice area and primitive campsites to base your outdoor adventures from!
ScoutNice tightly packed campground including tent camping. We sent up camp D22. Very tight spacing. Noisy neighbors with no consideration for other campers. No water/electricity. Over $100 for 2 nights. Nice staff. Bathrooms ok and clean. Camp store nice with decent pizza delivery possible. We mountain biked at Bryce ski resort 40 minutes away.
Guide
Beautiful tent sites along the creek! I was there in late summer, but I plan to return in late spring when the rhododendrons would be in bloom. Access is by about 6 miles of dirt/rock road. There are many trails at all hiking levels.
Traveler
Love this place. Only wish is that the tent sites were more wooded for shade. And to hang lights and hammocks.
The staff were great, bathrooms super clean. Love all the hiking trails and just the beauty of the are. Will be returning soon.
GuideThis Koa was fantastic. Spent my Labor Day weekend here and loved it. The staff handled the crowd great and they had loads of activities for kids. Everything was very clean and kept up really nice. The tent sites were pretty close together but we had great neighbors.
ScoutThis campground has incredibly clean bathroom and shower facilities along with an immaculate site. Each tent site is fairly large and has a flat mulch covered spot for a large tent with a picnic table and fire pit next to it. The site is about 8 minutes off the highway and makes a great stopping point. Would definitely stay here again.
LegendHave stayed here twice when skydiving at Skydive Shenandoah. I will say the tent sites aren’t super desirable. Not private and gravel. The cabins though - perfect for one or two people, has a fire ring. Both times we had a nice stay, both times in a cabin. Lots of antiquing and flea marketing in the area.
TravelerWe really enjoyed camping here. Took a great hike to Fridley’s Gap and went swimming in the water hole. The tent site was big and clean and the staff was super friendly. They have chickens and ducks roaming around and Our dog got to chase a chicken off the site. She loved that! Will definitely so back!
Traveler
Bennies has a cool spot by the creek for tent camping. I was the only one there - after having driven through the aging RV neighborhood. Check-in was mystical, but finally reached the groundskeeper by phone and left money in a mailbox. "$40 cash money..." Way overpriced considering the unsanitary (gross) showers and restrooms. I think I felt cleaner before the shower. If you don't need a shower and don't mind dropping $40 for a place to pitch your tent then Bennies may be for you.
ScoutVery nice campground. The facilities were conveniently located and clean. The car Camp sites were spacious and well separated from other camp sites. If you don’t need your vehicle at your campsite I would highly recommend the walk-in tent sites because the view of Seneca Rocks is incredible. Less privacy than the vehicle sites from other campers but a really beautiful open space.
Legend
Five River Campground, Parsons WV...a hidden oasis!
John and Joyce, are wonderful owners, caretakers and hosts (and have travelled to many an interesting and exciting destination themselves if you can get them to sharing).
Interestingly, they bought this parcel of land 14 years ago purely to host Bluegrass festivals...(which, by the way, they do quite successfully... nominated this year of "2017" as one of the five finalists as the best Bluegrass Festivals in the world, not yet decided at the time of this review).
If you are a BG fan, you can join thousands of attendees here at Five River Campground from over ten countries (seriously! Like Tahiti, Sweden, Germany, Holland and such), if not, choose a different week to visit...because they jam 24/7. Over 3500 festival attendees, 1500 camped at this campground.
We visited two weeks after said festival and were one of two tent campers along Shavers Fork River (one of the feeders that comprise the Cheat River).
The Five River Campground is not huge, nor comprised of vast acreage but appears visually large. If you are a tent camper, it's perfect on slow days and weekends. My thought is, with so many big name sensational campgrounds in WV to chose from and absent advertising, Five River Campground rarely gets a second look.
It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town. As we made the turn off 219, a group of townsfolk were involved in a cakewalk outside a historic community building. Gotta love close, small town community.
There are no actual designated tent sites which is part of its beauty. You simply locate a spot of your choosing along a half mile grassy stretch of river and set up camp, give Joyce a call and they come to you. At this writing, tent sites are $15 nightly. They drop off a fire ring and grate...and firewood ($5 a bundle) should you desire).
with our tent sitting five feet off a gurgling river with mountains as your backdrop, well...it just doesn't get much better or tranquil.
The RV/Camper section is separate and two rolling knolls away so you neither see nor hear them if you are camped on the river.
A meticulously clean showerhouse/restroom/laundry building is centrally located and closer to the RV/Camper sites. RV/Camper sites have power and water. Tent sites do not. In fact, tent sites might be considered primitive, possessing no picnic table...perfect for me! Water spigot and outside dish washing sink are also located by the shower house.
We chose a small cluster of trees beside the river so I could string a tarp and hammocks (it does seem to shower quite a bit in WV).
It should be noted, the tent sites along the river do not offer much privacy from each other in the way of foliage or natural visual barriers...distance is your privacy.
We visited on a weekend and there was only one other tent camper, quite a distance away in the other cluster of trees.
The river melody is loud enough to drown out most other distant noises. Our stay was peaceful and serene.
Fishing on the river is popular (and successful) with a WV license. The Shavers Fork river (a Cheat River tributary) is also ideal for rafting, tubing and paddling. Most will take out 11 miles downriver before class 3 rapids (and higher) begin.
Five River Campground was the ideal choice for a weekend stay before venturing to Dolly Sods Wilderness for a long backpacking trip. Plus it is one of the only campgrounds in all of WV where you have cell service...and wifi!
A campground I will definitely look forward to returning to.
Scout
The camp host Orv has a very unique campsite setup not too far from the house/mushroom farm area. We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm. The camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees. If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area. The camp area is quiet and there is plenty of firewood for use.
Guide
This is great camping at a low cost! They have tent sites available and camping with electric! Plenty of trees and great amount of shade!!! You will enjoy the wildlife in this park! There are a bunch of trails to explore! There are a few over looks that provides a beautiful view!!!! And of course there are gorgeous waterfalls!!! Take a hike you can get pretty close to a few of them! Happy Camping!!!
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of West Virginia, Circleville offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Circleville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Circleville, WV is Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Circleville, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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