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Camp Ara is a beautiful 113-acre property in Fairmont, WV. Located in the Allegheny Mountains about 20 minutes south of Morgantown, WV, and West Virginia University. It is close to major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Columbus, Cincinnati, and many others. The property has been run as a Christian camp for over 60 years, serving and changing the lives of countless youth along the way. There is a large number of foster children in and around the area that are currently in great need of programs that connect them with nature, help them to grow individually, and help teach them life skills to prepare them for transitioning out of the foster care system. In addition to running year-round programming, Camp Ara is home to 80+ acres of virtually untouched land. We have created 40 beautiful campsites that require various amounts of hiking to reach. No matter what site you choose, however, you will almost definitely feel as though you are alone with nature.
$20 - $150 / night
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.
Named after the state’s official flower, Rhododendron Campground offers 25 primitive campsites that each have a picnic table and fire pit. There is a central bathroom with flushing toilets and running water available for campground guests. The campground is open to only tent/hammock camping. Pets are permitted, so long as your furry friends are kept on a leash. The campgrounds are spring through fall, weather permitting. Campsites may be reserved anytime online, by phone, or at the campground office. Reservations may be made for no less than two consecutive nights on weekends (Friday and Saturday) or one-night Sunday through Thursday. There is a 14-night maximum stay.
$25 - $35 / night
This a traditional site in the heart of the farm next to a small pond with picnic table and fire pit. It is a sloping wooded space, with flat spots to comfortably accommodate 2-3 tents. There are multiple trees perfect for hanging your hammock in the shade. The compost toilet, about 50ft away, is shared with another campsite. Parking is on a gravel lane adjacent to the site. Potable water(from a frost-free hydrant) is available about 80ft from the site. The pond is only for viewing, no swimming or fishing, please. We have nesting birds occasionally and we expect their habitat to be respected. We are 3 miles from Terra Alta, a rural town with a locally owned restaurant and a local craft beer brewery featuring an exciting rotating cast of food trucks. We are 20 minutes from Swallow Falls State Park(MD), featuring Muddy Creek Falls, awesome river swimming and gorgeous hiking in an old growth Hemlock forest. We are also 20 minutes from Herrington Manor State Park(MD) were there is a lake for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Cathedral State Park(WV) a virgin Hemlock forest with 400 year old trees about 45 minutes away. Deep Creek Lake(MD) is 40 minutes away and offers motor boat rentals, Golf, Skiing and swimming. There is skiing, hiking, biking, tubing, rafting, kayaking and much more to explore withing 40 minutes of our farm. The best white water rafting on the east coast is 20-40 minutes away. We welcome campers of all kinds! We began operating our 150 acre farm in 2011 and became the first Certified Naturally Grown Livestock farm in West Virginia in 2013. We raise 100% grass-fed beef, Western and Chinese medicinal herbs. Our family garden supplies more than half of our vegetables and our favorite berries, and our flock of chickens supply eggs and an early morning wake-up call for our campers! There are no GMO's, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides used on our farm. Farm products are available for purchase on-site. Campers can choose to to have a farm to table meal cooked for them as an extra at checkout. We prepare most of our food from scratch using local produce, meat and bulk organic dry goods. We occasionally make yogurts, noodles, simple cheeses, and fermented foods.
$55 / night
Primitive camping is allowed at no charge at the trailhead, but only during the horse and mountain bike riding open season.
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
Ranger
We stayed 3 nights here, enjoyed it very much even though the power was out due to Hurricane Helene's wrath. Two nice waterfalls to walk or bike to, the campsites are spread out fairly well, and it's quiet. Pinnacle Rock SP & Pipestem SP not too far away. Just a good place to kick back & relax.
Guide
A nice campground in a beautiful area. Currently, McCollum has 25 campsites, but a new section is under construction. The sites are relatively level for such a hilly area, but we did need to do a little extra positioning of our camper. Site 22 is a pull through site and feels extra large compared to others. No water at this site but is does have 30 and 15 amp service.
There is a small camp store with the basics and a larger outpost just down the road where many of the trail heads are located. There is a bit of a Wi-Fi signal but is only accessible when you're at the camp store.
Fantastic hiking in the area! Lots of interesting scenery and rock formations to explore.
Bath house was clean and the water was hot.
Definitely recommend staying here.
Legend
Come in via Harrisville as the way in via Cairo has very bad roads. Campground is very nice and well maintained. Sites have electricity and water; dump station is very well done and easily accessible with any RV configuration.
Guide
This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.
Traveler
That's the best way to describe this park. It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels.
However, the plus is that there are lots of little amentities, a coffee pavilion, wood to buy, portapots, and an incredibly kind "staff." I'm mobility impaired and it was just my dog and I. The guys were super helpful bringing the wheelbarrow of wood to me, which would have been difficult for me.
The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks.
The property was clean and quiet other than the occasional diesel truck going down the road.
Scout
Sites are very large. Water pressure was good. Bath house was clean. The grounds were very clean and well kept. Staff was friendly. Quiet and peaceful. Pet friendly. Dump station on grounds and easy access.
Scout
The campground was pretty packed for much of the weekend, but it never got too loud. Bathrooms are clean and the sites seem pretty spacious. I was at site 2, which is on a slight incline, but it didn't matter too much because I camp in a teardrop so keeping it level isn't an issue. Wifi and Verizon cell were both strong. Easy access to the rail trail and close to the river. I'll definitely go back.
Guide
Everyone was so friendly and the gate just uses a code! so not fiddling around with a Fob or keycard! We were the only ones at the campground when we stayed there the park shuttle bus would come around the park and was offering to take you to any where in or outside of the park! Craig introduced himself to us and was super friendly and nice and talked to us about the park and the campground. The Shuttle driver ended up telling us about this super cute breakfast place called Bob's Lunch! It was so good super well priced it was a hidden gem and the shuttle bus even took us on a tour of moundsvile! The Sites were fully paved and the entire campground was super nice! The blacktop was super nice and the campground was easy to navigate the bathhouses were really clean!
ScoutDo not follow GPS to get to North Bend SP(Cokeley or River Run) Call the park office directly. 304)643-2931.
GPS took us up some nasty horse-shoe hills! Call the office! Park personnel said some GPS will bring campers up a bad gravel road!
Most of the sites are not shaded, ours had partial shade.
Will definitely return.
Wi-Fi worked!
Traveler
Close to Cheat Lake and restaurants in Morgantown.
TravelerBeautiful campground but all giant RVs with lights like a Walmart lot T night. Nice Nature Center with attentive rangers. We camp in a tear drop and will not camp here again.
Guide
We booked this trip last minute on Memorial Day weekend and literally took the last site reservable. The place was crowded and our corner was as crowded as anywhere. The people beside us had way too many cars that made it a little tough to back in. The 5 dudes standing around helped us navigate their vehicles but it was annoying. Later the guy brought us over some whiskey and beers, maybe as an unstated apology.
The CG itself was very family oriented and our site was a good size. We went swimming in lake two days and drove down to Flatwoods for some of the best ice cream you can find at The Spot (UFO and alien sighting location lol).
A huge storm rolled through with 40/50 mph winds. We had a little heads up thanks to buying a day of WiFi but most people were caught flat footed. We saw 30 plus awnings and canopies destroyed. Power went out for entire last day but we were fine. No rangers or park folks let us know anything but that was fine.
I’d recommend c1-c5 if you have kids.
Guide
After years of tent camping, this was our first camping trip with camper our and two youngest kids. When we stayed it was cold outside but we had full hook up and were prepared.
We had nice view of the lodge. The lodge amenities are top notch with a heated pool that only costs a a daily charge to use on top of camping. The campsite itself was a little pricey with the only thing distinguishing the campground being lodge activities you have to pay for.
I’d recommend sites 1-5, 20, and 39.
GuideWe had a wonderful time. The Park is great and we have stayed at lodge 4 times before but this was first camping trip.
We stayed during historic heat wave but kept cool in the river, the pool, and with the ice cream store nearby. There wasn’t easy river access from the campground but we climbed down the hill with no problem and waded the stream for hours.
The property was very clean and family oriented. Nice spacing at our site in particular. I would also recommend sites 10, 11, 17, 19, 13, and 14.
Legend
Pros: 50 AMP, sewer & water hookup
Cons: Gravel sites Check-in at Days Inn Limited amenities (pools at Days Inn)
TravelerLoved camping here! We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!
Traveler
It's a curvy small road to get there but it's well worth the drive. Beautiful campsites,some right on the river. Access to water that is icy cold but definitely fun to play in. The camp store is well stocked and the employees are friendly.
Guide
This place is so beautiful so peaceful the fish in the lake a huge. Small fee for fishing. It’s catch and release only. The owners of the property are very caring and helpful and friendly
Traveler
This establishment does NOT offer tent sites anymore! 5/18/2024. I called to make a reservation and they said they do not do that anymore as of a few years ago.
Traveler
I recently went tent camping with my two children and 2 dogs it was a wonderful experience! The catch and release pond was a wonderful place to take kids to learn and gaurentee to catch a fish with worms. We also found newts! 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. The tent camping sites arnt marked you kind of just go anywhere which was fine since we were the only ones there. We loved it!
Scout
We only stayed one night, driving through. About 3 miles from the interstate, narrow roads. Big rigs probably hard to back in.
ScoutGreat campground hosts!!!!!
Bakers Run is a great place to camp for families and people who can let go and stay off the grid for a few days. There little to no cell service available and having a boat to enjoy the lake is a must. Camping here for many years due to the location and ease of access for boaters. Getting to the campground can be nerve racking for those who do not like love the back roads of WV. Bakers Run is a great place to get away from it all. Bakers Run is well of the beaten path nestled along the shoreline of Sutton Lake, with that being said Bakers Run is a public Crops of Engineers small and uncommercialized campground. You will not find the following Wi-Fi, swimming pools, snack bars, game rooms, boat rentals, hiking or biking trails. There are two small stores off of campground property offering firewood, snacks, bait, ice, camping supplies and limited grocery items. To fully enjoy Sutton Lake a boat is a must. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10122583?tab=ratings
TravelerGreat place to stay! We were at site 13, right on the water. Check-in was easy and the staff was very friendly! Plenty of ice and firewood at the store and a cute little gift shop. The site was mostly flat where we parked the camper and very close to the bathhouse. Plenty to do around the park - biking the rail trails, hiking, fishing, basketball, and a nice playground, to name a few! We definitely plan to make another trip there this year!!
Ranger
My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around. The camp store was nice with everything you need, and the staff and owners were friendly as well. We were there for a long weekend and all agreed we would go back.
Traveler
Campsites are just the right size. Very level and nicely done. Sites have electric hookup a picnic table and a fire ring. Wood is available for purchase at the office when you come In. Bathhouse is located in the center of the campsites
Traveler
So peaceful, beautiful views!!! Always have a good time, and always love enjoying time with family and friends and time together!!! Have to check it out! Experience is amazing!!!!
GuideLots of elevation to summit and water to cool you off after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clarksburg, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clarksburg, WV is Camp Ara with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Clarksburg, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
