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Best Tent Camping near Clarksburg, WV

370 Reviews

Tent campsites near Clarksburg, West Virginia range from established sites to more primitive backcountry options. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed camping provides free tent sites with established fire rings in a forested setting. Camp Ara offers tent camping with access to hiking trails and a lake for canoeing and fishing, while Bear Heaven Campground provides secluded tent sites within Monongahela National Forest.

Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Bear Heaven includes approximately ten tent sites, each with a fire pit and picnic table, plus concrete vault toilets but no running water. Canaan Loop Road requires campers to bring all water supplies, with sites marked by visible fire rings scattered along a sometimes bumpy forest road. Weather conditions significantly impact accessibility—winter camping requires thorough preparation with snow possible even in spring months. Several reviews mention muddy conditions, particularly at higher elevations where tent sites may remain wet through early summer.

Tent campers benefit from the natural isolation these areas provide, with sites often spaced for privacy and quiet. The boulder formations near Bear Heaven Campground offer unique exploration opportunities directly adjacent to the camping area. Most tent-only sites in the region provide access to hiking trails and fishing spots. Canaan Loop Road tent sites are positioned for good access to Blackwater Falls State Park trails with some campsites situated near streams. A visitor noted, "There are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that are trickier to see while driving." Sites at Rhododendron Camping Area are described as spacious and offer walking access to scenic overlooks and trail networks.

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Best Tent Sites Near Clarksburg, West Virginia (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Clarksburg, WV

12 Photos of 13 Clarksburg Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Clarksburg, WV

370 Reviews of 13 Clarksburg Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 27, 2017

    River Run Campground — North Bend State Park

    Deer Heaven

    North Bend State Park is about 10 miles south on Rt 16 off of Rt 50...east of Parkersburg, WV.

    When you slowly wind your way along twisty backcountry roads, through a small town, you'll ultimately find yourself entering North Bend State Park.

    Immediately to the right is Cokely Campground. Initially, you don't see it...you must drive up and over a roller. At the top of the hill, you observe a handful of picnic tables and fire rings, a porta-potty and a small woodshed with a water spigot alongside. Very little delineation from site to site and more of a mown field. Only the top two locations are the only quasi-level sites along a narrow tree line. No electric. These sites are $16 nightly.

    Traveling over the hill and turning to the right you see the main Cokely Campground with newer showerhouse/restroom building and playground. Campsites are blacktop with water and electric, apparently for large RV/Campers. These sites are $28 nightly.

    If you were to bypass the RV/Camper location, you would continue down the side road to the boat ramp and lake.

    The grounds and restrooms were clean, maincured and well maintained. Midweek the RV sites were already filled.

    We decided against Cokely Campground and returned to the main park road deeper into the State Park to River Run Campground.

    You pass the Lodge/Restaurant and the huge "L" shaped outdoor pool on your right as you descend (Note: the pool is seasonal and with college aga lifeguards that exit for school early, it was closed mid-August).

    Winding down to River Run, deer in abundance were lining the the roadway, so use care. River Run Campground runs along a river...imagine that!

    Tent sites are situated between the roadway and the river on the left...then additional tent sites are around a small half acre pond on the right. Most the roadside tent sites are level, but sit at a lower level, so when it rains (and it does in WV)...it gets soggy. No visible distinction or foliage between tent sites. One porta-potty sits at the crossroads across from the office.

    Saturday it was quiet with only one other tent camper, but rain was forecasted...although a pumphouse, located at the entrance to River Run, kicks on periodically with a low, annoying droning. Being at site 45, it was quite noticeable, as I imagine with all sites in the 40's. The tent specific sites are non-electric with central water spigots ($22 nightly). As you pass the tent sites and the office, you enter a loop of paved RV/Camper sites with blacktop drives, water and electric ($28 nightly). The Showerhouse/restrooms are located in the center of this area...and are very clean and maintained. The coveted RV/Camper sites are along the bank of the river and offer more distance between neighbors. On the inner ring, a split rail fence separates neighbors.

    While the sun didn't shine during our visit, it appears the thick forest canopy keeps all river sites shaded. The grounds and facilities are neat at clean.

    All the trails bisect this campground, some foot only, others multipurpose. River Run also has a nice playground for the kids. Trails have difficulty drying out, so rocks and roots were muddy and slick, but still enjoyable.

    Note: Mountainbike races are often held here, so campgrounds can get crazy and packed. Additionally, because of the pool, this is a very busy campground. Be forewarned that the pool is 58 steps up from the parking lot to the pool area.

    There were a lot of trails I did not get to travel, and I'll bring my bike next time for the Rails-to-Trail. Nice but popular campground,

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Beautiful Mountains

    We often do dispersed, leave no trace, primitive camping throughout the state forest. There are wonderful, well maintained trails throughout. If you want to dive into nature within a 30 minute drive from Morgantown, this is your place to go. Take the scenic hike to raven’s rock for views that will not disappoint.

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Go all the way up the hill

    We stayed here 9/2018 at site #10 and can't wait to return. There is a small campground just by the entrance that has a small store and electric sites with RV hookups. Site 10 was at the campground at the top of the hill, sparsely populated, and had beautiful views beyond the trees. There were toilets and drinking water, but no electricity.  The bathrooms do not have lighting so bring a headlamp or flashlight. Each site had a fire ring and a picnic table. Trails were well maintained, but be warned that the overlook is crowded.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 26, 2017

    Five River Campground

    Hidden Oasis at the edge of town

    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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2018

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Quiet campground with easy access to outdoor fun

    This small campground is just a couple of miles from busy Hwy 68, but amazingly quiet. Sites are average to large, with a few that can accommodate larger RV’s. All have electricity, a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole.

    There is almost no privacy between sites, but sites are spacious. The campground is kept very clean. Bathrooms are older, but kept clean and have nice HOT showers. There is also a small laundry room with dishwashing sink behind the bathhouse. Both ice and firewood are sold onsite.

    There are many hiking trails in the area, including the very popular Raven Rock trail that leads to an incredible overlook of the Cheat River Valley and Canyon. Also very popular are both the Big Sandy and Cheat Rivers, both within 10 miles to the put ins. Lots of options nearby for just a few hours and/or a full day of whitewater fun.

    Morgantown, about 10 miles away, is the closest town and is filled with everything you need. We enjoyed a great cycling day on the Mon River Trail which runs along the Monongahela River, accessible from downtown Morgantown or Star City.

  • Lauren R.
    Jun. 16, 2020

    Five River Campground

    Family Friendly & Base for Outdoor Adventures

    This was our first trip to Five River Campground, and we loved it! Beautiful spot on the river— only tent camping in a huge field separated us from the water. The interior was more crowded and didn’t have a view; but Joyce helped us pick a beautiful spot when we called for reservation. 

    Everyone was super friendly and helpful as we learn to set up our new teardrop to the full hook ups. John delivered firewood right to our site, and they texted the hours of the trading post store. Lots of happy, courteous kids and well-behaved dogs on leashes. Our pups loved it, especially swimming! We appreciated the poop bags and trash cans convos fly located around the campground. There are a ton of hikes within 30 minutes, and we checked out Douglas Falls. Next time, we’ll visit Lindy Observation deck and more of Blackwater Falls State Park. Grocery store, gas station and a family dollar all within a 5 min drive or walk.

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    Iconic WV Waterfall

    There is dispersed camping throughout the state forest. As always, when practicing dispersed camping, ensure that you leave no trace. Stop by the visitor center to get your permit for camping.

  • S
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Tygart Lake State Park Campground

    Not worth the trip, Racoons, sloped sites

    If you’re looking for a place to camp in West Virginia, don’t even bother with this campground, head over to Audra State park instead.

    We generally love most camping experiences and make it work, but this one was so bad we left 3 days early. When I kindly called to cancel, the nice Park ranger said he completely understood and would actually refund us for our entire trip (which we didn’t even mention or ask for).

    The only good things about this campground were the friendly staff and the updated bathrooms.

    Almost all sites are walk-ups, which is NOT noted on their site. Also, almost all sites are on a hill. The pictures do not accurately show this. We had site 33 (probably the worst site). The entire site was on a slant and covered in rocks, I tried to capture it in a picture, but it just doesn’t look as slanted as it feels when you are standing there. There was no flat spot for our 10 x 20 tent, so we had to sleep on an angle. (I felt like I was falling out of bed the whole night!) 33 should NOT be a site.

    There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. I wish we were warned ahead of time. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in. Our dog barked the entire night as the racoons kept coming up to our site and even our tent. At one point they even put holes in the outside of our $300 tent!! The next day we tried to make the best of our trip and decided to check out the lake. We had left our cooler and a couple small Rubbermaid bins of food on the table while we headed down for an hour. The car was far and incredibly hot during the day, and we didn’t want to give them any incentive to go after our tent again, so we had no other option. While we were gone the raccoons tore open our cooler, ate some of our food, and scattered the rest of our food and water in the woods. (This is probably why there is so much food that can been seen scattered near the campsites).

    The lake was pretty but there was a ton trash all around it, such a shame. I had to pick up a bunch of pieces of glass on the shore of the campground so my dog wouldn’t get hurt. You technically aren’t allowed to swim in the non-beach/swimming area unless you are jumping off a boat, but people were doing it anyway. You cannot bring dogs in the designated swimming area.

    While the bathrooms were nice they are a very far walk from any of the shaded/non-electric sites, and you are not permitted to drive up to them. There are only 2 showers. Both were kept clean but had 100’s of little green bugs and a ton of months and mosquitos on the. To get to the bathrooms you must park at the top of the hill and walk down (not a big deal for us, but may be for some).

    The electric sites have no shade or privacy, and they are all on top of each other.

Guide to Clarksburg

Tent camping near Clarksburg, West Virginia positions visitors in the heart of the Appalachian region where elevations range from 1,000 to 4,800 feet throughout surrounding forest lands. Summer nights typically remain cool even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, while spring and fall camping often requires extra layers. The region receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests but sometimes challenging camping conditions.

What to do

Climb to panoramic viewpoints: Visit Rhododendron Camping Area where campers can access nearby trails and overlooks. "The campground is in walking distance to the overlook and most of the trails. Absolutely lovely here!" notes camper Sienna L.

Fish local lakes: Try Conaway Run State Lake for fishing opportunities without crowds. "Lake fishing. Hiking trails. Shooting range," mentions Liz Y., who camped at this rustic location.

Explore boulder formations: The unique rock formations near Bear Heaven Campground provide unusual exploration opportunities. Adam W. explains, "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: Several forest service roads and designated trails accommodate mountain bikers. "The area has several great hiking and mountains biking trails," notes a Bear Heaven visitor.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The best tent camping near Clarksburg, West Virginia often features well-spaced sites. At Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, Michael H. appreciated "a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!"

Stream-side camping: Many campers seek out waterfront sites. "There's a stream that goes by some, the woods are beautiful," writes Lillian R. about Canaan Loop Road.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests surrounding Clarksburg provide habitat for various wildlife. Campers at Canaan Loop Road report seeing evidence of bears, frogs, and other forest creatures. Scott R. noted, "Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs."

Farm settings: For a different experience, Possum Tail Farm Camp offers camping "in the heart of this farm close to a pond," providing an agricultural setting just 20 minutes from Swallow Falls State Park.

What you should know

Weather considerations: Winter camping requires serious preparation. At Camp Ara, campers benefit from more facilities during cold weather. "On our second night after taking a HOT shower in one of the lodges we were offered a warm meal and even warmer company from one of the families running the site," reports Kaitlin B.

Road conditions: Many forest roads become challenging after rainfall. "Road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine," notes Lillian R. about Canaan Loop Road, while other reviews mention mud issues.

Water availability: Most primitive sites require bringing all water. For Canaan Loop Road, Rhea B. advises: "It's very secluded and you need to definitely be self sufficient."

Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Rhododendron Camping Area, Emily M. notes, "The bathrooms at the overlook are better maintained than the campground bathrooms plus the camp bathroom light didn't work while we were visiting so it got a littttttle creepy after sunset."

Tips for camping with families

Choose established sites: For families, Kinderhook Trailhead offers basic amenities that help with children. "We pulled in and there was one couple setup at a designated site (picnic table and fire pit)," reports one visitor.

Pack for wet conditions: Many sites remain damp even in summer. Scott R. found Canaan Loop Road "very, very damp" even during good weather.

Consider camp hosts: Camps with on-site hosts provide additional security and assistance. At Camp Ara, Kaitlin B. appreciated that "the hosts of this camp provide drinking water and warm hospitality."

Look for natural play areas: Some sites offer natural features kids enjoy. Adam W. notes that at Bear Heaven, children can explore "a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures."

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Most forest service roads near Clarksburg restrict large RVs. Harley G. advises about Canaan Loop Road: "Road was a little rough so take your time."

Campsite identification: RVers should scout potential sites before attempting to park. At Canaan Loop Road, Lillian R. notes, "There are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that are tricker to see while driving."

Four-wheel drive requirements: Clayton S. advises, "If you come in from the east, it's a very well maintained road for any vehicle (RVs may have trouble turning around), but the last mile or two you need a 4x4."

Winter accessibility: RVers should avoid most forest roads in winter months. "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered," warns Rhea B. about winter conditions at Canaan Loop Road.

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.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Clarksburg, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Clarksburg, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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