Best Campgrounds near Colfax, WV
The area surrounding Colfax, West Virginia features several established campgrounds set within the rolling terrain of northern West Virginia. Tygart Lake State Park Campground provides camping options just south of Colfax with tent sites, RV hookups and cabin rentals, situated along the shores of a ten-mile lake. Nearby alternatives include Camp Ara and Family Fishing N' Camping, both offering water access and wooded sites. The region includes a mix of state park facilities and private campgrounds, most operating seasonally with some offering year-round options for recreation and overnight stays.
Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited facilities available during winter months. Tygart Lake State Park's camping season typically runs from mid-April to October, while Cooper's Rock State Forest, located about 40 miles northwest, maintains a similar seasonal schedule. Travelers should consider making reservations, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campsites feature sloped terrain that can affect tent placement and comfort. Several campgrounds provide electric hookups, though availability varies by location, with options for both primitive tent camping and full-service RV sites. As one visitor noted, "We had site 33 (probably the worst site). The entire site was on a slant and covered in rocks. There was no flat spot for our tent, so we had to sleep on an angle."
Wildlife encounters are common at camping areas throughout the region, with raccoons frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. The primary draws include water-based recreation at Tygart Lake, with boating, fishing, and limited swimming opportunities. Campers report clean facilities at most established campgrounds, though site spacing varies considerably. Several visitors mentioned the helpful and friendly park staff as a highlight of their experience. Camp Ara received particularly positive reviews, with a camper commenting, "The hosts of this camp provide drinking water and warm hospitality." Tygart Lake offers scenic hiking trails connecting camping areas to the lakeshore, though some visitors noted trash along the shoreline in certain areas. Winter camping options are limited, with most campgrounds closing during colder months, though some cabin facilities remain available year-round.
