Colfax, West Virginia sits within the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, with surrounding peaks reaching over 2,000 feet. The region experiences a humid continental climate with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F, making yurt camping in Colfax an ideal option between April and October. Camping sites throughout the region feature varied terrain from riverside meadows to heavily wooded mountain slopes.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: At Five River Campground, anglers can access the Shavers Fork River directly from waterfront campsites. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," notes a camper who spent two weeks at the property. The river's moderate current makes it accessible for beginners and experienced anglers.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple cascades within 30-45 minutes of Colfax provide memorable day trips. At Swallow Falls State Park Campground, visitors can view Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland's tallest waterfall at 53 feet. "Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs camped on the site in 1918, and 1921," sharing the same views modern campers enjoy today.
Hiking trails: The region offers trails ranging from easy to challenging. "There are ten-mile lake supports fishing, boating, and swimming in designated areas, while multiple hiking trails wind through the wooded hills," explains a visitor to Tygart Lake. For sunrise views, campers at Rhododendron Camping Area suggest, "Wake up early and watch the sunrise at the overlook I'm telling ya!"
What Campers Like
Tent platform sites: Camping platforms at Ohiopyle State Park provide comfortable, level spaces for tent campers. "The tent sites are plentiful, and though there are many…there is enough foliage that separate campsites that it feels somewhat private," reports a visitor who appreciated the natural buffers between sites.
Riverside camping: Many campgrounds in the region offer direct water access. At Five River Campground, tent sites stretch along a half-mile of riverfront. "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," shares a camper who enjoyed the peaceful water sounds.
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping in Colfax, West Virginia and surrounding areas provides comfort with natural immersion. Five River Campground offers yurt accommodations with electricity and easy access to facilities. "The grounds are beautiful, staff amazing. Store had everything we needed, Bath houses were spotless," notes a camper who appreciated the amenities while staying in alternative lodging.
What You Should Know
Weather considerations: The region experiences frequent precipitation, particularly in spring and summer. "It does seem to shower quite a bit in WV," observes a camper who recommends bringing tarps for additional shelter at riverside campsites during yurt camping trips near Colfax, West Virginia.
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report active wildlife, particularly at night. "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," shares a visitor to Tygart Lake State Park Campground. Secure food storage is essential.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and accessibility vary significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Blackwater Falls State Park Campground noted: "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."
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming options: For families with children, Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground offers safe water recreation. "There is a sandy beach where kids are often found collecting newts and fishing. There is a nice green space for running around," shares a visitor who appreciated the kid-friendly activities.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping or during unpredictable weather, consider alternatives to tents. "Besides the lodge, there's 39 cabins, which looked nice. You have a huge yard area with the ones I saw," notes a visitor to Blackwater Falls, highlighting spacious options for families needing more room.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Chestnut Ridge Regional Park offers "XC trails, an old school house and even a stage for the weekend music series performances," providing varied entertainment options for different age groups. Stonewall Jackson State Park includes "hiking trails, mostly easy to moderate difficulty, with a total of 16-miles to explore."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Coopers Rock State Forest, a camper reports, "Just returned from our first weekend here. The new section is open and ready. Water and Electric Only. Dump station on the way out. New section is spaced out with a berm of earth in between a lot of the sites." This creates better privacy than many comparable campgrounds.
Electrical considerations: RVers should monitor power quality at some campgrounds. At Stonewall Jackson State Park, one camper reported, "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time," highlighting the importance of using surge protectors when connecting to campground power.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. "The campground closes in the late fall, but some cabins, and the lodge, are open year-round," explains a reviewer at Tygart Lake, providing options for shoulder-season yurt camping near Colfax when traditional tent camping becomes uncomfortable.
