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Best Campgrounds near Terra Alta, WV

811 Reviews

Terra Alta, West Virginia serves as a gateway to numerous established campgrounds scattered throughout the Appalachian highlands, offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Nearby camping areas include Coopers Rock State Forest and Cheat Canyon Campground within a 30-minute drive, featuring electric hookups and riverside sites. The broader region encompasses Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort State Park, where visitors find more developed facilities including showers, flush toilets, and designated camping pads. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV campers, with several parks also offering cabins, yurts, and glamping options for those seeking more comfort.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds accessible via winding mountain roads that can be challenging for larger RVs. One visitor noted, "The drive up winds up the mountain offering great views through the trees." During winter months, many campgrounds close or limit operations, with most operating from April through October or December. Blackwater Falls and Coopers Rock State Forests typically open in early April and close by late October. Higher elevation sites experience cooler temperatures even in summer, making them popular destinations during hot months. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak season, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during weekdays when visitation is lower.

The camping areas surrounding Terra Alta are characterized by scenic mountain and water views, with several parks situated near rivers or lakes. Campers frequently highlight the wildlife viewing opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "Deer meandered through the unattended campsites two of my three stays, so it can be very quiet." Sites along water features tend to be the most popular, particularly at Cheat Canyon Campground and Five River Campground. Most developed campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water, with varying levels of privacy between sites. Visitors praise the region for stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, though weekend campers should be prepared for busier conditions, especially during summer months and fall foliage season when the area's natural beauty attracts significant tourism.

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Best Camping Sites Near Terra Alta, West Virginia (136)

    1. Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Oakland, MD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 387-6938

    $22 - $33 / night

    "Camp ground was just a few minute drive away from the entrance to the trail. Trails were easy enough for kids.

    Camp site itself was nice and clean but felt a little too close to each other."

    "Thirdly, the campground was so close to the nature that we wanted to see. We went to see the falls and they were within walking distance from our campsite. Overall, it was an awesome place to camp."

    2. Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mchenry, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 387-5563

    $21 - $65 / night

    "Camp site(Tent camping)

    Camp site was pretty small and close to each other. The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful."

    "Lots of touristy things around the lake, then you drive by lots of vacation homes on the lakeshore and then you pull into the camp and you feel like you are miles away from all that stuff."

    3. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 259-5216

    $50 / night

    "Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/

    Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."

    "This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."

    4. Coopers Rock State Forest

    32 Reviews
    Dellslow, WV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 594-1561

    $25 - $35 / night

    "This is the largest state forest in West Virginia, it has a total of 25 sites that vary in their privacy. Each site has electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire grates, and utility post."

    "There is also a small laundry room with dishwashing sink behind the bathhouse. Both ice and firewood are sold onsite."

    5. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "The plan was to camp and hike throughout West Virginia, but when we visited Pathfinder outdoor retailer in Morgantown, WV the staff encouraged us to check out Ohiopyle, while we were so close."

    "Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."

    6. Herrington Manor State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Oakland, MD
    5 miles
    Website

    "But other than the falls, this park has everything the other does, and even a lake. Most come here for the cabins."

    "This lake (the main attraction of the state park) is one of my husband’s favorite fishing spots, especially on the kayaks. "

    7. Five River Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parsons, WV
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-3515

    $15 / night

    "This is a hidden gem right outside of town. We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups."

    "It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town."

    8. Teter's Campground

    2 Reviews
    Terra Alta, WV
    7 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Right on the bank of the the Muddy river and a short 2 minute walk to the Cheat River. This is also right next to the Cheat River Festival grounds."

    "The videos I supplied are just down the road and a trail at the river. The main attraction of this campsite."

    9. Possum Tail Farm Camp

    1 Review
    Terra Alta, WV
    3 miles
    +1 (304) 857-2608

    $55 / night

    "Camp in the heart of this farm close to a pond. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love."

    10. Cheat Canyon Campground

    1 Review
    Terra Alta, WV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 329-6522

    $5 - $10 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Terra Alta, WV

412 Photos of 136 Terra Alta Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Terra Alta, WV

811 Reviews of 136 Terra Alta Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Large wooded sites

    The owners are so friendly and personable. The sites are actually in a wooded area not just a big field. Each site has full hookups. We will definitely return.

  • Alia
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Kick Back n Camp

    Last Minute Getaway

    My husband and I went on a spontaneous camping road trip. We called the campground, and they had availability for walk-ins! Usually, you’d have to book in advance. The campsite was a semi-private spot, and it cost less than $30 a night, without electricity. They also have sites with electricity. We were fortunate enough to have no campers around us, making it quite private.

    The campground had a picnic table, a fire pit, and they even delivered our firewood directly to our site. They had separate sites for RVs and tent camping, so we could choose the one that best suited our needs. The owners were incredibly friendly and outgoing, making our stay even more enjoyable.

    If you forget anything, the campground office had everything you needed for purchase. They also had a well-organized brochure that showcased the campground’s amenities and offerings. And let’s not forget their delicious ice cream! They had a variety of flavors, and I highly recommend trying them all.

    One of the standout features of the campground was the bathhouse. It was spotlessly clean and felt like a spa. The showers were comfortable and had hot water, making it our highlight

    Overall, we had a fantastic time at the campground. It was a great place to unwind and connect with nature. If you’re looking for a peaceful and affordable camping experience, I highly recommend this campground.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.

  • Aileen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    Clean Campground in a Beautiful Park

    This is one of our favorite places. The park is beautiful, and so are the nearby Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge and Canaan Valley State Park.

    The campground is better suited to tents and small to medium size camping units. I think the person who designed it was not familiar with camping units other than tents. Loop 1-30 is one way going clockwise. Loop 31-65 is one way going counterclockwise. But in both loops, to have your door facing away from the street, you have to drive counterclockwise if your site is on the outside of the loop, and clockwise if your site is inside the loop.  In some sites, the electric pedestal is on the wrong side, so you'll have to use a long cord and take it under your unit to reach your electric hookup.

    There are two water fill stations, one at the camp store where you check in, and the other at a water fountain near the bathhouse in loop 31-65. They are supplied supplied with a green garden hose, not a white potable water hose, so we unscrewed the hose and used our own. The water tastes unusually good.

    The dump station is in a section of loop 31-65. You have to go the wrong way on a one way road to be close enough for your slinky to reach it. The non potable rinse water is across this road from the dump station and it has a white hose--beware--this is not the drinking water! You stretch this hose across the road to rinse your gray and black tanks and slinky.

    Some of the sites are not very level, and many of the pull thru sites share some driveway space with another pull thru site or a back in site. There are two pairs of sites that share a pull thru--OK for people traveling together, but otherwise a headache if you're arriving and leaving at different times.

    Once you have dealt with all this inconvenience and oddness, you'll find you're within walking distance of the falls, a small lake, hiking trails that go through beautiful forests with rhododendrons, hemlocks, spruce, and hardwoods. The camp store is limited, but the staff is very friendly and helpful. The nature center is one of the best I've ever visited, and park naturalists provide programs on weekends. There are kayak rentals in summer. The lake has a swimming beach, but you can pay to use the swimming pool at the lodge for better swimming. The lodge also has a huge lobby with a cabinet containing jigsaw puzzles. We worked on one on a rainy day when we didn't want to be outside. Davis and Thomas have some interesting shops and good restaurants.When you get back after a day of adventures, you'll find clean restrooms with hot showers that are actually hot. And the T-Mobile service was good enough for my husband to stream a movie while I sent photos to my family. The park was very busy for Labor Day weekend, but it was a family atmosphere and after dark, there were few lights and little noise.

  • Lee G.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Bend Campground

    Big Bend Campground…Definitely Worth the Experience

    Big Bend Campground is a beautiful place with a great family atmosphere. The campsites are large and accommodate RVs and/or multiple tents. The best part about this place is the nearly 360° lazy river tubing experience. This place has no cell service and you’ll have to travel along a 2 1/2 mile dirt road to finally get to the campground. The Camp Hosts were great and offered a lot of local information and tips. While this is a great location and provides memorable adventures, it would be great if the picnic tables and some of the fire rings could be updated as they’re nearing the end of their service life. However, this is simply a great place to unhook from the daily grind.

  • M
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Perfect Site

    This was the perfect little site. Super friendly and accommodating, beautiful walking paths, great campsites. We really enjoyed our stay.

  • Lyle & Stephanie H.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Private - Quiet - Great Hosts

    We really enjoyed our stay.   Quiet camping on top of a mountain.   Beautiful wooded views.  Hosts were amazing and plenty of space between campers.  All the spots are shaded.

  • scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Gladwin Dispersed Camping

    Go a little further

    Decided to try it even though other review said private property- and seems they were correct but incorrect. Initially you do come to private land with several campsites and campers present. But if you go down the dirt road a little to the low water bridge you will find a wonderful site on the right with several fire pits. Or another 100 yards after bridge was another nice site on the left

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Peaceful retreat in the woods on the mountain

    Nice full hook-up sites in spacious level sites in the woods. Great place to get away. Great value with a gracious host and hostess. Delivered wood to our site by the time I disconnected. The donkeys were fun to see. The town of Romney nearby has everything you might need. Highly recommend the small farmer markets with fresh fruit and veggies. Road to access the campground was good with some tight turns up the hill the last couple of miles. The campground itself is gravel roads that were pretty tight gettin in and out of and fairly steep with trees on all sides. Made it in and out no issue taking it slow, but not sure I would try anything longer than about 36' fifth wheel or 34' travel trailer. Water pressure was just a bit weak and used our water tank and pump during our stay. Best we could get for water pressure out of the hose was 25-20 psi. No issues with power or sewer. Pool looked nice and clean, but we did not get a chance to use it. Hike down to the ponds is pretty steep. Would go back again if in the area. Starlink was sketchy at best, Verizon had one bar and slightly usable, ATT was best with a couple of bars and ok speeds.

Guide to Terra Alta

Camping near Terra Alta, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The Black Water Falls were also within walking distance and beautiful to see."
  • Rafting: If you're up for some excitement, head to Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park for rafting. A camper shared, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."
  • Fishing: Enjoy some quiet time at Rocky Gap State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The campground has their own swim beach with a great playground, nature center, and camp store."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms at Audra State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms were spotless with tiled floors and walls."
  • Privacy: Many sites at Seneca Shadows offer a good amount of space. One camper said, "The tent section is a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff at Five River Campground. A reviewer stated, "The owners are amazing and so helpful. They go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful time."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, like Laurel Hill State Park Campground, have strict no alcohol policies. A camper noted, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as those at Green Ridge State Forest, lack electric hookups and showers. A visitor mentioned, "This park is suitable for winter camping as well with fully functional bathhouses throughout the wintertime."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect more visitors on weekends, especially at popular spots like Swallow Falls State Park Campground. One camper shared, "On Friday night… tons of families rolled in with loud kids running around."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, a camper said, "We love that the campground has their own beach so it’s not overcrowded with the public."
  • Plan for Rain: Make sure your tent site is elevated to avoid water pooling. A camper at Swallow Falls State Park Campground noted, "Tent pads were elevated enough that we stayed dry."
  • Explore Nature: Take advantage of the trails and natural beauty. One visitor at Audra State Park Campground said, "The park is very small but well-equipped. The campsites are large, each with a picnic table and fire pit."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be tricky for larger RVs. A reviewer at Coopers Rock State Forest warned, "Beware Site 25! Very hard to get into!"
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer electric hookups, like Five River Campground. A camper mentioned, "Full hookup sites were amazing."
  • Reservations Recommended: Especially during peak seasons, it's wise to book ahead. A visitor at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park noted, "Even mid-week the campground was crowded."

Camping near Terra Alta, West Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping sites in Terra Alta, WV?

Terra Alta's surrounding area offers excellent camping options. Seneca Shadows stands out with stunning views and both front section sites with amenities and more scenic walk-in tent sites with mountain vistas. For a quieter experience, Spruce Knob Lake Campground provides fewer sites and easy access to West Virginia's highest peak. Budget travelers might enjoy Eagle Rock Campground along the river for just $10 per night. Other noteworthy options include Horseshoe Recreation Area with its remote setting and nice bathroom facilities, and Cheat Canyon Campground near Albright for those wanting to stay closer to Terra Alta.

What outdoor activities and things to do are available near Terra Alta camping areas?

The Terra Alta region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Blackwater Falls State Park offers exceptional hiking trails with spectacular views and the famous waterfall. Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia's largest state forest, provides extensive recreational opportunities with electrical hookups at campsites. Activities throughout the region include hiking, rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, mountain biking, fishing, and river tubing. Horseshoe Recreation Area is perfect for family activities like tubing, swimming, and fishing. During winter, the area transforms with abundant snowfall, making it popular for downhill and cross-country skiing, particularly in the Canaan Valley area.

What are the seasonal camping options and weather considerations in Terra Alta?

Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground offers year-round opportunities with full hookup sites that are surprisingly affordable. The campground provides shaded sites in summer and transforms in winter when the region receives significant snowfall for skiing activities. Summer brings comfortable temperatures ideal for camping, though prepare for occasional mountain rain showers. Teter's Campground near Albright offers a more accessible option closer to Terra Alta during milder seasons. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, while spring offers wildflowers and moderate temperatures. When planning winter visits, check road conditions as mountain roads can become challenging, particularly those leading to higher elevations like Spruce Knob.

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