Best Campgrounds in West Virginia

The mountainous terrain of West Virginia provides diverse camping experiences ranging from developed state parks to remote wilderness sites. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground in Davis offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and modern amenities, operating from late April through October. Seneca Shadows, located in Monongahela National Forest, features spectacular views of Seneca Rocks with separate areas for RVs and a large tent-only meadow. Harpers Ferry Campground serves as a convenient base for Appalachian Trail hikers and history enthusiasts, with proximity to the historic town and water activities on the Potomac River.

Weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions throughout the state, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. As one camper noted, "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts, but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt." Many campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October or early November, with limited winter options. Cell service remains spotty or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly in the mountainous regions and along trails. Winding mountain roads can be challenging to navigate, especially after dark, with several reviewers mentioning wildlife encounters while driving to campgrounds.

Wildlife sightings rank high among visitor experiences, with deer commonly observed at dawn and dusk. Bears are present throughout the region, requiring proper food storage precautions. According to a visitor at Greenbrier River Trail, "This is bear country, so we kept all our food items and toiletries in a bear cannister during our trip." Riverside campsites are particularly sought after, with locations along the Greenbrier River and near Spruce Knob Lake receiving consistently positive reviews. The state's extensive rail-trail system provides unique bikepacking and camping opportunities, with primitive sites positioned along former railroad corridors. Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at state parks despite limited budgets, with clean bathrooms and helpful staff highlighted in numerous reviews.

Best Camping Sites in West Virginia (326)

    1. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    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."

    2. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    39 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-6895

    $40 - $80 / night

    "We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "

    "We were able to walk or ride our bikes to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and access the C+O Canal Tow Path from there."

    3. Audra State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Volga, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 457-1162

    "Audra State Park, is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the journey. Tucked away, just outside of Buckhannon, WV...home of West Virginia Wesleyan College."

    "v=VLUEBlIxHpo)

    Trails undulate with the terrain. The short trail within the campground area is steep in areas but offers some nice views."

    4. Seneca Shadows

    32 Reviews
    Seneca Rocks, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-3082

    $17 - $65 / night

    "I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen."

    "West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it."

    5. Coopers Rock State Forest

    32 Reviews
    Dellslow, WV
    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."

    6. Rifrafters Campground

    30 Reviews
    Fayetteville, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 564-1065

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."

    "They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."

    7. Five River Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parsons, WV
    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. Kanawha State Forest

    27 Reviews
    Hernshaw, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 558-3500

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Tucked away in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by the constant reminder of wildlife around. I stayed for the very start of spring. The world was covered in the brightest green moss."

    "Kanawha state forest is nestled in the mountainous Hills of West by God Virginia right on the outskirts of Charleston. There is plenty of hiking in Kanawha state forest."

    9. Babcock State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Winona, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 438-3004

    $33 / night

    "The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."

    "Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"

    10. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    24 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-2663

    "This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia. While some points are pretty steep don’t let this deter you from completing it. The trail is well maintained, marked, and exciting."

    "Harper's Ferry is a little town in WV nestled right next to the Potomac River. It's also a convenient halfwayish point on the Appalachian Trail."

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Recent Reviews in West Virginia

1459 Reviews of 326 West Virginia Campgrounds


  • G
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Private

    If you’re looking for quiet and privacy, this is the place.  they laid out the sites so that you’re not side by side. They are all on an angle which moves you further away from anyone on both sides.  The angled site also was great for driving just past you’re site and practically backing straight back into you’re site.  Decent bath house and friendly, low key staff.  Great rates per night.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Audra State Park Campground

    Quiet

    A beautiful park located on a river very quiet. Campsites are small only electric is available bathhouse clean. The roads are very narrow with sharp turns.

  • Brac S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area

    Don’t understand the positive reviews

    We headed here based on the reviews, there were other campers that were there for rafting (Sept release season) but camping was literally a parking lot with fire pits around it. We stayed just up the road at Battle Run, which was a beautiful place (paid of course).

  • Ronnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins

    Nice place

    Trails were never nicely marked and well cleared. Good size spaces and distance between each camper.

  • Sonder B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    Clean, Remote, Pristine, off the beaten path = Mower Basin

    I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. 

    The first three I would be solo and on that Friday my partner in crime would come to camp. I went to the primary camp site, and it was occupied. 

    I had four other camp sites chosen and continued to the other four. I found that other campers were on the other spots. I went to the last one and found it to be open. In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. 

    One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles! The attached photo is the last dispersed camp site. It was a little over a mile from the other site. I was dispersed camping in the Mower Basin. You can drive right up to your camp site, but don’t be fooled, this is primitive camping. 

    You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you.

    Nearest Cell tower is here 38.688719,-79.979097

    Fuel &  small gocery store can be found here 38.710707,-79.979095

    Minor Automotive shop and tire repair here 38.713085,-79.979352

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great dispersed sites!

    We only drove down to the second site, but it was awesome! Big site, good fire ring, paths the walk right from the site. The moss was like walking on carpet

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Kanawha State Forest

    Beautiful state forest

    New bathrooms. Sites are well spaced and clean.

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Arrowhead Bike Farm

    Great spot for National Park Access

    Great campground adjacent to New River Gorge National Park. Within a short walk/bike to multiple biking and hiking trailheads. Close enough to bike into Fayetteville (a cool little town). Onsite bike shop with rentals and repairs, restaurant, and bar. A handful of full hookup sites and open field camping for rv/van/car/tents. $11 for the field and $50 for hookup when I was here last n September 2025. Easy online or in person booking and checkin. Friendly, helpful staff. Peaceful place to stay a few nights if you want to hike or bike in the park or check out Fayetteville.


Guide to West Virginia

Camping in West Virginia offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful state.

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Stonewall Resort State Park Campground said, “Clean amenities and nice lake views from the campground.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many sites are roomy and well-spaced. One camper at Flatwoods KOA mentioned, “The entire place was full of trees! So different from other KOAs!”
  • Natural Beauty: The breathtaking views are a big draw. A visitor at Camp Creek State Park Campground said, “This is a very beautiful campground!! Very peaceful.”

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Camp Creek State Park Campground said, “The sites are right next to the creek which is very unique and beautiful.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Cedar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The trails are decently marked, and the fishing is on point.”
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Flatwoods KOA noted, “Limited amenities (pools at Days Inn).”

Tips from RVers

Camping in West Virginia is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping opportunities in West Virginia?

Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers exceptional tent camping about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia. This quiet campground has fewer sites than most and is primarily designed for tent camping, with both drive-up and walk-up options. For more primitive experiences, Greenbrier River Trail offers multiple tent camping sites along its 78-mile stretch, perfect for bikepacking adventures. The trail provides remote camping in some of West Virginia's most beautiful landscapes. Coopers Rock State Forest also offers excellent tent camping with options for drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access to campsites.

What are the best campgrounds in West Virginia for families?

Babcock State Park Campground is a spectacular option for families with its picturesque grist mill (the most photographed place in West Virginia) and well-maintained trails. The park's natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for family adventures. Another excellent choice is Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground, which offers year-round activities in a popular outdoor recreation area. Summer brings hiking opportunities while winter offers skiing. Families should also consider Audra State Park for its family-friendly atmosphere and natural amenities. Most family-friendly campgrounds in West Virginia offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and easy access to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.

Are there full hookup RV campgrounds available in West Virginia?

Yes, West Virginia offers several full hookup options for RV campers. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders provides RV sites with convenient access to the spectacular hiking trails that lead to panoramic views above Harpers Ferry. Summer Wind RV Park is another option that caters specifically to RV campers with full hookup capabilities. For those seeking state park options, Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers big-rig-friendly sites with hookups. Many private campgrounds throughout the state offer full electric, water, and sewer connections, typically ranging from $30-60 per night depending on amenities and location.

What are the costs for camping at West Virginia state parks?

Camping costs at West Virginia state parks vary by location, season, and amenities. At Lake Sherwood, lakeside campsites are available at moderate rates with most sites positioned right on the water. More primitive options like Eagle Rock Campground can be as affordable as $10 per night for tent camping. Most developed state park campgrounds like Tygart Lake, Babcock, and Canaan Valley charge between $20-35 per night for standard sites. Premium sites with electric hookups typically cost $25-40 per night. Some parks offer weekly or monthly rates at a discount. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months and fall foliage season when West Virginia's parks are most popular.