Best Campgrounds near Davis, WV

The area surrounding Davis, West Virginia encompasses a range of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within the Monongahela National Forest and nearby state parks. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers 65 sites with both electric and non-electric options for tent and RV camping, while Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground provides year-round accommodations including cabins and glamping facilities. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Canaan Loop Road Dispersed and Dolly Sods Backcountry offer free camping with minimal amenities in more remote settings. Five River Campground in nearby Parsons maintains highly-rated facilities with full hookups for RVs.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability throughout the region. Most developed campgrounds operate from April through October, with Blackwater Falls State Park typically open from late April to October and Red Creek Campground available from April 15 to December 1. Winter weather can make access difficult, particularly on forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas. Campground amenities vary considerably, with state parks offering showers, flush toilets, and drinking water, while backcountry sites require self-sufficiency. Cell service remains limited in much of the area. "The campground is the highest in West Virginia, with a total of 65 campsites. The park has tons of hiking trails to choose from and two viewable waterfalls," noted one visitor.

Campers consistently highlight the region's natural features, particularly the waterfalls and hiking opportunities. Blackwater Falls State Park's namesake waterfall receives particular attention, with wooden stairs providing accessibility. Many reviews mention the surrounding towns of Davis and Thomas as worthwhile destinations for dining and entertainment between outdoor adventures. Wildlife sightings, including bears, are commonly reported. Several visitors noted the mixed quality of facilities, with one camper stating, "Bath house is very clean just dated." Privacy varies considerably between sites, with some reviewers mentioning close quarters at developed campgrounds, while others appreciated the secluded nature of dispersed sites. Most campgrounds remain relatively quiet despite their popularity, especially during weekdays and shoulder seasons.

Best Camping Sites Near Davis, West Virginia (147)

    1. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    2 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."

    2. Five River Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parsons, WV
    12 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."

    3. Red Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Cabins, WV
    10 miles
    Website

    "I stayed two nights at site 2 which is tucked away from most of the other sites, save for one close by."

    "It is away from everything and it is surrounded by a ton of hiking trails. Great camping, great hiking."

    4. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"

    "Big site, good fire ring, paths the walk right from the site. The moss was like walking on carpet"

    5. Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 866-4121

    $20 - $45 / night

    "Campground Review: Canaan Valley State Park and Resort, Davis, West Virginia The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season."

    "There’s a centrally located bath house with flush toilets and hot showers. Many of the sites are pull-through with parking parallel to the loop road."

    6. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 257-4488

    "We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow."

    "Having visited Dolly Sods numerous times at the Red Creek Campground, using that as the base camp to launch off to explore the myriad of trails."

    7. Seneca Shadows

    32 Reviews
    Seneca Rocks, WV
    21 miles
    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."

    8. Horseshoe Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Thomas, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2481

    $20 - $85 / night

    "Great place to connect with family in the wide open spaces of West Virginia. Very nice bathroom facilities,no bath house but plenty of water."

    "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"

    9. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    9 Reviews
    Harman, WV
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "simply would not like it all, but might be ideal for your purposes, such as two or three areas where there is essentially a big field with a short loop road with maybe half a dozen campsites right next to"

    "We parked on a site be the creek on a big loop near a vault toilet (nothing better than a 20° toilet seat to wake you up in the morning)."

    10. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hendricks, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 328-1840

    $20 - $55 / night

    "includes 14 camping sites(firepits, slabwood benches, parking, and future picnic tables), 5 primitive shelter cabin sites(10x`12 lofted barn cabins with hasp for your padlock), and a 5 short term RV sites near"

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Recent Reviews near Davis, WV

731 Reviews of 147 Davis Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2026

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Fun Trail

    Fun beginner trail, nice dispersed camping spots. Went there when it was dry so it was an easy drive. Very close to Blackwater Falls so you have all the trails there also have trails down the road with nice lookout points

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2026

    Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful place

    Great spots by the creek. Its nice to wake up by the water and relax with a cup of coffee. Good trails to walk also

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2026

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Secluded & Quiet

    We came in late Friday & could tell from the 7+" snow covered road in that no one else was going to be here (unless they'd been parked for two days of snowfall). We parked on a site be the creek on a big loop near a vault toilet (nothing better than a 20° toilet seat to wake you up in the morning). These sites were easy to recognize as safe driving spots under the blanket of snow. The road was well marked. The hairpin turn at entrance was wide enough that it was not a problem to navigate in the snow / icy road. Main roads had been plowed thoroughly. Anyway, great stay. Could not see stars but the moonrise was beautiful.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2025

    Walmart supercenter parking lot in Elkins

    confirmed with manager: overnight RV parking permitted

    I spoke with the Walmart manager and confirmed that they are okay with RVs parking in the section of the parking lot closest to the road, but overnight only(i.e. not consecutive nights). It is conveniently located on a major north/south highway at the south end of Elkins. Of course this also means that you will have a four lane road near where you are parked, so not ideal for quiet, but can work well for a free overnight stay while you are traveling.

  • Alex G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2025

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Lots of Campsites Available

    Switzer lake has a lot of campsites to choose from, however this is a popular destination so I would recommend securing a site as early as possible. Due to the conditions of the road I would not recommend taking a car with a low clearance. Preferably a car with at least AWD is recommended. As others have pointed out some sites get trashed by ne’er-do-wells, but besides that it's a very beautiful area.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2025

    Bear Heaven Campground

    Not very dispersed, but lovely

    One of the advantages of this particular campground is that it's not far from the town of Elkins, so you can go back into town if you don't feel like campsite cooking— lots of good restaurants and entertainment opportunities in Elkins. 

    While this is truly primitive camping, you are not so primitive that you need to dig a hole to go to the bathroom— they do have porta-potty's. It's also noteworthy that this is likely not available year-round. The road becomes impassable in winter when there is a lot of snow, and they start maintaining it, often even blocking the road with gates during the winter. Understandable but unfortunate, since it is beautiful added is not always snowing even in winter, right?

    The campground is not free but also not very expensive. I think the senior citizens price is under five dollars, or at least it was when I camped there a couple years ago(2023). The sites themselves are first-come first-served, the kind of camping ground where you simply go back up to the entranceway to fill out a form and state where you are and make the payment in a box. While the campground is at a fairly high altitude, most of the sites don't have expansive views, and I think only a couple of the sites even have an expansive view down below. But that's okay if you are into wooded views, because there's plenty of that all around, and even a small rock climbing area for you and your kids to scramble on the rocks.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road

    A remote loop route with about 10 dispersed, free campsites

    This swath of land, sandwiched between two state parks(Canaan Valley State Park to the south& Blackwater Falls State Park to the north) is managed by the US Forest Service. The nearest town is Davis, WV. 

    There is just one dirt road running through it, the first few miles of which are fairly tame: navigable by most standard cars and medium or smaller sized RVs. The further back in you go, the rougher the road gets until it is truly just a jeeps-only type of road. But the good news is that all of the camping sites take place before you get to that rough part. 

    And this is TRULY dispersed camping, with most of the camp spots being a good half-mile from each other! The one downside, if you are into privacy, is that all of the sites are RIGHT NEXT to that dirt road, so others will be driving past your site. The good news is that it is not a heavily trafficked road, used primarily just by the other campers in the 10 available spots, by the occasional hunter, and by the even-less-frequent off-roader, hoping to challenge their vehicle on the rough stuff several miles in. 

    This is all free camping, and all primitive. There are no restroom facilities, no showers, no electrical, no water supply. 

    The campsites themselves are mostly surrounded by forest, making even the smallest of them quite beautiful. They vary in size from being little more than a 20 foot driveway to back an RV up to those sites that are significantly larger with room enough for more than one vehicle and perhaps a couple or three tents. 

    While this loop road region has very few activities itself, you are just a few miles from the two state parks and from private facilities offering horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and more. 

    The loop road region itself has MANY trails for hiking or mountain biking (possibly horseback riding— I saw no signage either for or against it), and one trail that is specifically marked as a cross country ski route. Although, from what I can see, several of the trails could work for cross-country skiing, as even the road itself could right after a storm. 

    While the area is at a fairly high altitude, around 3000 feet, it seems to be built on a kind of high altitude plateau, so the road itself is not that hilly, nor are the camping sites. I don't know for sure if it's a year-round site, but I can tell you that I was camping there in December, no problem. I do understand that the road is minimally maintained, so it might be impossible or difficult to access during very snowy weather.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 19, 2025

    Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    Woodsy, near trails

    Like many state park campgrounds, each of the campsites are not that dispersed, so you will be right next to everyone else. Some of the sites had trees, many of them had few or none, particularly those that were out in the middle of the circle. So if you want trees and you are reserving your spot online, I recommend reserving  one of the ones on the outsides of the circle if you want trees/shade. 

    Online I did not find a lot of clarity regarding which ones would be good for tents, versus trailers, which was a problem— the one I had reserved was simply not possible to serve as a tent site, as the only level surface was the gravel parking area— not possible to get stakes into the ground, and too slanted anywhere else on the small spot to put a tent. Fortunately, they were able to find me another open spot that had a level enough area for my tent and allowed me to switch the location. 

    They seem to do a pretty good job of keeping the bathhouse/restroom clean. I was there after the primary season(early November) and found it disappointing that half of the campground was closed— the half that, in my opinion, held some of the best looking camping spots. At any rate, the spot I did end up with (sorry, I don't remember what the number was) was nice— partially shaded insufficient privacy out the backside of the camp spot that I could aim my tent view in that direction for a little privacy and a view. 

    There are TONS of trails at this state park, one of which is right next to the campground. While it is fairly short, less than a mile, it connects to an entire network of other trails if you wish to go further, including the trails beyond the state park borders(the national forest abuts the state park), including easy access to Allegheny Trail, which literally goes more than 100 miles!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 12, 2025

    Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    pretty well dispersed along the beautiful Gandy Creek

    The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through the campable section, making the bulk of them far from ideal for those with campers or rooftop tents, especially given that it's a dirt road, that will be kicking up dirt onto that rooftop tent. 

    I am aware of at least three along the road that you can drive into, but I have never seen those few drive-in-able sites unoccupied on a weekend, and typically not on a weekday either. 

    The campsites themselves are wonderful in just about every other regard. Some of them are dispersed enough that you can see no other campsite from yours, and nearly all of them are much more dispersed then you would get at any typical state park's campground. 

    Almost all of the campsites also have their own views of and direct access to Gandy creek, which I have never seen not flowing generously year-round. Some of the campsites are in places where the water is pooled enough that you could go wading or swimming in. And all of it is good fishing. 

    The campsites vary significantly in size and shade, so you can get ones with more sun if you prefer, more shade if you prefer that. 

    All of the campsites are free and I'm pretty sure that the time limit is two weeks maximum, as it is for all the camping areas throughout the Monongahela National forest. 

    Are you into hiking? There are seemingly countless trails within walkable distance from campsites and certainly within 10 minutes' driving distance, many of them connecting up at the top so you can make a loop by crossing over from one to another and then back down to the dirt road. From what I have seen those trails are not the most well-maintained however. Which means that it can be nettlesome— literally— as in overrun with nettles— during certain seasons, particularly July and August, so you might want to take a machete with you so you can chop them out of the way as you hike upward.


Guide to Davis

The Davis area sits at elevations between 3,200-4,000 feet within the Monongahela National Forest, creating unique microclimates that can differ significantly from surrounding regions. This high-elevation camping destination experiences temperature swings of 20-30 degrees between day and night, even in summer. Forest roads to primitive camping areas typically open mid-April but can close without notice during severe weather events.

What to do

River activities: Five River Campground in Parsons provides direct access to the Shavers Fork River for fishing, wading and paddling opportunities. "We utilized the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups... The location is amazingly located right on the Shavers Fork river on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it... We walked up river to the end of the property and were able to tube down to the lower end of the property," notes one visitor who appreciated the riverside setting.

Mountain biking trails: Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground connects to numerous biking paths of varying difficulty levels. "There are tons of Mountain Bike trails, indoor and outdoor pools," according to a camper. The park maintains over 18 miles of marked trails with maps available at the main lodge.

Spring wildflower viewing: Seneca Shadows offers proximity to spring wildflower displays typically peaking in April through early May. "We came here on a weekday with hardly anyone staying near us and rose around sunrise to catch the light over the rocks. it was such an easy and short distance to get there," one visitor reports. The campground's proximity to Seneca Rocks makes for excellent morning photography opportunities.

What campers like

Accessible waterfalls: Blackwater Falls State Park Campground provides easy access to multiple cascades within walking distance. "There's so much to do at this park! Multiple waterfalls, awesome hikes, a lake, a nature center for the kids, a petting zoo... the nearby towns of Davis and Thomas are very cute too with great coffee and food options," notes a camper who appreciated the variety of natural features.

Wildlife encounters: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers natural habitats where wildlife observation opportunities abound. "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available. Relaxing," according to a recent visitor. The riverside location attracts numerous bird species during migration periods.

Night sky viewing: Canaan Loop Road Dispersed sites provide minimal light pollution for stargazing opportunities. "We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!" one reviewer shared. The higher elevation camping spots above 3,500 feet offer particularly clear views of constellations on cloudless nights.

What you should know

Seasonal road limitations: Red Creek Campground access roads can become impassable during winter months without 4WD vehicles. "With a season of Mid-April through the beginning of December, be assured that weather is always a factor. Family has been thwarted at Thanksgiving by unpassable snow without a 4x4," cautions one experienced visitor.

Bathroom facilities vary dramatically: Many campgrounds offer basic amenities only, particularly at dispersed sites. At Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, "There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there. My Subaru Forester didn't have any issues, but if you're driving an RV or have a trailer, you may have a struggle."

Weekend congestion: Popular sites fill quickly from May through October, especially holiday weekends. "We tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday. Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer," reported one disappointed camper attempting to use Lower Glady Dispersed Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly fishing: Horseshoe Recreation Area provides accessible fishing spots ideal for young anglers. "Have been camping at Horseshoe annually for six years. Quite and remote. Great place to connect with family in the wide open spaces of West Virginia... Activities; hiking, tubing, swimming, fishing, and any game you can think of to play in the wide open fields," shares a regular visitor.

Protected play areas: Five River Campground features large open spaces away from traffic. "We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups... There's a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground," notes a family camper.

Animal observation opportunities: Dolly Sods Backcountry offers unique ecosystem viewing experiences. "The amount of brightly colored fungi, snakes, crayfish and salamanders were astonishing. So if you move too quickly, you miss them," advises one visitor who enjoyed the biodiversity. The high-altitude meadows and bogs contain plant species normally found much further north.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Many forest service roads have tight turns unsuitable for larger rigs. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, "The campground is only ok. Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side. The dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing," notes one RVer identifying practical challenges.

Hookup availability: Five River Campground offers some of the most reliable services in the area. "I really love Five River Campground in Parsons, WV. The owners are amazing! This campground is paved up to the campground. It has 120 RV sites many with full hook-ups. It can accommodate tents to large rigs. It has great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable," reports a satisfied camper.

Leveling considerations: Prepare for uneven terrain at most campgrounds. "The sites are far apart. Bathrooms were OK. There are deer everywhere!" noted one RVer at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground. Many sites require leveling blocks as the mountain terrain creates natural slopes throughout camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Davis, WV?

Seneca Shadows is widely considered one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the region with both standard sites with gravel pads, water, and electricity in the front section, and more scenic spots in other areas. It's perfect for accessing hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities. Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers a quiet experience with fewer sites than most campgrounds and is located about 5 miles from West Virginia's highest peak. For those seeking more remote options, Bear Heaven Campground provides primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, serving as an excellent base for outdoor adventures. Most are within 30-45 minutes of Davis.

What amenities are offered at Davis, WV camping facilities?

Camping facilities around Davis, WV offer varied amenities. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground provides excellent hiking trails with scenic views and standard camping amenities. Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground features three loops of sites with hookups, primitive tent sites, and centrally located bath houses with flush toilets and hot showers. Many sites are pull-through style. Other campgrounds in the area offer more basic amenities - some provide picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, while others include water access, shower facilities, and electric hookups. Amenities typically vary based on whether the campground is developed (state parks) or more primitive (forest service and dispersed camping areas).

What camping options are available in Canaan Valley near Davis, WV?

Canaan Valley offers diverse camping options for all preferences. The centerpiece is Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground, which offers both hookup sites for RVs and primitive tent camping with convenient amenities. For those seeking more rustic experiences, Dolly Sods Backcountry provides free wilderness camping accessed by hiking in. Horseshoe Recreation Area is another option with nice bathroom facilities and plenty of water, perfect for families looking to connect in open spaces. The region attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, with winter bringing excellent skiing opportunities and summer offering hiking, fishing, and other warm-weather activities.