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.
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Round 1 of 5
$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."
$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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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"
"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)."
$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"
ScoutPaved road all they to the campsite. If you are vehicle, the parking spots are paved. Not all spots are completely level and pretty short. If you’re in a long van or truck, you may be unable to fit. sites are decently spaced out not the best but far from the worst.
TravelerI’m a new car camper and my mom and I took a day trip out to check out the sites. When I tell you this is the most beautiful, secluded, peaceful camping site I truly couldn’t have asked for a better find!! I did however (like an idiot) end up going waaay too far down the trail (aka the whole 18 miles) and THANK GOD I drive a 4 runner!! That road gets pretty sketchy in most spots the further you go down but I somehow (by the grace of God) made it through the whole thing IN TWO WHEEL DRIVE!! ugh may never do that again but the camping is fantastic!! If you wanna check out more of the off-roading aspect I recommend checking out nolimitbmore on youtube! Will be spending most of my summer & fall here!!
TravelerThe road to drive down to the lake is really rocky and not paved, make sure you have a good car (we did not)! There are multiple campsites that are all beautiful, the forest is really fun to explore. You can see lots of stars if the night sky is clear, which to me is always such a plus! Overall a great low-key campsite with great nature and easy set up! Also if you go camping bring a trash bag from home and collect your trash littering is not okay. There was lots of litter around the campground but we had brought a trash bag and collected the litter that had been left there. Be kind to nature!!
GuideGreat private campground right on the river! The camper spots are across the road from the river and next time we will reserve a camper spot and a tent spot right on the water!
TravelerFun 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
TravelerGreat spots by the creek. Its nice to wake up by the water and relax with a cup of coffee. Good trails to walk also
TravelerWe 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.
RangerI 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.
ScoutSwitzer 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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