Yurt camping near Davis, West Virginia offers campers access to the highest elevations in the state, with the area sitting at over 3,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, with summer highs typically 10-15 degrees lower than nearby valleys. Mountain weather can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months even when mornings begin clear and sunny.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Swallow Falls State Park Campground provides easy access to Maryland's highest waterfall. "The falls are beautiful and the trails are well kept. My kids love the swings and playground also," shares one visitor who frequents the park.
Fishing spots: Five River Campground offers riverside camping with excellent fishing opportunities. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," notes a camper who extended their stay to two weeks.
Scenic overlooks: Coopers Rock State Forest features dramatic mountain vistas. "Love the views over the mountains here. Completely captures the beauty and peace of WV," mentions a visitor who appreciated the panoramic scenery.
Cross-state hiking: Trails connect multiple parks in the region. "Canaan Valley has 3 loops of sites with hookups as well as a few primitive tent sites... The Canaan Valley area is beautiful and is one of West Virginia's State Resorts, offering far more than just a campground," notes one reviewer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "This campground was amazing! The shower and bathrooms were spotless. Some sites were closer together than others but we didn't mind since we just had a tent," explains a recent visitor.
River access: Revelle's River Resort provides direct water access. "My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups," shares a camper who appreciated the waterfront location.
Wildlife viewing: Deer are commonly spotted throughout campgrounds. "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," notes a visitor to Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain excellent bathhouses. "The bathrooms were clean... The bath houses are MUCH cleaner than Pipestem & checked often. There's more of a staff presence here also," explains a visitor to Blackwater Falls, highlighting the maintenance standards.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most areas have spotty coverage. "Five River Campground was the ideal choice for a weekend stay before venturing to Dolly Sods Wilderness for a long backpacking trip. Plus it is one of the only campgrounds in all of WV where you have cell service...and wifi!" notes one camper, highlighting this unusual feature.
Weather preparedness: Rain is common year-round. "It is West Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months. I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping," advises a visitor to Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground.
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly. "Choose your site wisely! This is a very oddly laid out campground. You back in & your door is facing the correct way, but your picnic table & fireplace are on the wrong side!" warns a camper at Blackwater Falls.
Seasonal operations: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. "The campground closes in the late fall, but some cabins, and the lodge, are open year-round," explains a reviewer regarding Tygart Lake State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground offers play areas. "I gave it a 5 star for many reasons. First the campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground. There's a nature center by a small lake. You can fish there & they have kayaks to rent," explains a parent.
Wildlife education: Many parks have nature centers with educational programs. "Bears are common so they emplaced a big old bear box at every site. It's enough room to hold your food for a month of camping!" notes one visitor to Deep Creek Lake.
Firefly viewing: Early summer offers special natural attractions. "We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night," shares a camper who stayed at Deep Creek Lake with children.
Year-round activities: Different seasons provide unique experiences. "Canaan Valley Resort State Park is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season. Winter brings copious snowfall and the skiing here draws thousands...downhill and XC," shares a reviewer who visits during multiple seasons.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Five River Campground offers complete services. "We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups. The rv sites are very close together but in the week that we stayed we never heard any noise other than our own children," notes a family who visited during a holiday week.
Site leveling: Some parks have more level sites than others. "The campsite was full hookup & very inexpensive! Plenty of trees providing shade!" shares an RVer at Canaan Valley who appreciated the practical amenities.
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping in Davis, West Virginia, multiple campgrounds provide these structures. "Five River Campground provides glamping yurts with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections," notes a visitor who appreciated the comfort combined with outdoor access.
Dump station access: Facilities vary between parks. "The dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing," explains an RVer at Blackwater Falls, providing practical information for others with similar needs.
