Dispersed camping near Davis, West Virginia offers diverse options across elevations ranging from 2,900 to 4,300 feet in the Monongahela National Forest. The region experiences frequent temperature fluctuations with cooler nights even in summer months, often 10-15 degrees below daytime highs. Fall camping requires extra layers as overnight temperatures can drop into the 30s as early as September.
What to Do
Hiking to waterfalls and viewpoints: The Blackwater Falls area features multiple cascades beyond the main falls. "We took a couple of hikes. Wonderful views from the lodge & one of Pendleton Falls from the road. The Falls of Elakala is a short walk from the lodge. Lindy Point overlook was a.3M one way for a fabulous view," reports one camper at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground.
Tubing and river activities: The Shavers Fork River at Five River Campground provides excellent water recreation. "We utilized one of 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," notes a visitor who found plenty of river access.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies in Davis area campgrounds offer exceptional stargazing. "The sky was absolutely perfect to view from the campground - you could bring a telescope!" writes one camper about Blackwater Falls. At Dolly Sods, visitors report similar experiences: "I really enjoyed the Caanan Loop Road. It all dispersed camping and if you have a 4x4 you can complete the loop."
What Campers Like
Natural ecosystems: The high elevation creates distinct environments unique to the region. "With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana," writes a visitor to Dolly Sods Backcountry.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer abundant wildlife sightings. "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," notes a visitor at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "The campground is absolutely beautiful. There are full hookups. Lots of trails and wildlife."
Proximity to small towns: The nearby communities offer supplies and dining. "Spent the day in Thomas looking at local art & antiques. The evening in Davis eating at hellbender burritos. I love this part of our beautiful state!" reports a camper staying at Blackwater Falls State Park who appreciated the access to local culture.
What You Should Know
Roads and access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. "The road is a little rough so take your time," advises one camper about Canaan Loop Road Dispersed. For winter camping, prepare accordingly: "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites."
Campsite layout peculiarities: Several campgrounds have unique layouts that require planning. "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side," notes a Blackwater Falls visitor. Another camper mentions, "The pull throughs are too close to backin sites, so if you come in to pull through, you may have to ask your neighbor to move his vehicle."
Water availability varies: Access to drinking water differs significantly between campgrounds. At Blackwater Falls State Park, a camper points out, "There's water at the bathhouse which is inconvenient. You can't drive close to the bathhouse, There's pedestrian paths." Meanwhile, at Dolly Sods, visitors note "no running water" as a feature of true wilderness camping.
Tips for Camping with Families
Safer water recreation spots: Certain locations offer better swimming for children. At Five River Campground, a camper notes: "Beautiful spot on the river— only tent camping in a huge field separated us from the water... Our pups loved it, especially swimming!" For families seeking gentle water access, this location provides safer options.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There's a nature center by a lake. You can fish there & they have kayaks to rent," shares a visitor to Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. At Canaan Valley Resort, amenities include "Mini golf course, rock wall, and civil war reenactments when we came."
Field space for games: Some campgrounds offer large open areas for activities. "There is a large maintained field in the middle of the campground that you can play frisbee, soccer, football, etc," writes a camper about Horseshoe Recreation Area. Another visitor adds, "Quite and remote. Great place to connect with family in the wide open spaces of West Virginia."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for pet-friendly camping: Look for specific campsite features when camping with pets near Davis, West Virginia. "We were in the 2nd loop on site 27. Since it's been raining for a week it was very muddy. We fit in the site, barely. We have a 16' BTW," notes a Blackwater Falls camper about site constraints. Another mentions, "The handicapped sites are in the first loop by the bathroom."
Hookup configurations: Pay attention to electrical hookup details when reserving. A visitor to Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground shares: "The camp 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 the river(RV's 30 foot or less recommended)."
Dump station considerations: Some campgrounds have unconventional dump station arrangements. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, a camper warns, "There's a dump that's in the middle of the first loop. You have to go the wrong way on a one way road to dump. Campsite 40 I would avoid since it's close to the dump."
Traveler
