Tent camping near Davis, West Virginia offers additional options beyond Canaan Loop Road and Bear Heaven. The region sits within the Monongahela National Forest at elevations between 2,500-4,500 feet, creating diverse microclimates with cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Several primitive sites lack potable water, requiring campers to carry sufficient supplies for their stay.
What to do
Boulder exploration: Bear Heaven Campground provides access to unique rock formations that visitors can climb or walk through. According to Adam W., "Right beside the camp ground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders."
Fishing access: Eagle Rock Campground offers riverside sites along the South Branch of the Potomac River with stocked trout fishing. "The South Branch of the Potomac forms the other border of the campground and it's not uncommon to see fisherman in the river. The river is stocked with trout," reports Jean C.
Hiking to viewpoints: Multiple campsites offer trail access to panoramic vistas. "Just a few miles up the mountain you can go to Bickles Knob firetower and get one of the best views in the state," notes a visitor to Bear Heaven.
Stream play: Campgrounds with water access provide natural recreation for visitors of all ages. Andy C. found that at Big Run State Park Campground, "It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Several campgrounds provide privacy between sites. Katie H. describes Big Run State Park: "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream."
Natural soundscapes: Many campers appreciate the water sounds at creekside sites. "It is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek," says Mark K. about his experience at Big Run.
Budget-friendly options: Lost Land Run and other primitive sites offer low-cost camping. Eagle Rock charges minimal fees, with one camper noting, "At $10 and fishing, I'll definitely be back."
Varied site configurations: Campgrounds offer different layouts to accommodate various camping styles. Justin S. found Gatewood Group "a great spot for a large group. Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."
What you should know
Water availability: Most primitive sites lack drinking water. Ed M. notes that Bear Heaven has "No running water or showers," while another reviewer recommends bringing "treatment methods for the stream" at the same location.
Road conditions: Beyond Canaan Loop Road, other forest service routes require careful vehicle selection. According to Natasha S., Lost Land Run has "lots of intermediate-difficult hiking trails/paths to explore following the river but it is not recommended for beginners or small children as it is very rocky, slippery."
Toilet facilities: Amenities vary significantly between locations. Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center has "port-a-potties for each cabin and for groups of campsites," according to Kevin C.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is unreliable throughout the region. At Lost Land Run, "Due to location in-between the tall mountains there is absolutely No CELLPHONE SERVICE past the first couple campsites and only very spotty at those campsites as well."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for water play: Choose locations with gentle stream access. Big Run State Park offers sites where "The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks."
Wildlife awareness: The region hosts diverse fauna requiring appropriate precautions. Natasha S. advises to "Keep an eye out for lots of the more dangerous varieties of wildlife native to the area big cats, snakes galore, bear, coyotes etc."
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers may prefer more established sites. Barnum Whitewater Area offers a range of accommodations, with Frank G. noting, "Primitive campsites are $10 a night. Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins."
Seasonal considerations: Spring offers unique botanical displays. One camper suggests visiting the Monongahela area "in spring when mountain laurel, rhododendrons, etc. are blooming in the nearby lands, it's like nothing else!"
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check campground information for RV length limitations. Andy C. reported using "lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek" at Big Run State Park.
Water and dump access: Plan for water needs at sites lacking hookups. Nathan S. notes that at Big Run State Park, "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
Backup camping options: Be prepared for primitive conditions or have alternative locations identified. At Eagle Rock, one visitor observed that "sites are grassy, not clearly delineated, and line the river bank."
