Rustic camping options near Dryfork, West Virginia range from primitive forest sites to full-hookup campsites along rivers and lakes. The region sits within the Monongahela National Forest at elevations between 2,500-4,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures that average 10-15 degrees below surrounding lowlands. Late spring through early fall offers optimal camping conditions when daytime temperatures typically reach the 70s.
What to do
Trail exploration at Blackwater Falls State Park: Just 20 minutes from Dryfork, hikers can access over 20 miles of marked trails ranging from easy to difficult. According to a visitor, "The falls are amazing and the gift shop has some interesting goods" while another notes, "Blackwater Falls State Park has been on my list for a while. We finally made the trip last weekend and had a blast! The tent campground non-electric sites were OK...Our site #37 was near the bathroom which was a plus with kids but did not have a lot of privacy."
Fishing at Five River Campground: Located along the Shavers Fork River, this campground provides direct access to quality trout and smallmouth fishing spots. As one angler noted, "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish." The campground also serves as a launching point for river activities as another camper explained, "We walked up river to the end of the property and were able to tube down to the lower end of the property."
Star gazing at Spruce Knob and Observation Tower: Located at the highest point in West Virginia (4,863 feet), this location provides exceptional night sky viewing. "On a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there is no ambient light," mentions one camper, while another noted the unique forest environment: "The forest is silent and beautiful, looks like it belongs out west in the PNW. The moss-covered ground and rocks make it the perfect oasis."
What campers like
Privacy and space at Five River Campground: Campers appreciate the flexibility of choosing their own riverside spot. One camper shared, "We backed up to a large field (spot 3) and had a great view of the river! I didn't feel crowded at all!!" Another mentioned, "We chose a small cluster of trees beside the river so I could string a tarp and hammocks (it does seem to shower quite a bit in WV)."
Clean facilities at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground: Multiple reviewers highlight the cleanliness and layout of this developed campground. One noted, "The campground is absolutely beautiful. There are full hookups. Lots of trails and wildlife." While another specified, "The campground portion is not expansive but 34 sites are situated in three small loops...The grounds are well-maintained and manicured as are all WV State Parks."
Year-round activities at Tygart Lake State Park Campground: Located approximately 90 minutes from Dryfork, this park provides lake-based recreation with seasonal options. A reviewer noted, "The main attraction is Tygart Lake which is ten-miles long, so it's good for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, etc." Others appreciate the trails: "The lake offers great relaxation and the trails around the lake offer pretty views."
What you should know
Yurt camping in Dryfork, West Virginia: The Revelle's River Resort offers yurt accommodations as a step up from standard camping. According to a recent visitor, "Very well run clean campgrounds. We had a river lot which was beautiful. Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food. Service there was great."
Wildlife awareness: Many campgrounds in the area report regular wildlife sightings. At Canaan Valley, one camper observed, "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening." However, at Tygart Lake, campers should be more careful: "There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day... Our dog barked the entire night as the racoons kept coming up to our site and even our tent."
Weather preparation for Swallow Falls State Park: Located about 30 minutes from Dryfork across the Maryland border, this park experiences frequent precipitation. Campers should prepare with tarps and rain gear as one visitor mentioned, "I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping. It also still gets chilly in these mountains during the early summer months."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible waterfalls: The region offers several family-friendly waterfall viewing options with minimal hiking. A visitor to Blackwater Falls reported, "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."
Child-friendly campsite selection at Canaan Valley: The layout of the campground includes facilities specifically helpful for families. A reviewer noted, "A kid's playground is situated beside (separated by a field) primitive tent sites 1 & 2." Another family mentioned, "There is a huge field that the kids enjoyed kite flying! The staff at the store/check in are very friendly and helpful with area attractions!"
Swimming options at Revelle Campgrounds: Formerly known as Shavers Fork Campground, this site offers safe water play for children. A visitor mentioned, "Full hookup available & right by Shavers Fork people fish right there." The riverside location provides easy swimming access during summer months, making it popular for families with children who want to cool off in the water.
Tips from RVers
Full-hookup availability: Multiple campgrounds in the Dryfork area provide complete RV services. One reviewer at Five River Campground noted, "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."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require careful site selection for larger vehicles. At Tygart Lake, a camper warned, "Almost all sites are on a hill. The pictures do not accurately show this... The entire site was on a slant and covered in rocks."
Cell service considerations for remote work: For RVers needing connectivity, Five River Campground stands out. A full-time traveler reported, "Ended up staying 2 weeks as the wifi service is the best we have had on the road. The majority of the site is level and grass." This makes it a practical option for those needing to stay connected during their yurt camping or RV trip near Dryfork, West Virginia.
