Dispersed camping sites near Eglon, West Virginia can be found throughout the Monongahela National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. Weather patterns in this mountain region are unpredictable, with summer temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Campgrounds throughout the area typically receive 55-60 inches of annual precipitation, with increased chances of fog and rain in spring months.
What to do
Water recreation access: 3 miles from Five River Campground offers prime fishing spots along Shavers Fork River. One camper noted, "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish. A popular spot on the weekends and gets busy with all types of travelers."
Night sky viewing: Low light pollution makes this region ideal for stargazing, especially at higher elevations. At Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, campers enjoy unobstructed night skies. "On clear nights the sky was brilliant," reports one visitor. Most dispersed sites have minimal tree cover at higher elevations.
Winter activities: December through March attract visitors to the region's ski areas. Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground remains open year-round with winter programming. "The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort 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."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently praise the clean bathrooms at many established campgrounds. One reviewer at Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground shared, "The bathrooms were quite possibly the cleanest camp bathrooms I've ever come across. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better first experience there."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campsites report abundant deer, especially during morning and evening hours. "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," notes one camper at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground. Bear sightings are also common, with most established campgrounds providing bear boxes.
Access to water features: Many campers cite fishing and swimming options as highlights. At Horseshoe Recreation Area, "There is an awesome swimming hole in the nearby stream," according to one visitor. Another camper added that it offers "fishing, hiking, tubing, swimming, and any game you can think of to play in the wide open fields."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most remote campgrounds have minimal or no coverage. A camper at Five River Campground noted it has "great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable," making it an exception in the region.
Seasonal closures affect planning: Road access to many campsites becomes difficult or impossible during winter months. One Swallow Falls State Park Campground visitor advised, "Swallow falls is awesome year round. In the winter the snow and ice is beautiful, fall is lovely and summer is fun."
Weather preparedness essential: Pack rain gear regardless of forecast due to unpredictable mountain weather patterns. A Canaan Loop Road camper warned, "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered. It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine."
Varying site privacy: Site layout and spacing differs significantly between campgrounds. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, one camper observed, "Sites on the outer portion of the loop are fairly concealed from one another by trees and undergrowth...the inner loop sites are a little more exposed."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water activities: Shallow stream sections provide safer options for children. At Horseshoe Recreation Area, families appreciate the "wide open fields" that offer "fishing, hiking, tubing, swimming, and any game you can think of to play."
Educational opportunities: The region features several nature centers with programming. A Blackwater Falls visitor shared, "There's so much to do at this park! Multiple waterfalls, awesome hikes, a lake, a nature center for the kids, a petting zoo."
Playgrounds available: Several established campgrounds include play areas for children. At Red Creek Campground, one visitor mentioned, "This campground is a place to just rest your head as there are over 10,000 acres of wilderness to explore with lots of trails to choose from." The surrounding trails offer family-friendly options with varying difficulty levels.
Wildlife viewing protocols: Teach children proper behavior for animal encounters, especially bears. "We were told there were regular bear sightings and there were bear boxes at each site; we saw many deer but not a single bear," reported one Deep Creek Lake State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies: Electric sites are limited at most campgrounds. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park, "There are full hookups. Lots of trails and wildlife."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management based on available facilities. Five River Campground offers "120 RV sites many with full hook-ups. It can accommodate tents to large rigs."
Site levelness challenges: Many mountain campsites require leveling blocks. At Swallow Falls State Park, one RVer noted, "Nice park although the sites we saw weren't very level. The campground map I saw, I believe, said 84 campsites in the park and only 6 electric (& water)."
Seasonal road conditions: Higher elevation access roads may require 4WD in spring and fall. "Be assured that weather is always a factor. Family has been thwarted at Thanksgiving by unpassable snow without a 4x4," warned one Red Creek Campground visitor.
Traveler
