Best Campgrounds near Elkins, WV
The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Elkins, West Virginia, creating a landscape rich with camping opportunities ranging from developed sites to remote backcountry areas. Stuart NF Campground sits directly in Elkins, providing convenient access to town amenities while offering both tent and RV sites with full hookups. Within a 30-minute drive, Audra State Park Campground features riverside sites along the Middle Fork River, while Five River Campground in Parsons offers year-round camping with options for tents, RVs, and glamping accommodations. Dispersed camping can be found at Gandy Creek and Lower Glady, both primitive areas managed by the Forest Service that provide more solitary experiences for self-sufficient campers.
Narrow mountain roads with blind curves characterize access to many campgrounds in the region, particularly those at higher elevations like Spruce Knob Lake. As one camper noted, "The drive is on a combination of narrow, winding, mostly unpaved roads. Go slow because there are plenty of blind curves." Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area, with most campgrounds offering no connectivity. Weather patterns include frequent afternoon rain showers even in summer months, with one visitor reporting, "I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping." Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, closing during winter months when snow makes access difficult.
Wildlife encounters are commonly reported by campers staying near Elkins, with deer frequently wandering through campsites at dawn and dusk. Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region. Riverside campsites receive particularly high ratings, with locations along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River and Middle Fork River being especially popular. Visitors consistently mention the quality of night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, while weekends see higher occupancy rates, especially at state parks. Temperature variations can be significant, with one camper noting, "It is much cooler at elevation, even in summer, and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife." Many campgrounds feature access to hiking trails, with connections to notable landmarks like Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob.
