The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Elkins, West Virginia, encompassing over 919,000 acres of diverse mountain terrain with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,863 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night. Many campgrounds near Elkins remain open from April through October, with water systems typically shutting down after the first frost in late fall.
What to do
Hiking at Spruce Knob: Visit Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower, West Virginia's highest peak at 4,863 feet. The summit offers multiple trail options including a half-mile observation loop. "Beautiful primative camping, very clean toilets," notes a camper, while another adds, "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 for a weekend trip."
Kayaking and tubing: Many campgrounds offer direct river access for water activities. At Five River Campground, a reviewer noted, "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," while another mentioned, "We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups... The river 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."
Waterfall exploration: Within a 30-minute drive, visitors can explore multiple waterfalls. At Swallow Falls State Park, you'll find "The largest falls in Maryland, Muddy Creek Falls, 53 feet. Several other falls on the Youghiogheny River." Another visitor added, "The trail between Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor is nice, but the much shorter main trail within SFSP itself is awesome."
What campers like
Direct river access: Campers consistently mention waterfront sites as a highlight. At Revelle's River Resort, "We were feet from the river and it was super peaceful." Another review states, "They have weekend activities for guests, and a small convenient store that's well stocked with the basics."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local fauna. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park, a reviewer shared, "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," while another noted, "We spent three days in June and experienced afternoon rain showers daily, but arranged our hikes and bikes around them."
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain good standards. A Five River Campground visitor commented, "Terrific owners, super attentive, and personal. They take the time to chat with just about everyone who visits their property. They are relentless on maintenance and have about 60 acres to mow and care for."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The mountain climate can be unpredictable. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park, a camper advised, "Keep in mind, anytime after mid September can be quite cold overnight. But the foliage is totally worth it!" Another mentioned, "This is West Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months."
Wildlife precautions: Some campgrounds have active wildlife. At Tygart Lake State Park, a visitor warned, "There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. I wish we were warned ahead of time. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in."
Glamping options vary: For those seeking luxury glamping near Elkins, West Virginia, experiences differ between locations. A visitor to Five River Campground noted, "It has great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable," which can be rare for upscale glamping in remote areas.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shallow water access: When glamping or camping with children near Elkins, prioritize sites with gentle water entry. A Five River visitor shared, "Beautiful spot on the river— only tent camping in a huge field separated us from the water. The interior was more crowded and didn't have a view; but Joyce helped us pick a beautiful spot when we called for reservation."
Playground proximity: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Blackwater Falls State Park, a family noted, "This campground was amazing! The shower and bathrooms were spotless. Some sites were closer together than others but we didn't mind since we just had a tent. There were trails to walk pets."
Local family-friendly attractions: Several campgrounds are near additional activities. At Stonewall Resort State Park, "If you get sick of camping, or would just like to sip an adult beverage, there's a boardwalk across the lake to the lodge patio where you can sample one of three restaurants or visit the outdoor bar."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVers seeking glamping-style amenities near Elkins, site choice matters. A visitor to Five River Campground advised, "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around."
Hookup availability: Water and electric access varies significantly. At Five River Campground, "It has 120 RV sites many with full hook-ups. It can accommodate tents to large rigs. It has great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable."
Road conditions: Mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. At Swallow Falls State Park, a camper reported, "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)."
