Fairmont, West Virginia sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with an elevation of around 1,000 feet, creating diverse terrain for camping experiences. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds near Fairmont remain open from April through October, though some yurt accommodations offer year-round options for visitors seeking alternative camping experiences.
What to do
Fishing at multiple converging rivers: Five River Campground near Parsons provides exceptional fishing access where multiple waterways meet. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," notes one visitor who appreciated the variety of catch available.
Hiking to Douglas Falls: A short drive from Five River Campground, this scenic waterfall offers a rewarding destination. "There are a ton of hikes within 30 minutes, and we checked out Douglas Falls," shares a camper who discovered this local gem during their stay.
Winter sports access: For those considering yurt camping near Fairmont, West Virginia during colder months, Blackwater Falls State Park offers winter recreation. The park features "a nature center by a small lake. You can fish there & they have kayaks to rent. Skiing must be very popular in the winter."
Morning views at Cooper's Rock: Early risers should plan ahead for spectacular vistas. As one camper at Rhododendron Camping Area suggests, "Wake up early and watch the sunrise at the overlook I'm telling ya!" The short walking distance makes this easily accessible from your campsite.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Campers consistently praise the modern amenities at Coopers Rock State Forest. "The bathrooms were clean and heated to a comfortable level. Showers had great pressure as well," noted a visitor who appreciated these comforts during their stay.
Variety of accommodation options: Beyond standard camping, the area offers unique alternatives. "Five River Campground in Parsons offers both canvas tent glamping and distinctive yurt accommodations open year-round with full hookups and modern amenities," making it an excellent choice for yurt camping around Fairmont.
River proximity: Many campers value having water access directly from their sites. At Five River Campground, "You simply locate a spot of your choosing along a half mile grassy stretch of river and set up camp," which creates a personalized camping experience with water sounds as your soundtrack.
Spacious sites with privacy: Site layout makes a significant difference in camping comfort. At Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground, "The spaces are big enough that you are not on top of your neighbors, which is nice." This provides a more secluded experience despite being at an established campground.
What you should know
Seasonal closures and limited openings: Most campgrounds operate on specific schedules. Cooper's Rock State Forest is typically "open April 1 to October 31," while Tygart Lake State Park operates from "mid April to October."
Varying amenity levels: Not all campgrounds offer the same services. At Tygart Lake State Park, "The only good things about this campground were the friendly staff and the updated bathrooms," indicating inconsistent facility quality that campers should research before booking.
Wildlife considerations: Some locations have specific animal management issues to prepare for. At Tygart Lake, a camper warns, "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."
Site selection importance: Campground layouts vary widely. At Blackwater Falls, "This is a very oddly laid out campground...Choose your site wisely!" The reviewer notes peculiarities like "You back in & your door is facing the correct way, but your picnic table & fireplace are on the wrong side!"
Tips for camping with families
Beach and water activities: For families seeking water recreation, Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers numerous options. "The campground is upscale, as well, with 30 and 50-amp full-service RV sites, many with lake views and some with tie-ups for those who bring their own boats."
Kid-friendly wildlife viewing: Unique animal encounters create memorable experiences. "I highly recommend going to the marine to feed the carp. It's definitely an experience," shares a visitor to Stonewall Resort who found this activity particularly engaging.
Playground access: When selecting a family-friendly yurt camping option near Fairmont, consider locations with play structures. "There is a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play," notes a Cooper's Rock visitor who appreciated this amenity during their stay.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. Stonewall Resort "has everything from an Arnold Palmer golf course, to hike/bike trails, to any type of water activity possible on a lake, as well as various indoor facilities to enjoy during inclement weather."
Tips from RVers
Site layout challenges: RV campers should research specific sites before booking. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side. The dump station is in a weird spot."
Water access considerations: Water availability varies between campgrounds. At Chestnut Ridge Park, "The water pressure here is very weak, but there is a shower house that is kept fairly clean for you to use."
Connectivity options: For those needing to stay connected, Five River Campground stands out. One long-term visitor noted, "Ended up staying 2 weeks as the wifi service is the best we have had on the road," which is particularly valuable for working campers.
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. At Stonewall Jackson, a camper shared, "The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow," indicating the need for careful planning when bringing larger vehicles.
