Looking for tent camping near Fairmont? Find the best information on tent camping near Fairmont, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Camp Ara is a beautiful 113-acre property in Fairmont, WV. Located in the Allegheny Mountains about 20 minutes south of Morgantown, WV, and West Virginia University. It is close to major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Columbus, Cincinnati, and many others. The property has been run as a Christian camp for over 60 years, serving and changing the lives of countless youth along the way. There is a large number of foster children in and around the area that are currently in great need of programs that connect them with nature, help them to grow individually, and help teach them life skills to prepare them for transitioning out of the foster care system. In addition to running year-round programming, Camp Ara is home to 80+ acres of virtually untouched land. We have created 40 beautiful campsites that require various amounts of hiking to reach. No matter what site you choose, however, you will almost definitely feel as though you are alone with nature.
$20 - $150 / night
Named after the state’s official flower, Rhododendron Campground offers 25 primitive campsites that each have a picnic table and fire pit. There is a central bathroom with flushing toilets and running water available for campground guests. The campground is open to only tent/hammock camping. Pets are permitted, so long as your furry friends are kept on a leash. The campgrounds are spring through fall, weather permitting. Campsites may be reserved anytime online, by phone, or at the campground office. Reservations may be made for no less than two consecutive nights on weekends (Friday and Saturday) or one-night Sunday through Thursday. There is a 14-night maximum stay.
$25 - $35 / night
A small primitive campground located approximately 14 miles northeast of Elkins, West Virginia, on Forest Road 91 (Stuart Drive) near the Otter Creek Wilderness. 8 available sites are nestled along rock outcroppings that offer unique landscapes. There is stream fishing and hiking located nearby. Middle Point Trail #140,__3.7 miles in length is located along Forest Road 91 (Stuart Drive) west of the Campground. The Otter Creek Wilderness offers several trails and__more challenging experiences just next door.
This a traditional site in the heart of the farm next to a small pond with picnic table and fire pit. It is a sloping wooded space, with flat spots to comfortably accommodate 2-3 tents. There are multiple trees perfect for hanging your hammock in the shade. The compost toilet, about 50ft away, is shared with another campsite. Parking is on a gravel lane adjacent to the site. Potable water(from a frost-free hydrant) is available about 80ft from the site. The pond is only for viewing, no swimming or fishing, please. We have nesting birds occasionally and we expect their habitat to be respected. We are 3 miles from Terra Alta, a rural town with a locally owned restaurant and a local craft beer brewery featuring an exciting rotating cast of food trucks. We are 20 minutes from Swallow Falls State Park(MD), featuring Muddy Creek Falls, awesome river swimming and gorgeous hiking in an old growth Hemlock forest. We are also 20 minutes from Herrington Manor State Park(MD) were there is a lake for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Cathedral State Park(WV) a virgin Hemlock forest with 400 year old trees about 45 minutes away. Deep Creek Lake(MD) is 40 minutes away and offers motor boat rentals, Golf, Skiing and swimming. There is skiing, hiking, biking, tubing, rafting, kayaking and much more to explore withing 40 minutes of our farm. The best white water rafting on the east coast is 20-40 minutes away. We welcome campers of all kinds! We began operating our 150 acre farm in 2011 and became the first Certified Naturally Grown Livestock farm in West Virginia in 2013. We raise 100% grass-fed beef, Western and Chinese medicinal herbs. Our family garden supplies more than half of our vegetables and our favorite berries, and our flock of chickens supply eggs and an early morning wake-up call for our campers! There are no GMO's, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides used on our farm. Farm products are available for purchase on-site. Campers can choose to to have a farm to table meal cooked for them as an extra at checkout. We prepare most of our food from scratch using local produce, meat and bulk organic dry goods. We occasionally make yogurts, noodles, simple cheeses, and fermented foods.
$55 / night
You will be camping on top of our hill that overlooks the town, river, mountains and cannabis field. There is a tent that can be used, fire pit and wood.
$100 - $150 / night
Traveler
This park has many trails but mostly there more rapids to enjoy. The trails however are of a higher class of terrain though they aren’t necessarily difficult. There is much to see. The most unique part about this place is the small town in the middle of it. The shops are all mom and pop made from scratch food and hand made jewelry and clothing. There is a small pub right up the street and the entire town has an amazing view of the river just across the parking lot, which you can swim in up to a point. Ohiopyle is an amazing place, I have visited it many times and I plan to visit many times in the future.
Guide
A nice campground in a beautiful area. Currently, McCollum has 25 campsites, but a new section is under construction. The sites are relatively level for such a hilly area, but we did need to do a little extra positioning of our camper. Site 22 is a pull through site and feels extra large compared to others. No water at this site but is does have 30 and 15 amp service.
There is a small camp store with the basics and a larger outpost just down the road where many of the trail heads are located. There is a bit of a Wi-Fi signal but is only accessible when you're at the camp store.
Fantastic hiking in the area! Lots of interesting scenery and rock formations to explore.
Bath house was clean and the water was hot.
Definitely recommend staying here.
Guide
This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.
Traveler
That's the best way to describe this park. It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels.
However, the plus is that there are lots of little amentities, a coffee pavilion, wood to buy, portapots, and an incredibly kind "staff." I'm mobility impaired and it was just my dog and I. The guys were super helpful bringing the wheelbarrow of wood to me, which would have been difficult for me.
The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks.
The property was clean and quiet other than the occasional diesel truck going down the road.
Scout
Sites are very large. Water pressure was good. Bath house was clean. The grounds were very clean and well kept. Staff was friendly. Quiet and peaceful. Pet friendly. Dump station on grounds and easy access.
Legend
Tried this KOA on the spur of the moment. We won't be back.
It's easy on/easy off from the interstate. The hills were terrible getting there, then another hill to get to the KOA. The ANOTHER hill to get to our site.
Asked for a site by the bathroom. It was closer than all the other sites on the hill. Yes, all the sites are cut into the hill. There's stairs to get down to the bathroom/shower(!?!?). Some people living in a trailer by the stairs have a big dog that will lunge & bark.
It seems like cosmetic things have been done. Planters spaced on posts leading up to the KOA main building. The bathroom had some newer looking siding & some flowers, but the floor in the women's bathroom had holes in it. It smelled funny in there too. This place needs a major remodel!
There were cigarette butts EVERYWHERE!
We were thinking about using the pool, but decided against it. Sites were full sun.
Can't believe this is a KOA...
Ranger
Very nice campground with multiple pools,playsets,cabins and river sites. So quiet cept for the occasional train pass by across the river. Food ice cream and biking access and sites.
Guide
Everyone was so friendly and the gate just uses a code! so not fiddling around with a Fob or keycard! We were the only ones at the campground when we stayed there the park shuttle bus would come around the park and was offering to take you to any where in or outside of the park! Craig introduced himself to us and was super friendly and nice and talked to us about the park and the campground. The Shuttle driver ended up telling us about this super cute breakfast place called Bob's Lunch! It was so good super well priced it was a hidden gem and the shuttle bus even took us on a tour of moundsvile! The Sites were fully paved and the entire campground was super nice! The blacktop was super nice and the campground was easy to navigate the bathhouses were really clean!
Traveler
Close to Cheat Lake and restaurants in Morgantown.
ScoutA dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable. This is overpriced for that simple issue, I guess ok for an overnight stay but I wouldn’t plan a long stay
Guide
After years of tent camping, this was our first camping trip with camper our and two youngest kids. When we stayed it was cold outside but we had full hook up and were prepared.
We had nice view of the lodge. The lodge amenities are top notch with a heated pool that only costs a a daily charge to use on top of camping. The campsite itself was a little pricey with the only thing distinguishing the campground being lodge activities you have to pay for.
I’d recommend sites 1-5, 20, and 39.
Guide
We love this park! We have camped and stayed in a camper cabin. We love camping in the trees that provide some privacy. At night time, the owls hoot away. The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean. I like that the campground is dog friendly, but didn’t realize the park is not. The waterfall trails are beautiful and a sight to explore. Definitely recommend this park!
ScoutThis is a former KOA campground, but still has the same management. The good: pretty campground, clean and nice amenities. Bad: the management is rude and unfriendly. Also, the seasonal campers are also salty. We were driving a golf cart, going less than the speed limit and the seasonal guests shook their fingers at us to slow down… Unfortunately we won’t come back bc of the people. The site itself is great.
RangerVery nice and newer campground. Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable.
Guide
The entry is strange as we had to block the gated entrance to get to the office to check in. Once past that, the staff was nice and the buildings and properties are well maintained. They have a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice. The sites are very close together with little privacy. We stayed in site 435. The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire. We did not take part in the planned events they had set up but did use the pool which was nice. The star gazing platform leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair. Roads are all gravel so no bikes or scooters for kids.
Traveler
It's a curvy small road to get there but it's well worth the drive. Beautiful campsites,some right on the river. Access to water that is icy cold but definitely fun to play in. The camp store is well stocked and the employees are friendly.
Guide
This place is so beautiful so peaceful the fish in the lake a huge. Small fee for fishing. It’s catch and release only. The owners of the property are very caring and helpful and friendly
Traveler
This establishment does NOT offer tent sites anymore! 5/18/2024. I called to make a reservation and they said they do not do that anymore as of a few years ago.
Traveler
I recently went tent camping with my two children and 2 dogs it was a wonderful experience! The catch and release pond was a wonderful place to take kids to learn and gaurentee to catch a fish with worms. We also found newts! Plenty of trash cans around and a nice park to play at. We tied our doggos between two trees and let them run. Firewood for sale. None to gather around not even sticks so be prepared for that. The tent camping sites arnt marked you kind of just go anywhere which was fine since we were the only ones there. We loved it!
Scout
We only stayed one night, driving through. About 3 miles from the interstate, narrow roads. Big rigs probably hard to back in.
GuideStayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town. The campground was not as well maintained as other state parks we have visited but not bad.
GuideStayed 6-12-23 (When It Was A KOA
It is your typical campground. it was noisy and loud throughout our whole stay they staff kept washing the showers with dish soap getting it everywhere! Got dish soap all over my pool towels. Expensive for what you get!
Traveler
Campsites are just the right size. Very level and nicely done. Sites have electric hookup a picnic table and a fire ring. Wood is available for purchase at the office when you come In. Bathhouse is located in the center of the campsites
GuideMe and my wife usually can't wait for the warm Spring weather to start our camping season. This year (2024) was no different. We got the itch to go, and Benner's was one of the few campgrounds open during the Winter in SWPA (SouthWestern PA). That was perfect, because we had been wanting to check Benner's out anyway. It's only 32 minutes from our home. So, we figured, if we liked it, it could end up being one of our go-to quick trips when we're limited on time.
There really wasn't anything about the campground or the staff that we didn't like. The campground was really nice, although PA Winters are drab, so we kind of had to use our imagination for how beautiful the campground might be when there's vibrant greenery all around. The staff were all extremely nice, and made us feel very welcome.
There's a good bit to do there. There are 2 ponds and a lake. There is plenty of ground for hiking and wandering. There is playground equipment for kids. There's a nice office with food and snacks (though fairly limited while we were there).
We definitely plan to drop by during Spring, Summer, or Fall, to see the place in its full beauty. But, until then, this campground is on our "revisit" list. And if the revisit goes well, it could end up on our "regular" list. ;)
RangerGood campground with decent privacy. It was quiet being a weekday in the fall. There is a lot of hiking nearby, most of which you need to drive to within the state park. Our campsite was surrounded with poison ivy and the bathrooms were a far walk. The bathrooms definitely could use some renovations but it is indoor plumbing with showers and a dish washing sink. The water is drinkable from the foundations. Fire wood is overpriced but accessible.
ScoutCampground was well maintained. Tent pads were great. It rained on us but tent pads were elevated enough that we stayed dry. It is so peaceful and serene there. Hiked the trails to the waterfalls and had a great time. Firewood was cheap. Bathrooms were good and clean.
Ranger
First time here with great sights and plenty to do. Vast park and trails galore.
Camping near Fairmont, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Fairmont, WV, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fairmont, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fairmont, WV is Camp Ara with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fairmont, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Fairmont, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
