State parks and forests surrounding Fairmont, West Virginia provide diverse camping experiences within the Appalachian foothills. Tygart Lake State Park, located 20 miles south in Grafton, offers lakeside camping with boat-in access and cabin options. Coopers Rock State Forest, situated 30 minutes northeast near Morgantown, features scenic overlooks and electric hookup sites popular with both tent and RV campers. Closer to town, Oakdale Village provides basic tent camping, while Family Fishing N' Camping offers year-round access with full hookups for RVs. The region's camping options range from primitive walk-in sites to developed campgrounds with modern amenities, all within an hour's drive of Fairmont.
Mountainous terrain and seasonal weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions throughout the area. Most state park campgrounds operate from mid-April through October, with limited winter accessibility. Frequent rainfall can create challenging conditions, particularly at riverside locations like Audra State Park where sites occasionally flood during heavy precipitation. As one camper noted, "This is West Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months." Cell service remains limited at many campgrounds, with Coopers Rock being a notable exception offering WiFi access. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and fall foliage season when campgrounds fill quickly with visitors from nearby urban centers.
Wildlife encounters feature prominently in camper experiences throughout the region. Deer sightings are common at dawn and dusk, particularly at Tygart Lake and Coopers Rock. Some campgrounds report raccoon activity, with one Tygart Lake visitor warning, "There is a huge raccoon problem here, even during the day. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in." Riverside camping at Audra State Park receives consistently positive reviews for the soothing sounds of flowing water and access to swimming areas. Sites with scenic views tend to be the most sought-after, especially those overlooking Tygart Lake or the Cheat River gorge from Coopers Rock. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with hot showers, though bathroom quality varies considerably between locations.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
"There was a bathroom close by with running water and showers. It was beautiful and very close to the lake."
"Trails to lakeside/shore where campers do swim although no swimming from shore is "not" allowed. Just be respectful and clean up after yourselves and usually no drama involved."
$25 - $35 / night
"This is the largest state forest in West Virginia, it has a total of 25 sites that vary in their privacy. Each site has electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire grates, and utility post."
"There is also a small laundry room with dishwashing sink behind the bathhouse. Both ice and firewood are sold onsite."
$20 - $150 / night
"Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!"
"Decent sized “parking spaces” Available on holiday weekend Good price ($40/night) Full hookups (bring your long sewer tube, I used 3 x15’ as it’s at the tail of the spot) Fields & Grassy area adjacent"
"We love it here most of the time it’s close to Morgantown so it’s perfect for university events. Really close to campus. They have full hookups & partial hookups."
"Audra State Park, is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the journey. Tucked away, just outside of Buckhannon, WV...home of West Virginia Wesleyan College."
"v=VLUEBlIxHpo) Trails undulate with the terrain. The short trail within the campground area is steep in areas but offers some nice views."
$20 - $54 / night
"The plan was to camp and hike throughout West Virginia, but when we visited Pathfinder outdoor retailer in Morgantown, WV the staff encouraged us to check out Ohiopyle, while we were so close."
"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
"The rate for a tent spot is 17 and there are spot for 50,30 amps RVs The owner is a nice guy There is a near gas station"
$50 / night
"Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/ Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."
"This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."
ScoutThe biggest problem with the WV state parks is the cancellation policy. Make sure you check it out. Bath houses are decent. Shower had hot water and good pressure. Most of the sites are not level 1-9 are the best sites by far. Poor drainage when raining.
ScoutWe love staying in the yurts. Peaceful. Like camping with amenities. Has fire or wood! Rain doesn’t bother us here. Stay as often as we can when available.
GuideI come here at least twice a year for the wonder campground. The hiking trails, water falls and white water rafting. The town is small but filled with tons of great shops and outfitters. Campground is clean, every sight is nice and spacious, not all are private. Get gas on your way here, once here their are no gas stations for 40 minutes in every direction. Ice and wood at campground suck. Go into town for ice or see Butch out rt 381 on the left just outside the park boundary. Highly recommended.
ScoutThe surroundings are beautiful as is the Campground. No water or sewer so be prepared for that. The shower/laundry/bathroom building is centrally located and immaculate.
TravelerI’m a new car camper and my mom and I took a day trip out to check out the sites. When I tell you this is the most beautiful, secluded, peaceful camping site I truly couldn’t have asked for a better find!! I did however (like an idiot) end up going waaay too far down the trail (aka the whole 18 miles) and THANK GOD I drive a 4 runner!! That road gets pretty sketchy in most spots the further you go down but I somehow (by the grace of God) made it through the whole thing IN TWO WHEEL DRIVE!! ugh may never do that again but the camping is fantastic!! If you wanna check out more of the off-roading aspect I recommend checking out nolimitbmore on youtube! Will be spending most of my summer & fall here!!
GuideGreat private campground right on the river! The camper spots are across the road from the river and next time we will reserve a camper spot and a tent spot right on the water!
TravelerFun beginner trail, nice dispersed camping spots. Went there when it was dry so it was an easy drive. Very close to Blackwater Falls so you have all the trails there also have trails down the road with nice lookout points
TravelerWe came in late Friday & could tell from the 7+" snow covered road in that no one else was going to be here (unless they'd been parked for two days of snowfall). We parked on a site be the creek on a big loop near a vault toilet (nothing better than a 20° toilet seat to wake you up in the morning). These sites were easy to recognize as safe driving spots under the blanket of snow. The road was well marked. The hairpin turn at entrance was wide enough that it was not a problem to navigate in the snow / icy road. Main roads had been plowed thoroughly. Anyway, great stay. Could not see stars but the moonrise was beautiful.
RangerI spoke with the Walmart manager and confirmed that they are okay with RVs parking in the section of the parking lot closest to the road, but overnight only(i.e. not consecutive nights). It is conveniently located on a major north/south highway at the south end of Elkins. Of course this also means that you will have a four lane road near where you are parked, so not ideal for quiet, but can work well for a free overnight stay while you are traveling.
Campground facilities around Fairmont, West Virginia range from rustic tent sites to fully-equipped RV parks, all located within the Appalachian foothills. Elevations in this region typically range from 900 to 2,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several privately operated facilities like Family Fishing N' Camping offer year-round access.
Water recreation at Tygart Lake: During summer months, the 10-mile-long lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. "The lake offers great relaxation and the trails around the lake offer pretty views. Only wish that there were more trails available because it's so beautiful in that area," notes a visitor to Tygart Lake State Park Campground.
Mountain biking on forest trails: The region offers varied terrain for cyclists of all skill levels. A camper at Coopers Rock State Forest shares, "I have been going here for years and I always love to climb this area. The pitches aren't too high (50ft) but great just to get out there and enjoy life!"
Swimming in natural settings: Several campgrounds feature river or lake swimming areas outside designated beaches. At Audra State Park, campers report, "You can hear the river flowing past the grounds. There is on-site laundry between the main shower house, and a nice general store for ice, wood, or any other supplies you may have forgotten."
Visit nearby small towns: The towns of Davis and Thomas offer cultural experiences within 45 minutes of Blackwater Falls. A camper notes, "Spent the day in Thomas looking at local art & antiques. The evening in Davis eating at Hellbender Burritos. I love this part of our beautiful state!"
River proximity: Sites along waterways remain among the most popular camping options near Fairmont. A visitor to Audra State Park Campground explains, "The most scenic campground I have stayed in to date. The whole thing is along a beautiful crystal clear river that runs along large rocks. There is great trout fishing in the area and great hiking trails within the park."
Secluded tent sites: Campers seeking privacy appreciate forested locations. One reviewer at Coopers Rock State Forest mentions, "We stayed here 9/2018 at site #10 and can't wait to return. There is a small campground just by the entrance that has a small store and electric sites with RV hookups. Site 10 was at the campground at the top of the hill, sparsely populated, and had beautiful views beyond the trees."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathhouses rank highly in camper satisfaction. "The campground was in great shape, the RV lots were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently. The bathrooms were clean and heated to a comfortable level. Showers had great pressure as well," reports a Coopers Rock visitor.
Wi-Fi availability: While cell service varies widely, some campgrounds offer internet access. At Mylan Park, a camper notes, "There aren't a whole lot of full hook up camping spots in the Morgantown area. Mylan park has a bunch of full hook ups in a parking lot convenient to I-79."
Varied site conditions: Some campgrounds feature significant elevation changes affecting comfort. At Tygart Lake, one camper warns, "Almost all sites are on a hill. The pictures do not accurately show this. We had site 33 (probably the worst site). The entire site was on a slant and covered in rocks."
Unpredictable wildlife encounters: Raccoons and other wildlife may affect your camping experience. A camper at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground recommends keeping food secure, especially in tent sites.
Seasonal temperatures: Fall camping requires preparation for cold nights. "Keep in mind, anytime after mid-September can be quite cold overnight. But the foliage is totally worth it!" shares a Blackwater Falls camper.
Event scheduling conflicts: At some campgrounds, nearby events can create noise issues. A Mylan Park visitor cautions, "In another pavilion 500 yards away there was a rave. Hundreds of people listening to Electronic Dance Music (EDM) that went on til 2am. I spoke to several employees over the course of our visit here and no one ever mentioned."
Playground access: Families with children appreciate designated play areas. At Blackwater Falls, a camper shares, "There's so much to do at this park! Multiple waterfalls, awesome hikes, a lake, a nature center for the kids, a petting zoo."
Swimming areas: Natural water features provide entertainment for children. At Camp Ara, a visitor notes, "You can rent a cabin, camp in the woods, or rent a bunkroom or your group. Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing!"
Pet-friendly options: Many families camp with dogs and appreciate designated pet areas. A camper at Coopers Rock mentions, "Many hiking trails of all sizes and kept clear. My dog is mostly weenie dog, and his little legs made it everywhere. Also had 12yr old son with me and he had a great time."
Fishing opportunities: Kid-friendly fishing spots provide family activities. At Family Fishing N' Camping, a visitor reports, "There is great fishing and the staff and people are very accommodating."
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Coopers Rock, a recent visitor notes, "The sites are spread out. Electricity at sites but no water or sewer. A new section will be opening later this season that will have elec and water."
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify site sizes before booking. A Mylan Park camper shares, "Decent sized 'parking spaces,' available on holiday weekend, good price ($40/night), full hookups (bring your long sewer tube, I used 3x15' as it's at the tail of the spot)."
Dump station locations: Some facilities have inconveniently positioned dump stations. At Blackwater Falls, a camper warns, "There's a dump that's in the middle of the first loop. You have to go the wrong way on a one-way road to dump. Campsite 40 I would avoid since it's close to the dump."
Road access limitations: Larger RVs face challenges at some campgrounds. A visitor to Audra State Park cautions, "Big/long RV's (driven or pulled) have difficulty navigating this narrow, curvy campground road pocked with rocky outcroppings. Park in the day use parking by the bridge or picnic area and scout it out first."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tent camping options near Fairmont, WV with shower facilities?
Yes, tent campers near Fairmont can find sites with shower facilities at several nearby campgrounds. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers 65 campsites (35 non-electric perfect for tent camping) with shower facilities, though it's the highest campground in West Virginia with some sites offering limited privacy. Audra State Park Campground is another excellent option with shower facilities for tent campers. While not directly in Fairmont, these parks are within reasonable driving distance and provide the shower amenities tent campers seek. Most tent sites accommodate up to two tents and include standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Where can I find RV rentals in Fairmont, West Virginia?
RV rentals near Fairmont are available through several options, though you may need to look in neighboring communities for the best selection. Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground offers full hookup sites for RVs at reasonable prices, making it a good destination once you've secured a rental. Check local RV dealerships in Morgantown (about 20 minutes from Fairmont) or search online peer-to-peer RV rental platforms like RVshare or Outdoorsy, which connect RV owners with renters. Additionally, Mylan Park near Morgantown has big-rig-friendly sites and might have information about local rental options. Always book rentals well in advance, especially during peak summer months.
What fishing opportunities are available at campgrounds near Fairmont?
The Fairmont area offers excellent fishing opportunities at nearby campgrounds. Horseshoe Recreation Area is a prime fishing destination where campers can enjoy tubing, swimming, and fishing in a quiet, remote setting. The area has nice bathroom facilities and plenty of water access points. For dedicated anglers, Family Fishing N' Camping provides exactly what its name suggests with drive-in access to fishing spots. The Tygart Valley River runs through the region, offering additional fishing opportunities for trout, bass, and other freshwater species. Most fishing campgrounds in the area are open from spring through fall, with the best fishing typically occurring in late spring and early summer.
What campgrounds are available in Fairmont, WV?
While Fairmont itself has limited camping options, the surrounding area offers several excellent campgrounds within a short drive. Tygart Lake State Park Campground is located nearby and provides lakeside camping, though campers should research facilities before booking. For those willing to drive a bit further, Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown offers electrical hookups at all sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Additionally, Oakdale Village provides big-rig-friendly options closer to town. Most campgrounds in the region are open seasonally from spring through fall, with varying amenities and reservation requirements.
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