Campers exploring French Creek, West Virginia encounter heavily forested mountains with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 feet throughout the surrounding Monongahela National Forest. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day while dropping into the 50s at night. Most campgrounds in this region close between late October and mid-December when snowfall begins to accumulate on the narrow access roads.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 4 cascades at Holly River State Park Campground provide hiking destinations with varying difficulty levels. "The trail to the Overlook was a very difficult trail, but the view from the top was breathtaking. Worth the difficult hike," notes one visitor who tackled the most challenging route.
Civil War history: self-guided tours available at Bulltown Camp historical area showcase battle sites and original structures. "Civil War buffs and historians alike will thrive at this location," according to one camper who explored the battlefield where Union soldiers defended a critical supply route.
Boating and fishing: multiple launch points for accessing Burnsville Lake and the Little Kanawha River provide fishing opportunities. "We got a spot on the lake…just 10-15 yards from the water. Clean, calm and refreshing from the heat wave we are having," reports a summer visitor who appreciated the convenient water access.
What campers like
Lake views with boat tie-ups: Waterfront sites at Stonewall Resort State Park Campground feature individual moorings for personal watercraft. "I chose a spot under the pine trees where I was close enough to the lake's edge so I could hand-carry my kayak to the water for a peaceful paddle," explains one reviewer who appreciated the direct water access.
Stream-side camping: Sites positioned along flowing water create natural white noise for sleeping. "The Holly River runs clear through the Park, right beside a good many of the sites and hanging a hammock and listening to the water, can't be beat!" shares a camper who enjoyed the riverside atmosphere.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at most established campgrounds receive regular maintenance. "The shower houses were cleaned three times a day. The sites have electric and at the shower house there is a spigot for fresh water," notes a Holly River visitor describing the consistent upkeep.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most rv parks near French Creek, West Virginia close for winter. "Holly River State Park Campground features... water hookups, and remains open from April through November with full-service sites," while other campgrounds may close earlier depending on weather conditions.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the area with poor reception in valleys. "There was no phone signal at all for Verizon service, so a nice place to disconnect," reports a camper at Holly River, highlighting the communication limitations common in the mountainous terrain.
Variable weather patterns: Frequent rainfall affects the region year-round. "Every morning and every night it rained which made it difficult to swim and fish. The park workers said this is common year round," shares one Holly River visitor describing typical conditions.
Road conditions: Access routes to Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground and other remote sites involve steep, narrow roads that can challenge larger vehicles. "If you are coming from route 19 north about 10 miles from interstate 79 past the Stonewall Resort there is a huge dip in the road. I missed part of the huge dip that swallowed my camper," warns one traveler about hazardous road conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple recreation areas designed for children are available at larger campgrounds. "Each loop has its own showerhouse, remarkable children's playground, and pavilion," reports a visitor to Bulltown Camp describing the family-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: Pool facilities at Elk River Camp and RV Park provide alternatives to natural water features. "The park is right on the beautiful Elk River where you can swim, float or kayak," mentions a reviewer describing water recreation options.
Site selection for privacy: Corner locations or those backing to forest areas provide more separation between campsites. "We stayed in a site that backed up to the mountain which added some privacy when other campers came in towards the end of our stay," advises a Holly River visitor sharing site selection strategies.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Campgrounds near French Creek typically accommodate smaller to mid-size RVs with length limits. "Very large KOA campground. Neat and clean," notes one camper, while another mentions "The sites are a little tight if you have a bigger camper. We have a R-Pod so the site was perfect for us."
Electric service variability: DaLazyBear and several other rv parks around French Creek, West Virginia offer 50-amp hookups, while others provide only 30-amp service. "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time," cautions a Stonewall Resort camper about potential electrical issues.
Site leveling considerations: Terrain throughout the region creates challenges for setup. "The sites were level and easily accessible, no shade but that worked well for us using the Starlink," shares one visitor describing their experience with satellite internet reception on an open site.
Campground development status: Several facilities are undergoing improvements or remain partially developed. "Mark, the owner & host, ask us to call & he'd meet us at local gas station so we could follow him to our site. Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground," explains a visitor to Elk River Camp describing the ongoing improvements.
