The Allegheny Mountains surrounding Horner, West Virginia contain numerous camping options nestled in valleys that typically range from 1,500-2,000 feet in elevation. The region's mountain terrain creates significant temperature variations between day and night, often 10-15 degrees cooler at night than daytime highs even in summer. Campsites near Horner experience frequent rainfall throughout the camping season, with local campgrounds averaging 20-25 rainy days during the May to October camping period.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers excellent fishing in Stonewall Jackson Lake. "At the lodge there's some restaurants, indoor outdoor pool, spa, you can rent kayaks to paddle around. They also have a boat that will take you on a tour of the lake. I highly recommend going to the marine to feed the carp. It's definitely an experience," explains one visitor.
Historic site exploration: Visit the Civil War historical areas at Bulltown Camp where you can walk through preserved structures and battle sites. "Civil War buffs and historians alike will thrive at this location! Research dates/times for Civil War battle re-enactments. Also check days/times when the historic buildings will be open and tourable," advises a camper who enjoyed the historical significance.
Waterfall hunting: Multiple waterfalls can be found at Holly River State Park, varying in size and accessibility. "The park has a total of 4 waterfalls to explore. They have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and a pool for campers to enjoy," notes one visitor who experienced the various recreational options.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Many campers prefer waterfront camping spots at Audra State Park Campground. "Small camp area but definitely great if you can get a spot. We were fortunate to find one along the river which was great to sit by a fire while the kids swam," shares one visitor who enjoyed the riverside location.
Exceptionally clean facilities: The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Burnsville Lake receive consistent praise for maintenance. One camper at Bulltown noted, "All the grounds are meticulously maintained by Army Corp of Engineer personnel, hosts and volunteers. Each loop has its own showerhouse, remarkable children's playground, and pavilion."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at dawn and dusk throughout the region's campgrounds. At Tygart Lake State Park Campground, campers enjoy diverse wildlife. "The birds are active and wonderful to listen too!" reports one visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cell reception. Riffle Run Campground is an exception, with one camper noting: "Currently, this is one of the only campgrounds in West Virginia of the two dozen or so we've visited that has cell service. They still offer pay phones like most others, but we were able to send and receive messages."
Weather preparedness: The mountain climate means rapid weather changes. A camper at Holly River State Park observed, "This campground has plenty to offer for the whole family. We saw deer and a skunk came up to our site twice." Plan for both sunshine and rain, as several days of consecutive rainfall is common.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require reservations while others operate first-come, first-served. A visitor to Audra State Park noted: "No reservations, first come, first served," while other parks like Stonewall Resort allow advanced bookings.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Broken Wheel Campground offers family-oriented activities including fishing ponds. "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," reports a family camper.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature recently updated playgrounds. At Bulltown Camp, a visitor noted: "New state of the art playgrounds for the kids. Two exist in the campground and a third playground is located in the Day use picnic area just outside the campground entrance."
Educational opportunities: The historical sites provide learning experiences for children. One camper at Stonewall Resort shared: "I participated and help teach a leadership camp for middle schoolers. The staff was great and the facilities were exactly what we were looking for."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites due to mountain terrain. At Flatwoods KOA, an RVer reported: "Very unlevel spot. Not sure if they are all like this, but it's a big ugh... We have a 4 filter system and this was after the 4 filters - they had been changed at the previous park about 10 days prior too."
Access road considerations: Mountain roads require careful navigation for larger rigs. A camper at Bulltown warned: "If you are coming from route 19 north about 10 miles from intestate 79 past the Stonewall Resort there is a huge dip in the road. I missed part of the huge dip that swallowed my camper and left it bouncing around the road."
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary widely between campgrounds. At Audra State Park, a visitor noted: "There are 67 campsites with picnic table, fire grate, and moveable bench, 13 of these sites have electricity hookups," while Stonewall Resort offers "full hookups. Campsites have blacktop pads to park on."
