The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Glady, West Virginia, at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet. This mountainous region experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer nights often dropping below 55°F even when days reach 80°F. Most campgrounds in the area remain accessible from April through October, though some offer year-round yurt accommodations with heating systems for winter camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer access to prime fishing spots along the Shavers Fork River near Glady. Five River Campground sits at a river location where "Fishing on the river is popular (and successful) with a WV license. The Shavers Fork river (a Cheat River tributary) is also ideal for rafting, tubing and paddling. Most will take out 11 miles downriver before class 3 rapids (and higher) begin."
Hiking trails: The forest surrounding Blackwater Falls State Park Campground has several trail options. According to one visitor, "Multiple waterfalls, awesome hikes, a lake, a nature center for the kids, a petting zoo... the nearby towns of Davis and Thomas are very cute too with great coffee and food options. (Tip Top Coffee! Hellbender Burritos!)"
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies make for excellent night viewing. At Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower, "On a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there no ambient light. It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife."
What campers like
Year-round yurt access: Yurt camping near Glady, West Virginia offers advantages in all seasons. Revelle's River Resort maintains its yurts throughout the winter, with one guest noting their stay was "Very well run clean campgrounds. We had a river lot which was beautiful. Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. A camper at Five River Campground wrote, "The grounds are beautiful, staff amazing. Store had everything we needed, Bath houses were spotless. Exercise area for pets is huge. Within five minutes a local grocery store."
Peaceful water settings: Many sites feature river frontage for both recreation and relaxation. One reviewer described their experience at Five River Campground: "With our tent sitting five feet off a gurgling river with mountains as your backdrop, well...it just doesn't get much better or tranquil."
What you should know
Temperature variations: The elevation affects temperatures year-round. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground, "We visited on a weekend and there was only one other tent camper, quite a distance away in the other cluster of trees. The river melody is loud enough to drown out most other distant noises."
Wildlife encounters: Native animals frequently visit campsites. One camper noted, "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening. A kid's playground is situated beside (separated by a field) primitive tent sites."
Limited services: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Revelle Campgrounds (also called Shavers Fork Campground), facilities include "Full hookup available & right by Shavers Fork people fish right there," but showers are not available on-site.
Tips for camping with families
Visit during festivals: Timing your yurt camping trip near Glady with local events adds activities. A visitor to Five River Campground mentioned, "Interestingly, they bought this parcel of land 14 years ago purely to host Bluegrass festivals...(which, by the way, they do quite successfully... nominated this year of '2017' as one of the five finalists as the best Bluegrass Festivals in the world)."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds have dedicated family facilities. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground features "a nature center for the kids, a petting zoo... the nearby towns of Davis and Thomas are very cute too with great coffee and food options."
Choose sites with shade: Mountain sun can be intense. One visitor to Tygart Lake State Park noted, "Great place to take the kids. Lots of tall trees that provide shade."
Tips from RVers
Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Canaan Valley State Park observed, "The campground portion is not expansive but 34 sites are situated in three small loops. Primitive tent sites don't have water or electric and parking is roadside but you are within 100 yards of the 'Comfort Station.'"
Check hookup locations: Some sites have unusual layouts. One RVer noted, "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 and the only water available is the same used for flushing."
Seasonal considerations: Weather affects accessibility. "It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife. Note: utilize good camping practices and set camp on a previous location where there is an established fire ring."
