Best Campgrounds near Grafton, WV

The Monongahela National Forest region surrounding Grafton, West Virginia provides a range of camping experiences from developed state parks to more remote forest service sites. Tygart Lake State Park Campground offers cabin accommodations and tent camping with lakefront access just north of Grafton, while Audra State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles south, features riverside sites along the Middle Fork River. Both locations support mixed camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Additional options extend into nearby areas like Coopers Rock State Forest and Blackwater Falls State Park, which provide more extensive trail systems and scenic overlooks within an hour's drive.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-April through October, with limited winter accessibility. Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some forest service roads requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall. According to one visitor, "West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it." Cell service remains limited in many camping areas, though some state parks have begun adding WiFi near central facilities. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months, especially at popular waterfront sites. Elevation changes affect temperatures significantly, with higher elevation campgrounds like those near Spruce Knob experiencing cooler nights even in summer.

Riverside camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with the Middle Fork River at Audra State Park and Tygart Lake offering popular water recreation opportunities. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, particularly deer, throughout the region's campgrounds. Several visitors noted the quality of hiking trails connecting to camping areas, with Blackwater Falls and Coopers Rock providing exceptional scenic overlooks accessible from their respective campgrounds. A camper wrote, "The views of Seneca Rocks were welcomed, when it wasn't raining (a common occurrence in WV)," highlighting the region's variable weather patterns. Primitive camping options in the higher elevations provide greater solitude but require more preparation for temperature fluctuations and limited facilities. Many campgrounds feature updated bathhouses with hot showers, though more remote forest service campgrounds typically offer only vault toilets and hand pumps for water.

Best Camping Sites Near Grafton, West Virginia (116)

    1. Tygart Lake State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    3 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Audra State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Volga, WV
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 457-1162

    "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."

    3. Coopers Rock State Forest

    32 Reviews
    Dellslow, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 594-1561

    $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."

    4. Camp Ara

    2 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 652-4777

    $20 - $150 / night

    "Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!"

    5. Family Fishing N' Camping

    3 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 265-1000

    $10 - $150 / night

    6. Five River Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parsons, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-3515

    $15 / night

    "This is a hidden gem right outside of town. We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups."

    "It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town."

    7. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 259-5216

    $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."

    8. CAMP73ROCKST☆R

    1 Review
    Morgantown, WV
    13 miles

    $35 - $65 / night

    9. Mylan Park

    5 Reviews
    Cassville, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 983-2383

    "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."

    10. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $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."

    "Options to get there include the steep walking trail where bikes are allowed to be walked but not ridden, riding the 3.5 miles along the road, also very steep, or taking a shuttle from downtown Ohiopyle"

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Recent Reviews near Grafton, WV

648 Reviews of 116 Grafton Campgrounds



Guide to Grafton

Camping near Grafton, 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 several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Audra State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "A trail winds along the river offering spectacular views." This park is perfect for those who love nature walks.
  • Rafting: If you're up for some excitement, check out Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park. A camper shared, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."
  • Fishing: Tygart Lake State Park Campground is a great spot for fishing. One reviewer said, "It was quiet and serene... very close to the lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Bathrooms and showers are very clean. Sites are spacious and well placed."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Five River Campground. One happy camper said, "The owners are amazing and so helpful. They go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful time."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the privacy offered at Seneca Shadows. A reviewer mentioned, "The tent section is a giant meadow... nearly all have an incredible view of Seneca Rocks."

What you should know:

  • No Reservations: Many campgrounds, like Red Creek Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper warned, "Fills early on weekends."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as those at Savage River State Forest, lack modern facilities. A visitor noted, "No drinking water, no electric hookups."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared to encounter wildlife. One camper at Tygart Lake State Park Campground shared, "We saw more deer than usual."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Audra State Park Campground. A family shared, "The campground also offers playground, flush toilets, and hot showers."
  • Plan for Crowds: Weekends can get busy. A camper at Swallow Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Great hikes to the falls... gets crowded on the weekends."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. One camper at Five River Campground said, "The campgrounds are neat, clean and well maintained."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be tricky for larger RVs. A reviewer at Coopers Rock State Forest warned, "Backing into some of the sites can be tricky with the angles and the ditches along the road."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Sites have electric hookup, a picnic table, and a fire ring."
  • Plan for Water Access: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups. A visitor at Seneca Shadows mentioned, "No water hookups but we had electric in Loop C, which was expected."

Camping around Grafton, West Virginia, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, you'll find a campground that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Grafton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Grafton, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Grafton, WV and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Grafton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grafton, WV is Tygart Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grafton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Grafton, WV.

What parks are near Grafton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Grafton, WV that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Burnsville Lake.