Are you planning a camping trip to Grafton with your dog? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best campsites for you and your dog. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Grafton's most popular destinations.
As one of the industrial backbones of the country, West Virginia has always been recognized and appreciated for its diverse geography consisting of towering plateaus and endlessly rolling mountain ranges. Located partially between Upshur County and Barbour Country, Audra State Park boasts 355 acres of unspoiled forest, diverse ecosystems, and unique caves and river runs. While much of the surrounding region has suffered the consequences of mining and deforestation, this park preserves 355 regional acres of natural beauty for anyone to enjoy.
Audra State Park has long served locals as an affordable way to recreate, with a variety of fun activities to partake in. Hiking, cycling, fishing, and even geocaching are all common activities that can be easily enjoyed here on a budget. Furthermore, during the summer months, the Middle Fork River comes alive while families, kids and teenagers enjoy the many natural swimming areas available throughout.
Hidden along 3 miles of groomed trails in the park lies Alum Cave, a natural geological rock feature which hangs over the river below. In the winter, large icicle spires form down the cave canopy making this an ideal spot for Photographers.
For those looking for an experience indoors, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the regional wild-life. Nearby, the town of Buckhannon offers an array of small town attractions, including a movie theatre and local eats. If you’re visiting in May, be sure to check out their annual Strawberry Festival!
The campsites are spacious and fully functional for those intending to utilize a tent. Open from April through October, there are 67 available with thirteen of them offering electrical hookups. Furthermore, there are two fully-serviced bathhouses with warm-water showers, and coin-operated laundry available. There is also a well stocked camping store, which offers normal conveniences as well as firewood for purchase. All reservations are first come first serve, so be sure to make your plans well in advance.
$50 / night
Less than 15 miles from Morgantown, West Virginia, you will find a stunning 12,747-acre protected forest. Coopers Rock State Forest is home to a vibrant stretch of trails and forest that share a border with the canyons of the Cheat River, which is notorious with white water rafters. Besides being a scenic area to pitch a tent, Coopers Rock actually offers a multitude of options for recreation. This includes picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and rock climbing. Visitors who want to use the park for hunting or fishing are asked to obtain the proper licensing prior to arriving. The extra step is worth it though, as the park features a glistening six-acre pond that’s brimming with fresh trout that’s located on the northern side of the forest. Coopers Rock State Forest has been, and continues to be a hugely popular destination with rock climbing enthusiasts. It’s considered one of the best areas for bouldering in the eastern U.S., and there are at least 5 popular climbing sites that are easy to find within the park. Those destinations are Roof Rocks, Upper Rock City, Sunset Wall, Roadside Rocks, and Tilted Tree. If you enjoy winter sports, you’ll be pleased to find that Coopers Rock is also known for its ski terrain in the winter. Be careful, however, as the trails here are known to be best suited for intermediate to experienced skiiers. For those considering trying them out, frequent visitors suggest waiting until the snow is densely packed on, at least half a foot, to avoid injury on the many rocks, branches and roots on the trails below the snow. Breathtaking views atop sky-high cliffs make camping at the park almost a given for visitors. The park offers two different campgrounds, each offering the options of comforts like water and electricity hook-ups, or more traditional tent camping. All accommodations here are first come first serve. McCollum Campground serves as the main camping area and accommodates a total of 25 campsites, each equipped with electrical and water hook-ups, a bathhouse and even wireless internet. Pets are welcome visitors as long as they remain on a leash or crate at all times.
$25 - $35 / night
Nestled in the scenic hills of West Virginia near the Monongahela National Forest, Five River Campground is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends or to meet new ones! Located on the beautiful and serene banks of the Shavers Fork River it is a prime area to relax or invigorate your spirit with activities centered on the outdoors. Five River Campground serves as a base camp for adventure. We are centrally located to many areas that offer exciting and exhilarating outdoor escapades for the novice or expert alike.
Five River Camp Ground has a 84 full service RV/Camper sites with lots of tent sites and a centrally located bath house with unlimited hot showers, modern restrooms, Laundromat, and two dumping stations. Campsite pedestals are 30/50 amp service. The campground is open year round, however the bath house is only available from April 1st through October 31 annually. Nightly reservations are accepted for anytime except July 10th - August 7th due to Pickin' In Parsons Bluegrass Festival.
All campsites are natural grassy areas within walking distance to over 2,500 feet of natural shoreline on the Shavers Fork River.
Furry, Four legged friends are welcome as long as they are well behaved. We also ask that your keep everyones pet safe by leashing, and cleaning up.
$15 / night
Known as the “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands,” Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park consists of approximately 20,500 acres of the state’s finest and most rugged natural beauty. A quick drive from Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV, this park can get you back to nature conveniently. The million annual visitors the park gets act as proof of just how convenient this state park is. Camping at Ohiopyle State Park offers campers 200 campsites at the Kentuck campground, with flush toilets, warm showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and some electric hook-ups. Yurts and cottages are available as well for those looking for a more comfortable stay in the great Allegheny passage. When visiting this state park, campers and adventurers will both notice the mighty Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River flowing through the center of the park. Capitalizing on this, the park offers whitewater boating opportunities for all experience levels. For those looking to stay on dry land, however, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing are all available in the summer months. In the colder months, cross-country skiing and snowmobile riding are available across the park.
$22 - $33 / night
Camp Ara is a beautiful 113-acre property in Fairmont, WV. Located in the Allegheny Mountains about 20 minutes south of Morgantown, WV, and West Virginia University. It is close to major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Columbus, Cincinnati, and many others. The property has been run as a Christian camp for over 60 years, serving and changing the lives of countless youth along the way. There is a large number of foster children in and around the area that are currently in great need of programs that connect them with nature, help them to grow individually, and help teach them life skills to prepare them for transitioning out of the foster care system. In addition to running year-round programming, Camp Ara is home to 80+ acres of virtually untouched land. We have created 40 beautiful campsites that require various amounts of hiking to reach. No matter what site you choose, however, you will almost definitely feel as though you are alone with nature.
$20 - $150 / night
$10 - $150 / night
Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The park encompasses over 1,800 acres and adjoins Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area and its 3,900-acre man-made lake. Deep Creek Lake camping lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands. Its location at the southernmost end of Meadow Mountain places it west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed. The park gets its name from the lake, which was a hydroelectric project, constructed on Deep Creek in the 1920's by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company. The Deep Creek Lake State Park Complex also includes Sang Run State Park and the Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area. Deep Creek Lake Camping offers 112 campsites, 26 electrics sites, a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and a wildlife resistant food storage box on each site. They also have heated bathhouses, a dump station, freshwater fill up spot, free boat trailer parking, overnight dock slip use, and even some mini cabins and other lodging options! The park itself offers a sandy lakefront area, fishing areas, bathrooms, playgrounds, and hiking and biking trails. All in all, the park encompasses 1,800 acres!!
Features include: 86 basic sites and 26 electric sites Two Mini Cabins - The mini cabins sleep six people and have electricity, heat, (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Pets are not permitted. Includes a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post One Yurt - The yurt sleeps six people and has electricity, heat, (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Pets are not permitted. Includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post Bear Den - A three sided Adirondack-style shelter with the open side facing out into the forest (Site 72). Includes a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, wildlife box, stone fire place and raised sleeping platform Delphia Brant is a pet-free loop Heated bathhouses Dump station Freshwater fill up Free boat trailer overnight parking registration Overnight dock slip use
$21 - $65 / night
Ranger
Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay.
The campground is long and narrow bordering on Abrams Creek. We took daily walks to the end of the campground and enjoyed the scenic views.
The campsite has port-a-potties for each cabin and for groups of campsites. Water was clean and had no oder.
The only concern noted was the bath house. It was poorly lighted and made of what looked like left over materials.
The gentleman that checked us in was a wealth of knowledge. He told us all about the campground and told us they offer an outdoor shower. Their were two outdoor shower stalls which were shower curtains next to the shower house.
Ranger
There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.
The campsites are boarded by boulders. The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky.
Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large. We removed lots of trash from our fire ring, mostly aluminum cans.
Traveler
This park has many trails but mostly there more rapids to enjoy. The trails however are of a higher class of terrain though they aren’t necessarily difficult. There is much to see. The most unique part about this place is the small town in the middle of it. The shops are all mom and pop made from scratch food and hand made jewelry and clothing. There is a small pub right up the street and the entire town has an amazing view of the river just across the parking lot, which you can swim in up to a point. Ohiopyle is an amazing place, I have visited it many times and I plan to visit many times in the future.
Guide
A nice campground in a beautiful area. Currently, McCollum has 25 campsites, but a new section is under construction. The sites are relatively level for such a hilly area, but we did need to do a little extra positioning of our camper. Site 22 is a pull through site and feels extra large compared to others. No water at this site but is does have 30 and 15 amp service.
There is a small camp store with the basics and a larger outpost just down the road where many of the trail heads are located. There is a bit of a Wi-Fi signal but is only accessible when you're at the camp store.
Fantastic hiking in the area! Lots of interesting scenery and rock formations to explore.
Bath house was clean and the water was hot.
Definitely recommend staying here.
Guide
This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.
Traveler
That's the best way to describe this park. It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels.
However, the plus is that there are lots of little amentities, a coffee pavilion, wood to buy, portapots, and an incredibly kind "staff." I'm mobility impaired and it was just my dog and I. The guys were super helpful bringing the wheelbarrow of wood to me, which would have been difficult for me.
The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks.
The property was clean and quiet other than the occasional diesel truck going down the road.
Scout
It was dead when we arrived; only saw two other vehicles. Very quiet and secluded. Easy to navigate and find a spot.
Scout
Sites are very large. Water pressure was good. Bath house was clean. The grounds were very clean and well kept. Staff was friendly. Quiet and peaceful. Pet friendly. Dump station on grounds and easy access.
Traveler
Close to Cheat Lake and restaurants in Morgantown.
Guide
We booked this trip last minute on Memorial Day weekend and literally took the last site reservable. The place was crowded and our corner was as crowded as anywhere. The people beside us had way too many cars that made it a little tough to back in. The 5 dudes standing around helped us navigate their vehicles but it was annoying. Later the guy brought us over some whiskey and beers, maybe as an unstated apology.
The CG itself was very family oriented and our site was a good size. We went swimming in lake two days and drove down to Flatwoods for some of the best ice cream you can find at The Spot (UFO and alien sighting location lol).
A huge storm rolled through with 40/50 mph winds. We had a little heads up thanks to buying a day of WiFi but most people were caught flat footed. We saw 30 plus awnings and canopies destroyed. Power went out for entire last day but we were fine. No rangers or park folks let us know anything but that was fine.
I’d recommend c1-c5 if you have kids.
Guide
We love this park! We have camped and stayed in a camper cabin. We love camping in the trees that provide some privacy. At night time, the owls hoot away. The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean. I like that the campground is dog friendly, but didn’t realize the park is not. The waterfall trails are beautiful and a sight to explore. Definitely recommend this park!
ScoutWe tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday. Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer....
TravelerLoved camping here! We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!
Guide
The entry is strange as we had to block the gated entrance to get to the office to check in. Once past that, the staff was nice and the buildings and properties are well maintained. They have a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice. The sites are very close together with little privacy. We stayed in site 435. The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire. We did not take part in the planned events they had set up but did use the pool which was nice. The star gazing platform leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair. Roads are all gravel so no bikes or scooters for kids.
Traveler
It's a curvy small road to get there but it's well worth the drive. Beautiful campsites,some right on the river. Access to water that is icy cold but definitely fun to play in. The camp store is well stocked and the employees are friendly.
Traveler
This establishment does NOT offer tent sites anymore! 5/18/2024. I called to make a reservation and they said they do not do that anymore as of a few years ago.
Traveler
I recently went tent camping with my two children and 2 dogs it was a wonderful experience! 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. We tied our doggos between two trees and let them run. Firewood for sale. None to gather around not even sticks so be prepared for that. The tent camping sites arnt marked you kind of just go anywhere which was fine since we were the only ones there. We loved it!
Scout
We only stayed one night, driving through. About 3 miles from the interstate, narrow roads. Big rigs probably hard to back in.
Scout
Had my wedding 2022 at Jennings picnic area and then after that spent the whole weekend away from everyone and everything! Peaceful in September love the area grew up over camping every summer at Jennings but wanted something more secluded for honeymoon. Husbands dad was one of the union workers who helped build Jennings and my dad built multiple tourist attractions around it. Gorgeous landscape and it’s my peace
GuideStayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town. The campground was not as well maintained as other state parks we have visited but not bad.
Ranger
My wife and I tent camped here for a weekend to go rafting. The whole campground sits in kind of a valley along a creek running into the reservoir. It's kind of spread out but seemed nice. Our tent sites were very nice sitting on raised mounds so you would stay fairly dry if it rained. It looks like it may have been a state park at one time, judging by the layout and bathrooms. Not a bad camp at all.
Ranger
My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around. The camp store was nice with everything you need, and the staff and owners were friendly as well. We were there for a long weekend and all agreed we would go back.
Traveler
Campsites are just the right size. Very level and nicely done. Sites have electric hookup a picnic table and a fire ring. Wood is available for purchase at the office when you come In. Bathhouse is located in the center of the campsites
GuideMe and my wife usually can't wait for the warm Spring weather to start our camping season. This year (2024) was no different. We got the itch to go, and Benner's was one of the few campgrounds open during the Winter in SWPA (SouthWestern PA). That was perfect, because we had been wanting to check Benner's out anyway. It's only 32 minutes from our home. So, we figured, if we liked it, it could end up being one of our go-to quick trips when we're limited on time.
There really wasn't anything about the campground or the staff that we didn't like. The campground was really nice, although PA Winters are drab, so we kind of had to use our imagination for how beautiful the campground might be when there's vibrant greenery all around. The staff were all extremely nice, and made us feel very welcome.
There's a good bit to do there. There are 2 ponds and a lake. There is plenty of ground for hiking and wandering. There is playground equipment for kids. There's a nice office with food and snacks (though fairly limited while we were there).
We definitely plan to drop by during Spring, Summer, or Fall, to see the place in its full beauty. But, until then, this campground is on our "revisit" list. And if the revisit goes well, it could end up on our "regular" list. ;)
RangerGood campground with decent privacy. It was quiet being a weekday in the fall. There is a lot of hiking nearby, most of which you need to drive to within the state park. Our campsite was surrounded with poison ivy and the bathrooms were a far walk. The bathrooms definitely could use some renovations but it is indoor plumbing with showers and a dish washing sink. The water is drinkable from the foundations. Fire wood is overpriced but accessible.
ScoutCampground was well maintained. Tent pads were great. It rained on us but tent pads were elevated enough that we stayed dry. It is so peaceful and serene there. Hiked the trails to the waterfalls and had a great time. Firewood was cheap. Bathrooms were good and clean.
Ranger
First time here with great sights and plenty to do. Vast park and trails galore.
If you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends, Grafton, West Virginia, offers several pet-friendly camping options that cater to both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Grafton, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Grafton, WV is Audra State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Grafton, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 78 dog-friendly camping locations near Grafton, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
