Nestled within the Allegheny Highlands at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet, the Grafton, West Virginia area experiences moderate temperatures from 65-85°F in summer and 25-40°F in winter. Fall camping season brings vibrant foliage, especially in late October when maple trees display their most vivid colors. Many campsites operate on a first-come basis, with weekends filling quickly during peak season.
What to do
Riverside activities at Five River Campground: Located in Parsons, this campground sits along the Shavers Fork River with excellent fishing opportunities. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," notes one visitor. The riverside setting provides natural entertainment with "a half mile grassy stretch of river" where you can set up camp just feet from the water.
Waterfall exploration at Swallow Falls State Park: Featuring Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland's highest waterfall at 53 feet, the park offers family-friendly hiking trails. "There are only a couple sites with electricity in each of the two loops," explains a reviewer, while another mentions that "the largest falls in Maryland, Muddy Creek Falls, [is] 53 feet" with "several other falls on the Youghiogheny River."
Winter recreation options: For glamping close to Grafton, West Virginia during colder months, consider Blackwater Falls State Park. Winter visitors note that "the cabins, and the lodge, are open year-round" making it possible to enjoy the scenery in any season. According to one camper, "the falls are amazing and the gift shop has some interesting goods."
What campers like
Pet-friendly accommodations: Many glamping locations near Grafton welcome four-legged companions. At Chestnut Ridge Regional Park, visitors appreciate that it's "pet friendly as long as on a leash" and has "a small shop where you check in and get necessary supplies, wood bundles...etc." The park offers both "modern and rustic cabins to rent."
Proximity to water: Tygart Lake State Park provides lake access for various activities. "Had a amazing time camping in this area. The camp sites are neat and clean. A lot of hiking trails to choose from and fishing, boating and swimming in the lake," reports one visitor. Another camper mentioned, "Made last second reservations and took spot 18. It's right by the ranger shack and closest to the bath house, nice for night time walking to bathroom."
Firefly displays: Summer glamping enthusiasts often witness natural light shows. One camper at Deep Creek Lake State Park described "a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night" visible from their campsite. The forested settings throughout the area create ideal habitats for these illuminated insects.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bears are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. At Deep Creek Lake State Park, "Bears are common so they emplaced a big old bear box at every site. It's enough room to hold your food for a month of camping!" Some campgrounds report raccoon issues, so secure food properly.
Limited cell service: Many glamping sites in the Allegheny Mountains have poor connectivity. Coopers Rock State Forest visitors note that "the camp Wi-Fi isn't the best but we did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped." Prepare for limited communication options.
Reservation timing: Book well in advance, especially for premium glamping sites. "We went in late October and we arrived fairly late in the day and to our surprise someone was in the store when we got there," notes one visitor at Coopers Rock, highlighting the importance of checking operating schedules during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Five River Campground, families appreciate "a huge field separated us from the water" where kids can play safely. One visitor observed "lots of happy, courteous kids and well-behaved dogs on leashes."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences for young campers. Deep Creek Lake has "a nature center by a small lake. You can fish there & they have kayaks to rent." These facilities often feature local wildlife exhibits and ranger programs during summer months.
Water-based recreation: For families seeking luxury glamping near Grafton, WV with swimming options, consider locations with designated beach areas. "Walking distance to the huge beach/lake. The area was overcrowded but maintained well and clean," reports a Deep Creek Lake visitor, highlighting the maintained swimming areas suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Ohiopyle State Park offers diverse RV accommodations but requires planning. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," shares one RVer, adding "Our Sprint hotspot didn't work well (unboosted), but our Verizon did."
Site selection strategy: At many glamping locations, site layout matters greatly. Coopers Rock visitors recommend examining the campground map carefully: "The RV lots were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently. The bathrooms were clean and heated to a comfortable level. Showers had great pressure as well."
Seasonal considerations: RVers should note that many glamping sites near Grafton have limited operating seasons. Most state park campgrounds close between October and April, though some offer year-round cabin accommodations for those seeking glamping options during winter months.
