The Monongahela National Forest surrounding Harman, West Virginia sits at elevations between 2,000 and 4,800 feet, creating diverse microclimates for camping and glamping experiences. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F and winter nights often dropping below freezing. The region receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year.
What to do
Stargazing experiences: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional viewing conditions at campgrounds like Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower, where one camper noted that "on a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there no ambient light."
Winter sports accessibility: Several campgrounds maintain year-round operations with winter access to snow activities. One visitor at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground mentioned "There is an adventure company we highly recommend, NROCK. We did a canopy zip-line tour with them. Very fun, not super high and very professional."
River activities: Multiple glamping options near Harman provide direct river access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. A camper at Five River Campground described: "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish. A popular spot on the weekends and gets busy with all types of travelers."
What campers like
Distinctive shower facilities: Clean bathroom facilities rank high in camper priorities. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "the shower and bathrooms were spotless," and "the bath houses are MUCH cleaner than Pipestem & checked often."
Privacy considerations: Site layout and spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. One reviewer at Tygart Lake State Park Campground shared: "My girlfriend and I stayed at tent site 21... We both agreed that we will only camp there if this particular site is open though. It is the tent site with the most privacy and it is the only one on that side of the road."
Local town accessibility: Proximity to small towns offers dining and shopping options. Five River Campground visitors note it "sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town. As we made the turn off 219, a group of townsfolk were involved in a cakewalk outside a historic community building."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. At Five River Campground, "I don't think there was a bad site in the whole loop" and "the wifi service is the best we have had on the road," while other areas have minimal service.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife includes deer, raccoons, and occasional bears. One Tygart Lake camper warned: "There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. I wish we were warned ahead of time. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly. A camper at Spruce Knob advised: "It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife," while another noted, "if you visit in the fall bring long sleeves because it is windy and quite a few degrees cooler then down below."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Look for glamping sites with gentle water features. At Revelle's River Resort, families appreciate that "the campsite was right against the river with full hookups" and "our kids had a great time! The trail head is right in the campground so that made it extremely easy."
Playground proximity: Some sites offer built-in entertainment. At Swallow Falls State Park Campground, one family mentioned: "I didn't feel like I was walking in the dirt or through someone's campsite to get to the bathroom or the playground for the kids."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs. A family visiting Blackwater Falls noted: "There's so much to do at this park! Multiple waterfalls, awesome hikes, a lake, a nature center for the kids, a petting zoo."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds feature sloped sites. One RVer at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground noted that "the sites are far apart. All sites have full hook ups and a paved pad."
Generator restrictions: Several glamping locations near Harman prohibit generator use to preserve quiet. Yokums Vacationland campers advise: "I have camped there just about every month of the year. Be forwarded this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes."
Electrical capacity: Power options differ between sites. Five River Campground gets praise from RVers: "It has 120 RV sites many with full hook-ups. It can accommodate tents to large rigs. It has great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable."
