Camping opportunities near Harrisville, West Virginia center around the rural terrain of central West Virginia where elevations range from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching 85°F and winter temperatures dropping to the 20s. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-October, creating prime conditions for seasonal camping trips.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Forked Run State Park Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course with lake views. "There are boat rentals and a frisbee golf course. Overall, this part of the park is beautiful," noted one visitor who appreciated the recreational options beyond standard camping activities.
Boat tours and lake activities: Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers scheduled boat tours of Stonewall Jackson Lake. "They also have a boat that will take you on a tour of the lake. I highly recommend going to the marine to feed the carp," explains a camper who found the guided lake exploration worthwhile.
Historical exploration: Bulltown Campground includes a preserved Civil War battlefield site with interpretive trails. "There's a historical area that's really neat and a country store with things you may have forgotten - the ice cream and pizza are great too!" shares a visitor who enjoyed combining camping with cultural exploration.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bulltown Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "Very relaxing, family friendly place to camp! Visited here several times and the campground is always clean," mentions a regular visitor who appreciates the consistent maintenance standards.
Private camping spots: Shadow Lake RV Resort provides secluded sites across its 100-acre property. "The campground is beautiful and peaceful, especially at this time of year as most of the campers have either gone south, closed up or pulled out for the season," notes a camper who visited in October when the crowds had thinned.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area offer chances to spot local fauna. "We see deer almost every evening. There are a couple hiking trails nearby which have incredible rock formations in the gorges," shares a visitor at Shadow Lake who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Weather can significantly impact camping experiences in this region. "We booked this trip last minute on Memorial Day weekend and literally took the last site reservable. A huge storm rolled through with 40/50 mph winds. We saw 30 plus awnings and canopies destroyed," recalls a camper at Bulltown.
Glamping close to Harrisville, West Virginia: Elk River Hotel and Café offers upscale glamping tents with modern amenities. "Each glamping tent has a sink/small fridge, and coffee maker, a fully plumbed bathroom, and a king or queen-sized bed with linens. Bath towels are provided but no toiletries," explains a visitor who enjoyed this luxury camping option near Harrisville.
Limited services in rural areas: Some local towns have restricted shopping options. "I only saw one other breakfast/lunch eatery in town and no grocery store so plan accordingly, especially if you plan to be there on a Sunday or Monday!" warns a visitor who stayed at the glamping tents near Sutton.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lone Pine Campground at Dodridge County Park features amenities specifically for children. "Our family loves to camp at this local campground, super clean bathrooms and pool with kids area is so much fun," shares a family who found the facilities particularly suitable for their children.
Bike-friendly paths: Several campgrounds offer safe cycling routes for younger visitors. "Good area for kids to ride bikes. Some sites were tight fit for our tent but we still enjoyed it," notes a family who camped at Bulltown and appreciated the recreational options.
Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds have specific areas better suited for families with children. "I'd recommend c1-c5 if you have kids," suggests a visitor at Bulltown who found these sites particularly suitable for family camping near Harrisville.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Flatwoods KOA has some sites requiring additional effort for proper setup. "Very unlevel spot. Not sure if they are all like this, but it's a big ugh," mentions an RV camper who struggled with the terrain at their assigned site.
Water quality concerns: Water hookups at some campgrounds may require filtration. "Make sure you run the water lines to clear them out before hooking up. The water quality is very poor," advises an RVer who experienced issues with contaminated water during their stay.
Campground layout considerations: For larger rigs, some locations offer better access than others. "Be ready to tow up steep hills throughout this park. You enter the park through a Chevrolet dealership lot and then check in at the Days Inn Hotel," explains a visitor to Flatwoods KOA who wanted others to be prepared for the unusual entrance and terrain.
