Best Campgrounds near Hillsboro, WV
Public lands surrounding Hillsboro, West Virginia provide multiple camping options within the Monongahela National Forest and state park systems. Watoga State Park, located along the Greenbrier River, features two developed campgrounds—Riverside and Beaver Creek—with both tent and RV sites. Lake Sherwood Recreation Area offers lakeside camping with spacious, secluded sites. The region supports a mix of accommodation types including traditional tent camping, RV sites with hookups, rental cabins, and primitive campsites along the 80-mile Greenbrier River Trail, which passes through remote forest areas and small towns.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through late October or early December. Watoga State Park's campgrounds remain open from early April through late December, while Lake Sherwood is available year-round. The area experiences limited cell service due to its location within the National Radio Quiet Zone, with most campgrounds offering only weak WiFi near facilities. Water and electric hookups vary by campground, with many sites providing electric but requiring campers to fill water tanks at central locations. Weather in the mountainous terrain can change rapidly, particularly during summer thunderstorms. A camper noted, "Heavy rainstorms brought down numerous trees across the Greenbrier River Trail during our trip, but State Park employees worked diligently to clear the trail."
The Greenbrier River serves as a focal point for recreational activities, with several campgrounds providing direct river access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Hikers and bikers benefit from extensive trail networks, including the rail-to-trail Greenbrier River Trail with its primitive campsites positioned at regular intervals. These sites feature amenities like tent pads, pit latrines, and sometimes Adirondack-style shelters. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region. One visitor remarked, "Campers will see deer walk through sites, and this is bear country, so proper food storage is essential." Campsites at Lake Sherwood offer views of the water and access to swimming areas, while Watoga State Park combines riverfront camping with extensive hiking options and recreational facilities. The relative remoteness and natural setting appeal to those seeking a quiet outdoor experience away from urban environments.
