Troy O.
Traveler
TravelerAdventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek
Good adventurous day
It is full service campground with store, restaurant, swimming pool, paintball, and cabin.
Best Campgrounds in West Virginia
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The mountainous terrain of West Virginia provides diverse camping experiences ranging from developed state parks to remote wilderness sites. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground in Davis offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and modern amenities, operating from late April through October. Seneca Shadows, located in Monongahela National Forest, features spectacular views of Seneca Rocks with separate areas for RVs and a large tent-only meadow. Harpers Ferry Campground serves as a convenient base for Appalachian Trail hikers and history enthusiasts, with proximity to the historic town and water activities on the Potomac River.
Weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions throughout the state, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. As one camper noted, "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts, but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt." Many campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October or early November, with limited winter options. Cell service remains spotty or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly in the mountainous regions and along trails. Winding mountain roads can be challenging to navigate, especially after dark, with several reviewers mentioning wildlife encounters while driving to campgrounds.
Wildlife sightings rank high among visitor experiences, with deer commonly observed at dawn and dusk. Bears are present throughout the region, requiring proper food storage precautions. According to a visitor at Greenbrier River Trail, "This is bear country, so we kept all our food items and toiletries in a bear cannister during our trip." Riverside campsites are particularly sought after, with locations along the Greenbrier River and near Spruce Knob Lake receiving consistently positive reviews. The state's extensive rail-trail system provides unique bikepacking and camping opportunities, with primitive sites positioned along former railroad corridors. Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at state parks despite limited budgets, with clean bathrooms and helpful staff highlighted in numerous reviews.
Best Camping Sites in West Virginia (344)
1. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
55 ReviewsDavis, WVWebsite+1 (304) 259-5216$50 / night
"Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/ Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."
"This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."
2. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
41 ReviewsHarpers Ferry, WVWebsite+1 (304) 535-6895$40 - $80 / night
"We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "
"We were able to walk or ride our bikes to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and access the C+O Canal Tow Path from there."
3. Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
35 ReviewsDellslow, WVWebsite+1 (304) 594-1561$25 - $48 / night
"This is the largest state forest in West Virginia, it has a total of 25 sites that vary in their privacy. Each site has electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire grates, and utility post."
"There is also a small laundry room with dishwashing sink behind the bathhouse. Both ice and firewood are sold onsite."
4. Audra State Park Campground
33 ReviewsVolga, WVWebsite+1 (304) 457-1162"Audra State Park, is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the journey. Tucked away, just outside of Buckhannon, WV...home of West Virginia Wesleyan College."
"v=VLUEBlIxHpo) Trails undulate with the terrain. The short trail within the campground area is steep in areas but offers some nice views."
5. Rifrafters Campground
32 ReviewsFayetteville, WVWebsite+1 (304) 574-1065$15 - $50 / night
"Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."
"They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."
6. Seneca Shadows
32 ReviewsSeneca Rocks, WVWebsite+1 (304) 567-3082$17 - $65 / night
"I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen."
"West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it."
7. Five River Campground
27 ReviewsParsons, WVWebsite+1 (304) 478-3515$15 / night
"This is a hidden gem right outside of town. We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups."
"It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town."
8. Middle Ridge Campground
26 ReviewsRomney, WVWebsite+1 (304) 822-8020"It is not near a main highway unless you call Route 50 through Romney a main highway. It is west of town up a curved mountain road. It is on the top area of "Middle Ridge" mountain. "
"Very positive experience."
9. Babcock State Park Campground
27 ReviewsWinona, WVWebsite+1 (304) 438-3004$33 / night
"The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."
"Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"
10. Kanawha State Forest
27 ReviewsHernshaw, WVWebsite+1 (304) 558-3500$35 - $40 / night
"Tucked away in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by the constant reminder of wildlife around. I stayed for the very start of spring. The world was covered in the brightest green moss."
"Kanawha state forest is nestled in the mountainous Hills of West by God Virginia right on the outskirts of Charleston. There is plenty of hiking in Kanawha state forest."
Recent Camping Photos in West Virginia
657 Photos of 344 West Virginia Campgrounds
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Lazy A Campground
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Moncove Lake State Park Campground
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Swallow Rock Campground
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Fourth Moon Camp
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Kumbrabow State Forest
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Wapocoma Campground
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Grand Vue Park
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Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
deChantel
Lake Stephens Campground
Lucille W.
Dolly Sods Backcountry
Recent Reviews in West Virginia
1560 Reviews of 344 West Virginia Campgrounds
- vvictoria L.
ScoutHuntington / Fox Fire KOA
Just passing through
Good overnight spot. It could be nice for a local family also. I wouldn’t make it a destination for a long vacation because of highway noise. It’s not horrible closer to the front or in the middle but along the back is where you’re right on it.
Very clean campground and staff was nice. Camp store is cute and there are multiple ponds.
- DDaniel P.Scout
Battle Run
Clearest Water I’ve Ever Seen In a Lake!
My family and I had an absolute blast at Battle Run! The campsite offered an incredible view of the lake, and if boating is your passion, you can even secure your boat right at your campsite! Although the weather was a bit rainy, the temperature remained comfortably in the 70s. We’re already planning our return next summer.
Cari E.
RangerLittle Beaver State Park Campground
Nice trails, an okay site
The second time I stayed was in site 36, which was far preferable to 41 as it was a larger site, but still moderately unlevel. Fun hiking trails down the creek and close proximity to New River Gorge.
- Cari E.Ranger
Little Beaver State Park Campground
Ok campground, close to New River Gorge
I ended up enjoying the park more than expected—disc golf was a nice surprise! However I found that loop 2 wasn’t nearly as nice or spacious as the other camping areas. The sites were small and unlevel, but the bathrooms were nice enough for a state park. I enjoyed walks around the lake (lots of fun fungi and fish to spy) but the main draw for me was the proximity to New River Gorge—only a 20-25 min drive.
- Johnna R.Scout
Beaver Creek Campground — Watoga State Park
5 nights in July
I camp at beaver creek campground yearly and have for the past 5 years. This past year they have built new family bathroom facilities, and a new playground. The nature, beauty and stars at night are unmatched.
Daniel P.ScoutTawney Farm
Aggressive Owners
My fiance booked our stay at Tawney Farms back in May for the two of us plus her parents. When her parents arrived to the camp they were already checked in when we first arrived. My my inlaws proceeded to our camp site. Once they got to the site theywere greeted by the male owner speeding up the trail in his truck almost hitting his own wife and began yelling at my inlaws stating theybhad no business being on their property and to get off. My inlaws tried explaining to them that they were with us and they we had paid for them. The male owner continued yelling at them aggressively and swearing at them to the point both of my inlaws were concerned that owner was going to do something physical. My inlaws ultimately left and called us and told us what happened. We dropped what we were doing and drove back to the property in hopes to resolve the confusion. My fiance and I showed them the reservation recipt showing that they were paid for. They maintained that they are being kicked out stating that they did not stop at the shack that no one was at. They were already checked in so there was no reason to need that. in fact it wasnt necessary last year then stated that they were drunk which they were not. They had just finished a 4 hour drive from PA after working their shift. They would not listed to reason. They then went into a shack to look at their paperwork and realized once again that theybare wrong and rather than a simple appology they maintained kicking them out and stated they were going to "let us go". At this point its about 10pm and we had to pack up our campsite and find an alternative short notice on july 3rd... $500 later for a hotel room we got lucky. They almost cost us our vacation because of their inability to reason or even listen.
- TTesia C.Scout
Tawney Farm
Hostile owners do NOT stay here!!
We scheduled our stay two months in advance for our Fourth of July weekend. My fiance and myself were scheduled one night earlier than my parents were supposed to arrive. We paid for everyone in our party and checked everyone in. We had been coming up to place to camp for five summers now, but this most recent experience was more than enough for us to NEVER come back. My fiancé and I were out off the campground to get ice when my mother called me to tell my the owners of the farm CHASED them out the campground, the husband almost running over his wife, insisting they were not welcome and had no business being at the farm when I prepaid everyone’s stay. My parents were terrified this man was going to pull a gun on them. The owners belittled my parents after they drove four hours from PA to spend time with us, screaming over them that they were drunk, speeding, and that my parents didn’t “stop” at the vacant building that they are supposed to be at to greet people. The owners would not even bother to check to verify my parents stay. When we got back to the site to try to reconcile the situation they still would not allow my parents to stay even after seeing that we did pay for my family to be there and were even hesitant to let us stay when we did NOTHING wrong. We had to pay an extra $500 to book a last minute stay at a hotel in Summersville when I already paid near $300 to stay at Tawny Farm. My fiance and I had to pack up our entire campsite in the dark because they would not let us stay over my parents being confused about where they were at. I still have not received any emails regarding a refund for the unwarranted behavior towards my parents. I would not bring your loved ones onto this property. The owners are unstable, unsafe, and unwilling to care about their customers.
- SSydneyTraveler
Little Beaver State Park Campground
Quiet and Clean
We stayed at Little Beaver in late June and were overall very pleased with the campground! Site 38 is probably the most private within loop 1 (tent camp area) its two buddy sites are a little ways away (shouting distance) with plenty of trees in between. The site is relatively level and pretty rocky. Note that there is a walking path that runs directly behind the site and will take you over to loop 2. There weren't too many people using it while we were there though. Camp staff were friendly and helpful, if you get a confirmation email there is no need to check in you can drive straight to your campsite.
The one drawback of this campground is how far away the bathrooms are. You have to drive to the bathrooms/showers from loop 1. It's about a 10 minute walk. Tough in the middle of the night...
This is always a toss up, but while we were there the campground was very quiet even with most of sites booked.
Beautiful little walking path around a small lake that you can take paddle boats out on. Also a few little picnic areas and more than one playground, including one right by the lake and one right by the camp office.
We went white water rafting with ACE (had a great time!) which was about 45 min away and my parents who were camping with us went on a bridge walk (also about 45 min away) and enjoyed that, too.
Overall, great campground to explore New River Gorge area.
Guide to West Virginia
Camping in West Virginia offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful state.
What to do
- Hiking and Trails: West Virginia is known for its beautiful trails. At Holly River State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, “Lots of scenery and trails to check out.”
- Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, check out Bulltown Camp — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area. A reviewer said, “Good fishing,” highlighting the lake's appeal.
- Family Activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. One visitor at Cedar Creek State Park Campground noted, “Plenty of playgrounds for the kids.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Stonewall Resort State Park Campground said, “Clean amenities and nice lake views from the campground.”
- Spacious Campsites: Many sites are roomy and well-spaced. One camper at Flatwoods KOA mentioned, “The entire place was full of trees! So different from other KOAs!”
- Natural Beauty: The breathtaking views are a big draw. A visitor at Camp Creek State Park Campground said, “This is a very beautiful campground!! Very peaceful.”
What you should know
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Holly River State Park Campground noted, “Absolutely zero cell service for AT&T and Verizon.”
- Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Cedar Creek State Park Campground operates from April 15 to October 15.
- Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor at Bulltown Camp — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area mentioned, “Loop C did have a few visits from a skunk but he didn’t bother anyone.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Camp Creek State Park Campground said, “The sites are right next to the creek which is very unique and beautiful.”
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Cedar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The trails are decently marked, and the fishing is on point.”
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A visitor at Flatwoods KOA noted, “Limited amenities (pools at Days Inn).”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Stonewall Resort State Park Campground mentioned, “The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow.”
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A reviewer at Holly River State Park Campground appreciated the “electric hookups.”
- Be Prepared for Weather: Weather can change quickly. One camper at Bulltown Camp — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area shared, “A huge storm rolled through with 40/50 mph winds.”
Camping in West Virginia is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find tent camping opportunities in West Virginia?
Where can I find tent camping opportunities in West Virginia?
Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers exceptional tent camping about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia. This quiet campground has fewer sites than most and is primarily designed for tent camping, with both drive-up and walk-up options. For more primitive experiences, Greenbrier River Trail offers multiple tent camping sites along its 78-mile stretch, perfect for bikepacking adventures. The trail provides remote camping in some of West Virginia's most beautiful landscapes. Coopers Rock State Forest also offers excellent tent camping with options for drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access to campsites.
What are the best campgrounds in West Virginia for families?
What are the best campgrounds in West Virginia for families?
Babcock State Park Campground is a spectacular option for families with its picturesque grist mill (the most photographed place in West Virginia) and well-maintained trails. The park's natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for family adventures. Another excellent choice is Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground, which offers year-round activities in a popular outdoor recreation area. Summer brings hiking opportunities while winter offers skiing. Families should also consider Audra State Park for its family-friendly atmosphere and natural amenities. Most family-friendly campgrounds in West Virginia offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and easy access to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
Are there full hookup RV campgrounds available in West Virginia?
Are there full hookup RV campgrounds available in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia offers several full hookup options for RV campers. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders provides RV sites with convenient access to the spectacular hiking trails that lead to panoramic views above Harpers Ferry. Summer Wind RV Park is another option that caters specifically to RV campers with full hookup capabilities. For those seeking state park options, Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers big-rig-friendly sites with hookups. Many private campgrounds throughout the state offer full electric, water, and sewer connections, typically ranging from $30-60 per night depending on amenities and location.
What are the costs for camping at West Virginia state parks?
What are the costs for camping at West Virginia state parks?
Camping costs at West Virginia state parks vary by location, season, and amenities. At Lake Sherwood, lakeside campsites are available at moderate rates with most sites positioned right on the water. More primitive options like Eagle Rock Campground can be as affordable as $10 per night for tent camping. Most developed state park campgrounds like Tygart Lake, Babcock, and Canaan Valley charge between $20-35 per night for standard sites. Premium sites with electric hookups typically cost $25-40 per night. Some parks offer weekly or monthly rates at a discount. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months and fall foliage season when West Virginia's parks are most popular.
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