The Allegheny foothills surrounding Jacksonburg, West Virginia offer unique camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences warm summers with average temperatures between 75-85°F and cooler nights that typically drop into the 60s. Most camping areas in this region remain open from April through October, though accessibility varies with seasonal rainfall amounts.
What to do
Kayaking on Tygart Lake: Located near Grafton, this 10-mile lake features multiple boat launches for easy water access. Tygart Lake State Park Campground offers both primitive camping and developed sites. "We stayed one night while passing through the area. Facilitaties are extremely clean! The birds are active and wonderful to listen too!" shares Shane T.
Trail exploration: The hiking network at Coopers Rock State Forest ranges from easy walks to moderate terrain with distinctive rock formations. "Many hiking trails of all sizes and kept clear. My dog is mostly weenie dog, and his little legs made it everywhere," notes Lindsay W. The forest offers camping from April 1 to October 31.
Horseback riding: Barkcamp State Park includes dedicated equestrian camping with trailer parking and tie-outs. "There's a section for horses and bridle trails for them as well, with one large trail that circles the entire encampment," explains Joshua B. The park maintains specific bridle trails separate from hiking paths for safety.
What campers like
Creek access: Bigfoot Ridge provides themed glamping near Jacksonburg with natural water features. "This yurt is 100% Bigfoot themed and has all the essentials including a shower house with laundry, a creek, and an amazing bed," notes Bethany R. The property limits visitors to just two sites, creating a private glamping experience.
Lake proximity: Some campsites at Tygart Lake State Park Campground offer direct trail access to the water. "My girlfriend and I stayed at tent site 21... It is the tent site with the most privacy and it is the only one on that side of the road which made it nice. Along with the privacy it is also was right beside a trail that went directly to the lake," reports Dusty R.
Clean facilities: The newer campgrounds maintain updated restrooms and shower facilities. "The facilities are extremely clean! We stopped though mid week in early May and the park was just about empty, one other RV sites used and no tents up," mentions Shane T. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water and trash service.
What you should know
Site conditions: Many campgrounds in the region feature variable terrain. At Stonewall Resort State Park Campground, "campsites have blacktop pads to park on. Campsites are level tent sites have platforms," according to Tracy S. However, other parks may present challenges: "Almost all sites are on a hill. The pictures do not accurately show this," warns Sheila P. about Tygart Lake.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife regularly visits campsites, particularly raccoons. "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," advises Sheila P. Food storage containers are recommended for all overnight stays.
Reservation requirements: Demand for camping sites increases dramatically during summer weekends. "Campground was in great shape, the RV lots were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently," notes Mike G. about Coopers Rock. Weekday visits typically offer greater site availability than weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Lone Pine Campground at Dodridge County Park provides family-friendly water recreation. "Our family loves to camp at this local campground, super clean bathrooms and pool with kids area is so much fun," shares Donna R. The camp's pool includes a dedicated children's swimming section with lifeguards on duty during summer months.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There are play grounds, basketball courts, a beach. Fishing is good and you can rent kayaks and boats," explains Joshua B. about Barkcamp State Park. Some facilities provide game equipment rental directly from camp stores.
Group gathering spaces: Facilities often include shared pavilions or shelters for family activities. "Large open campground minutes from downtown Marrietta OH... Clean, nice newer bath house. With laundry large shelter house," Keith O. says about Ashland RV Park. Most group areas include picnic tables and grill access for shared meals.
Tips from RVers
Campground layout: New RV sections at Grand Vue Park provide modern hookups and thoughtful site design. "Grand Vue has a brand new rv camping park. 40 spots with full hookups. A gated campground with a paved main road running through. The lots are gravel and somewhat level," reports mgaston551. The park's layout includes berms between many sites for added privacy.
Shuttle services: Some parks offer transportation assistance. "The shuttle bus would come around the park and was offering to take you to any where in or outside of the park! Craig introduced himself to us and was super friendly and nice and talked to us about the park and the campground," shares Owen I. These services can transport campers to nearby attractions and dining options.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV sites close water connections during colder months. "We stayed here November 21, 2020... The campground had no water hookups," notes Connor M. about Barkcamp State Park. Year-round camping options with full hookups remain limited throughout the region, with most facilities reducing services after October.
