Glamping experiences near Kerens, West Virginia center around the Shavers Fork river region within Monongahela National Forest. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet, the area features mixed hardwood forests with hemlock and spruce stands. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F, while summer daytime temperatures average 75-85°F with cooler nights around 50-60°F, making extra blankets necessary even for summer glamping stays.
What to do
Riverside fishing access: At Five River Campground, the Shavers Fork river provides excellent fishing opportunities directly from campsites. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," notes one camper who enjoyed the convenient access.
Hiking to nearby falls: Within a 30-minute drive, multiple waterfall hikes await. "We checked out Douglas Falls. Next time, we'll visit Lindy Observation deck and more of Blackwater Falls State Park," reports a Five River Campground guest who appreciated the central location for exploring nearby natural attractions.
Local Bluegrass festivals: Music enthusiasts should check festival schedules at Five River Campground. "They bought this parcel of land 14 years ago purely to host Bluegrass festivals... nominated this year of '2017' as one of the five finalists as the best Bluegrass Festivals in the world," explains a reviewer who discovered the campground's musical heritage.
Winter activities: For cold-weather glamping, Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers skiing options. "Skiing must be very popular in the winter," notes one visitor who observed the facilities during warmer months.
What campers like
Easy town access: The proximity to small mountain towns provides convenience without sacrificing natural setting. "It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town," writes one Five River camper, highlighting how services remain accessible despite feeling remote.
Clean facilities: Guests consistently praise maintenance standards at Revelle's River Resort. "Revelle is family operated, and it's obvious they take pride in their work. The grounds are nicely kept, and the bathrooms are very clean indeed," observes one satisfied visitor.
Attentive owners: Personal service makes a difference at smaller glamping sites near Kerens. "Terrific owners, super attentive, and personal. They take the time to chat with just about everyone who visits their property," notes a Five River Campground guest who appreciated the hospitality.
River views: The proximity to water enhances glamping experiences. "We were feet from the river and it was super peaceful," writes a Revelle's River Resort guest who enjoyed the riverfront setting of their accommodation.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly in the Kerens area. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground, visitors advise preparing for all conditions: "We spent three days in June and experienced afternoon rain showers daily, but arranged our hikes and bikes around them."
Wi-Fi availability: Connectivity varies significantly between properties. Five River Campground offers "the best wifi service we have had on the road," according to one long-term visitor who stayed for two weeks, making it suitable for remote workers needing reliable internet.
Site selection considerations: Not all glamping sites offer equal privacy or views. "The tent sites along the river do not offer much privacy from each other in the way of foliage or natural visual barriers... distance is your privacy," cautions a Five River Campground reviewer, suggesting requesting specific sites when making reservations.
Seasonal operation: Many glamping facilities have limited operating seasons. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground runs "from last weekend April to October," making it important to verify availability when planning off-season visits.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Swallow Falls State Park Campground offers safe water experiences for children. "My kids love the swings and playground also," mentions a regular visitor who found multiple activities to keep children entertained.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground, "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," creating natural wildlife viewing opportunities for young campers.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There is a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play," notes a Coopers Rock State Forest visitor, highlighting amenities beyond natural features that keep children engaged.
Level camping surfaces: For family comfort, site terrain matters. "The tent sites were completely level with no need to worry about rolling down a hill in my sleep," appreciates a Swallow Falls State Park Campground visitor who found the flat sites ideal for family camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Coopers Rock State Forest, RV campers should note: "The site we were in had electric hookup for 50a/30a/20a but no water at the site but there was water near the bathroom area." Understanding these configurations helps with proper setup planning.
Cell service quality: For working RVers, connectivity matters. "We did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped," reports a Coopers Rock State Forest visitor who successfully maintained remote work capabilities.
Road access considerations: Access routes can challenge larger rigs. When visiting Spruce Knob, campers advise: "The road from Rt. 33 near Harman will be gravel and windy after the first few miles. The other (better) choice is from Rt.33/28 between Seneca Rocks and Circleville. This road to Spruce Knob is paved - although steep and windy."
