Campgrounds near Kerens, West Virginia sit within the Monongahela National Forest region, where elevations range from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The area features numerous river corridors including the South Branch of the Potomac and Shavers Fork River, creating opportunities for riverside camping and fishing. Most campgrounds experience limited cell service outside towns like Parsons, though some properties maintain Wi-Fi connections for guests.
What to do
Fishing spots along Shavers Fork: Five River Campground in Parsons provides direct access to Shavers Fork River for trout and smallmouth bass fishing. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there," notes a camper at Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground.
Hiking to nearby attractions: Within 30 minutes of Seneca Shadows Campground, visitors can explore Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and Dolly Sods. "The campground is a short drive from Seneca Rock. Wind back into the woods for camping in a quaint quite setting (A-D) or camp in the meadowlands with Seneca Rock in the background," explains a camper.
Water recreation options: Tubing and paddling are popular on calmer river sections. "We walked up river to the end of the property and were able to tube down to the lower end of the property," reports a camper at Five River Campground, while Brooklyn Heights offers "rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks."
What campers like
Community amenities: Five River Campground hosts an annual Bluegrass Festival that draws international visitors. "Nominated this year as one of the five finalists as the best Bluegrass Festivals in the world," mentioned one reviewer. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers "a coffee pavilion, wood to buy, portapots, and an incredibly kind staff."
Riverfront relaxation: Campers appreciate the peaceful riverside settings. "The river melody is loud enough to drown out most other distant noises. Our stay was peaceful and serene," notes a Five River Campground visitor. At Revelle's River Resort, "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river."
Nearby attractions: The area offers diverse activities within short driving distances. "There is a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground," mentions a Five River camper. Another visitor notes that "Plenty to do in the immediate area, with the caverns, fishing, hiking, and climbing. Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley are also nearby."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: While Five River Campground operates year-round, Seneca Shadows is open "April 2 to October 25," according to their information. Most other rv parks near Kerens close during winter months.
Camp store availability: Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort offers a market on-site, while Revelle's River Resort has "a small convenient store that's well stocked with the basics." Five River Campground's trading post store has limited operating hours that are texted to guests.
Pet policies vary: Most campgrounds welcome pets, but restrictions exist. "When we got here, we read signs about 'no pets', but they didn't ask when making the reservation, so we had no idea until a few days after being here," reports a Smoke Hole Caverns visitor. Brooklyn Heights is notably pet-friendly, with a reviewer noting the "lots of little amenities" including "an incredibly kind staff" who assisted a mobility-impaired camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Shallow river sections provide safe play areas. At Five River Campground, "The location is amazingly located right on the Shavers Fork river on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it." Brooklyn Heights offers beach areas with water equipment for family use.
Nearby entertainment options: Families can find activities beyond the campgrounds. "There's a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground," notes a Five River visitor. Smokey Bottom Campground is "very close to hiking trails in the area and was close enough to Elkins to quickly run into town."
Safety considerations: Parents should note terrain features at water access points. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there," warns a Brooklyn Heights camper. Five River Campground offers a more level setting where "riding bicycles around the campground and even into town are doable."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and hookups: RV sites vary significantly between parks. Smoke Hole Caverns has "10 RV sites along the river" that are "large and level, but close to one another and open," while Five River can accommodate larger rigs with its 120 sites.
Navigation challenges: Mountain roads require planning for larger vehicles. "There are areas of steep elevation and grade getting to Parsons," notes a reviewer, suggesting careful route planning, especially for larger RVs. For RVers seeking easier access, one camper recommends Riverside Cabins and RV Park as "a nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots."
Connectivity options: For RVers requiring internet access, Five River Campground stands out with "great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable." One long-term visitor noted, "Ended up staying 2 weeks as the wifi service is the best we have had on the road."
