State parks and forests surrounding Horner, West Virginia provide a range of camping experiences within the Allegheny Mountains. Audra State Park, approximately 15 miles south of Buckhannon, offers 67 riverside campsites along the Middle Fork River with both electric and non-electric options. Stonewall Resort State Park near Weston features upscale camping with full-service RV sites, wooden tent platforms, and glamping accommodations around Stonewall Jackson Lake. Holly River State Park in Hacker Valley provides a more secluded experience with sites nestled in what locals call "the rainforest of the east." The Burnsville Lake area includes multiple Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Bulltown and Riffle Run, which maintain meticulously groomed facilities with various hookup options for RVs and designated tent areas.
Frequent rainfall shapes the camping experience throughout the region, with many campers noting the need for additional tarps and rain gear even in summer months. According to one experienced camper, "This is West Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months. I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping." Mountain roads accessing many campgrounds are narrow and winding, often challenging for larger RVs. Cell service remains limited in most areas, with payphones still common at campground entrances. Temperature variations can be significant, with one visitor noting, "The temperature is always ten or so degrees cooler at the campground because you are in the mountains and at the basin next to the cool stream. Packing gear for the hot of the day and the cool of the night is essential even in July."
Riverside camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites at Audra State Park and along the Cranberry River. One camper described staying "right next to the river and could hear the rushing of water which was so wonderful." Wildlife encounters are common, with deer frequently wandering through campgrounds at dawn and dusk. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Burnsville Lake are noted for their exceptionally clean facilities, with one reviewer stating they "cannot overstate how impeccably clean all the facilities are here." Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, though Broken Wheel Campground and Flatwoods KOA remain open year-round. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, as local visitors tend to fill campgrounds on summer weekends.
"Stonewall Resort State Park is now the official name of this mountain retreat located around the edges of Stonewall Jackson Lake. "
"However, secreted away on the bank of Stonewall Jackson Lake, in Briar Point Campground there are five token tent sites."
"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."
"Plenty of trash cans around and a nice park to play at. We tied our doggos between two trees and let them run. Firewood for sale. None to gather around not even sticks so be prepared for that."
$34 - $46 / night
"Bulltown Camp, Burnsville Lake, WV https://www.recreation.gov/camping/bulltown-camp/r/campgroundDetails.do?"
"Bulltown Campground offers a couple hundred spaces, multiple playgrounds, and clean restrooms on the edge of Burnsville Lake, managed by the U-S Army Corps of Engineers."
"I should preface each of my reviews for West Virginia campgrounds and state forests by stating...West Virginia has the nicest and friendliest people I've come across...and that is a pure pleasure in this"
"We enjoyed the beautiful drive in with the fall colors and the little stream next to the road that goes through the campground. The sites are a little tight if you have a bigger camper."
"Much easier than driving around to find an open spot. We stayed at the waters edge this time. It was nice and quiet, close to the bath house, water fountain and playground."
"good shady sites. good area for kids to ride bikes. some sites were tight fit for our tent but we still enjoyed it. took our kayaks we stayed right next to lake. good clean bathroom and campground. hosts"
$55 / night
"Nice small town in beautiful West Virginia."
"It’s behind a hotel. Our site had room for our 26’ hybrid with 3 beds, plus two cars, chairs, and our two dog tie outs."
"RANGER REVIEW: Renogy Solar Power Bank at Riffle Run Campground, Army Corp of Engineers, Burnsville Lake Dam, West Virginia **Campground Review: Riffle Run Campground, Burnsville Lake Dam, Army"
"Nice, at the lake but not on the lake. There’s no swimming. No reservations. Friendly staff, nice sites, 54 full hook up, 6 no hookups"
"There was a bathroom close by with running water and showers. It was beautiful and very close to the lake."
"Trails to lakeside/shore where campers do swim although no swimming from shore is "not" allowed. Just be respectful and clean up after yourselves and usually no drama involved."
$25 - $40 / night
"We called the campground, and they had availability for walk-ins! Usually, you’d have to book in advance. The campsite was a semi-private spot, and it cost less than $30 a night, without electricity."
TravelerThere were at least 12 numbered sites. Free dispersed camping. 14 day limit. Most sites had sun so you could have solar. Some sites were very private tucked far off the gravel road. All sites were very spaced out. Very quiet.
TravelerI used the coordinates and it took me to a campground that charges $15 a day. They weren’t private being right on the gravel road. There were tables,pits and the shepherds hook in each one. There were some that were on the river. There were toilets. I didn’t use them so I can’t say anything more about them. Not much sun thru the dense trees for solar. I kept driving around the forest on FR227 and came upon a whole nother set of labeled dispersed campsites that were very private and have open areas for solar. They were numbered. There were at least 12 that I saw.
ScoutNice clean Campground not to crammed but not a lot of space either. Small pond with bluegill a few large fish but pretty scummy to fish on top of. Nice wide river beside us also swimming pool available Lodge with restaurant. Porta potties on site short walk across the trail to bathhouse and showers. A lot of geese! 😅🤷♂️
ScoutThe biggest problem with the WV state parks is the cancellation policy. Make sure you check it out. Bath houses are decent. Shower had hot water and good pressure. Most of the sites are not level 1-9 are the best sites by far. Poor drainage when raining.
ScoutWe love staying in the yurts. Peaceful. Like camping with amenities. Has fire or wood! Rain doesn’t bother us here. Stay as often as we can when available.
ScoutThe surroundings are beautiful as is the Campground. No water or sewer so be prepared for that. The shower/laundry/bathroom building is centrally located and immaculate.
ScoutBeautiful quiet place
ScoutA great place to fish and bike. The rail trail is great. The camp sites are cozy and the bath house is very clean.
TravelerI’m a new car camper and my mom and I took a day trip out to check out the sites. When I tell you this is the most beautiful, secluded, peaceful camping site I truly couldn’t have asked for a better find!! I did however (like an idiot) end up going waaay too far down the trail (aka the whole 18 miles) and THANK GOD I drive a 4 runner!! That road gets pretty sketchy in most spots the further you go down but I somehow (by the grace of God) made it through the whole thing IN TWO WHEEL DRIVE!! ugh may never do that again but the camping is fantastic!! If you wanna check out more of the off-roading aspect I recommend checking out nolimitbmore on youtube! Will be spending most of my summer & fall here!!
The Allegheny Mountains surrounding Horner, West Virginia contain numerous camping options nestled in valleys that typically range from 1,500-2,000 feet in elevation. The region's mountain terrain creates significant temperature variations between day and night, often 10-15 degrees cooler at night than daytime highs even in summer. Campsites near Horner experience frequent rainfall throughout the camping season, with local campgrounds averaging 20-25 rainy days during the May to October camping period.
Fishing opportunities: Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers excellent fishing in Stonewall Jackson Lake. "At the lodge there's some restaurants, indoor outdoor pool, spa, you can rent kayaks to paddle around. They also have a boat that will take you on a tour of the lake. I highly recommend going to the marine to feed the carp. It's definitely an experience," explains one visitor.
Historic site exploration: Visit the Civil War historical areas at Bulltown Camp where you can walk through preserved structures and battle sites. "Civil War buffs and historians alike will thrive at this location! Research dates/times for Civil War battle re-enactments. Also check days/times when the historic buildings will be open and tourable," advises a camper who enjoyed the historical significance.
Waterfall hunting: Multiple waterfalls can be found at Holly River State Park, varying in size and accessibility. "The park has a total of 4 waterfalls to explore. They have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and a pool for campers to enjoy," notes one visitor who experienced the various recreational options.
Lakefront sites: Many campers prefer waterfront camping spots at Audra State Park Campground. "Small camp area but definitely great if you can get a spot. We were fortunate to find one along the river which was great to sit by a fire while the kids swam," shares one visitor who enjoyed the riverside location.
Exceptionally clean facilities: The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Burnsville Lake receive consistent praise for maintenance. One camper at Bulltown noted, "All the grounds are meticulously maintained by Army Corp of Engineer personnel, hosts and volunteers. Each loop has its own showerhouse, remarkable children's playground, and pavilion."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at dawn and dusk throughout the region's campgrounds. At Tygart Lake State Park Campground, campers enjoy diverse wildlife. "The birds are active and wonderful to listen too!" reports one visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cell reception. Riffle Run Campground is an exception, with one camper noting: "Currently, this is one of the only campgrounds in West Virginia of the two dozen or so we've visited that has cell service. They still offer pay phones like most others, but we were able to send and receive messages."
Weather preparedness: The mountain climate means rapid weather changes. A camper at Holly River State Park observed, "This campground has plenty to offer for the whole family. We saw deer and a skunk came up to our site twice." Plan for both sunshine and rain, as several days of consecutive rainfall is common.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require reservations while others operate first-come, first-served. A visitor to Audra State Park noted: "No reservations, first come, first served," while other parks like Stonewall Resort allow advanced bookings.
Kid-friendly swimming: Broken Wheel Campground offers family-oriented activities including fishing ponds. "The catch and release pond was a wonderful place to take kids to learn and gaurentee to catch a fish with worms. We also found newts! Plenty of trash cans around and a nice park to play at," reports a family camper.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature recently updated playgrounds. At Bulltown Camp, a visitor noted: "New state of the art playgrounds for the kids. Two exist in the campground and a third playground is located in the Day use picnic area just outside the campground entrance."
Educational opportunities: The historical sites provide learning experiences for children. One camper at Stonewall Resort shared: "I participated and help teach a leadership camp for middle schoolers. The staff was great and the facilities were exactly what we were looking for."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites due to mountain terrain. At Flatwoods KOA, an RVer reported: "Very unlevel spot. Not sure if they are all like this, but it's a big ugh... We have a 4 filter system and this was after the 4 filters - they had been changed at the previous park about 10 days prior too."
Access road considerations: Mountain roads require careful navigation for larger rigs. A camper at Bulltown warned: "If you are coming from route 19 north about 10 miles from intestate 79 past the Stonewall Resort there is a huge dip in the road. I missed part of the huge dip that swallowed my camper and left it bouncing around the road."
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary widely between campgrounds. At Audra State Park, a visitor noted: "There are 67 campsites with picnic table, fire grate, and moveable bench, 13 of these sites have electricity hookups," while Stonewall Resort offers "full hookups. Campsites have blacktop pads to park on."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Horner, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Horner, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Horner, WV and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Horner, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Horner, WV is Stonewall Resort State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Horner, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Horner, WV.
What parks are near Horner, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Horner, WV that allow camping, notably Burnsville Lake and Sutton Lake.
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