Primitive camping thrives throughout the Monongahela National Forest surrounding Maysville, West Virginia, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet creating distinct microclimates across different sites. Dispersed campsites often require high-clearance vehicles to access, particularly after rainfall when forest service roads become challenging. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer months at higher elevation locations.
What to do
Hiking and waterfall viewing: Blackwater Falls State Park offers multiple waterfall hikes with varying difficulty levels. "There are waterfalls in many areas around Canaan. Blackwater falls, Douglas falls, Elakala falls is the 4 falls of Shays Run, Falls of Seneca, Red falls, the list goes on. Our favorite was Elakala, a great hike down blackwater canyon and view of some beautiful falls," notes a camper at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground.
Tubing and river activities: The South Branch Potomac River forms a natural lazy river loop at Big Bend Campground. "The best part about this place is the nearly 360° lazy river tubing experience. This place has no cell service and you'll have to travel along a 2 1/2 mile dirt road to finally get to the campground," explains a visitor at Big Bend Campground. The river encircles the campground, making it easy to tube repeatedly with a short walk between exit and entry points.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote nature of many campgrounds creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Seneca Shadows reports, "We came here on a weekday with hardly anyone staying near us and rose around sunrise to catch the light over the rocks. It was such an easy and short distance to get there."
What campers like
Diverse ecosystems: The high-elevation areas create unique landscapes unlike typical eastern forests. A backpacker at Dolly Sods Backcountry observes, "With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana."
Fishing access: Multiple locations offer easy access to quality fishing. "The South Branch Potomac River winds around the campground, so bring rafts, tubes, or kayaks to float on. There is also a rope swing around the corner you can hike or float to. Fishing is popular there as well," notes a visitor describing Big Bend Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," reports a camper at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground, while another mentions, "Though one evening we drove down toward Bear Rocks and laid in an open field to stargaze one evening to enjoy a wonderful light show from shooting stars. We were so quiet, several deer passed between us within arms reach."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads can become challenging depending on weather and season. A camper at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed warns, "It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road. All of the sites were mud pits but they were easily identified by big fire rings."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings and rainfall are common year-round. "Know that it will likely rain on you in Dolly Sods, so always bring rain gear. Also realize, that with climate and conditions similar to the Canadian Tundra, temperatures and winds vary and fluctuate often, any time of year," advises an experienced visitor.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is virtually nonexistent throughout much of the region. At Big Bend, "This place has no cell service and you'll have to travel along a 2 1/2 mile dirt road to finally get to the campground." Similarly, at Dolly Sods, campers report "No cell service, no car camping, no trail markers, no toilets, and no running water. It's the real deal."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible wildlife viewing: Children can observe wildlife safely from many campgrounds. "The camp store has firewood and helpful rangers. The park overall is absolutely gorgeous. There's something to do for people of any activity level," notes a visitor to Blackwater Falls State Park Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific activities for children. A camper at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground reports, "Older playground, but good enough for kiddos. Mini golf course, rock wall, and civil war reenactments when we came." Another notes, "A kid's playground is situated beside (separated by a field) primitive tent sites 1 & 2."
Water activities for kids: Several locations feature kid-friendly water features. A visitor at Big Bend Campground explains, "A natural lazy river surrounds the campground and is a great location for fishing and river activities. The water level was a little low, but you could still float on your inter tube around the entire loop. The entire loop took a little over an hour to complete, then a 2 minute walk, and start again."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Several campgrounds offer complete RV amenities. A camper at Middle Ridge Campground states, "Nice full hook-up sites in spacious level sites in the woods. Great place to get away. Great value with a gracious host and hostess."
Access challenges: Some of the best places to camp near Maysville, West Virginia have difficult road access for larger RVs. "Road to access the campground was good with some tight turns up the hill the last couple of miles. The campground itself is gravel roads that were pretty tight gettin in and out of and fairly steep with trees on all sides. Made it in and out no issue taking it slow, but not sure I would try anything longer than about 36' fifth wheel or 34' travel trailer," advises an RV owner at Middle Ridge Campground.
Utility considerations: Water pressure and electrical issues can occur at some sites. At Middle Ridge Campground, an RVer notes, "Water pressure was just a bit weak and used our water tank and pump during our stay. Best we could get for water pressure out of the hose was 25-20 psi. No issues with power or sewer."
