Camping areas around Mount Clare offer access to West Virginia's central forests and river valleys at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet. The region's moderate climate makes camping possible from April through October, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. Local campgrounds provide various pet accommodations, from riverside spots to wooded camping areas with dedicated exercise spaces.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Broken Wheel Campground, families can enjoy catch-and-release fishing in the stocked pond. "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!" reports a camper.
Hiking with elevation changes: Trails near Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offer varying difficulty levels with scenic rewards. One visitor describes, "Lindy Point overlook was a.3M one way for a fabulous view." Another adds that the park has "beautiful trails with gorgeous views."
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature water access for cooling off during summer months. At Five River Campground, "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," while the campground sits "along a half mile grassy stretch of river" where you can set up camp.
What campers like
Quiet mornings: Unlike the existing description mentions, many campgrounds in the region offer peaceful morning experiences. "The Holly River runs clear through the Park, right beside a good many of the sites and hanging a hammock and listening to the water, can't be beat!" shares a visitor to Holly River State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At Kick Back n Camp, a visitor noted, "Bathhouses are clean and better then my bathroom at home." Similarly, a Blackwater Falls camper stated, "The bath houses are MUCH cleaner than Pipestem & checked often."
Space between campsites: Dog friendly campgrounds near Mount Clare typically offer room between sites. "We were fortunate to find one along the river which was great to sit by a fire while the kids swam," notes a camper at Audra State Park, while another mentions the "spacious lots" at Bulltown Camp.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions. At Holly River, one visitor shared: "Every morning and every night it rained which made it difficult to swim and fish. The park workers said this is common year round." Plan accordingly with tarps and rain gear.
Reservation systems vary: Not all campgrounds offer advance booking. "No reservations, first come, first served," notes a reviewer at Audra State Park. Meanwhile, Bulltown Camp has a "self-serve kiosk where you check-in and pay with cash or check" during off-season.
Site selection matters: At Blackwater Falls, "The handicapped sites are in the first loop by the bathroom. There's a dump that's in the middle of the first loop. You have to go the wrong way on a one way road to dump." Study campground maps before choosing a site.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Camp Ara offers "Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing!" Sites with water access are particularly popular with families in summer months.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Broken Wheel Campground has "a nice park to play at," while Five River Campground includes "a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play."
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences for children. Bulltown Camp includes a historic area where "you can check out historic structures on the site and hike to the top of the hill where the Union soldiers ultimately withstood the Confederate attack."
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Access roads can challenge larger vehicles. As one Bulltown camper warns, "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."
Site configuration: Electric hookups may be positioned awkwardly at some campgrounds. At Blackwater Falls, "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side." Bring extension cords to accommodate.
Cell service and connectivity: Reception varies significantly between dog friendly campgrounds near Mount Clare. Five River Campground "is one of the only campgrounds in all of WV where you have cell service...and wifi!" while other parks have limited or no service.
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