Mount Clare RV campgrounds offer diverse camping environments within central West Virginia at elevations ranging from 1,100-1,300 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Many campgrounds remain accessible year-round despite seasonal facility limitations.
What to do
Fishing access points: Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers direct lake access where campers can fish from shore or boat. "There are a limited number of tent sites, with wooden platforms, tucked into the woods where kayak or canoe access would be right outside your tent flap," notes a visitor who appreciated the convenience.
Trail proximity: Smokey Bottom Campground positions campers near multiple hiking routes. "This campground was very close to hiking trails in the area and was close enough to Elkins to quickly run into town. There was also a really good BBQ place right next to it," shares a camper who found the location convenient for outdoor activities.
River recreation: Riverside sites allow direct water access for swimming and paddling. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks," explains a visitor detailing the amenities at one waterfront campground.
What campers like
Affordable river sites: Elk River Camp and RV Park provides economical waterfront camping. "Beautiful RV Park. Wonderful sites for parking your RV. Very well lit with very modern water and electric hook ups. All slips have a fire pit, bar-b-que grill and picnic tables," describes a camper who enjoyed the riverside amenities.
Natural setting: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground maintains a rustic environment with basic amenities. "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available. Relaxing," notes a camper appreciating the simple setup.
Attentive management: Multiple campgrounds feature hands-on owners who assist with arrivals. "Super friendly camp host. He met us and drove us to the camp park because it was so dark. Spacious sites, and he is making amazing improvements to the park. Beautiful river setting," shares a visitor who valued the personal attention.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions... One lane road in & our. Under construction. 42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground," warns a visitor about access conditions.
Payment restrictions: Several Mount Clare area campgrounds operate on cash-only systems. "The owner, Max, is amazing. He met us with a welcome packet in a reusable bag. He has so much info on where to eat and what to see in the surrounding areas. The guy bends over backwards for his guests... Full hookup for $25 a night?! Cash or Check only."
Varied utility reliability: Power quality fluctuates at certain locations. "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time," reports a camper describing electrical issues at one facility.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: DaLazyBear and similar campgrounds provide water recreation options with designated swimming areas. "It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels," explains a camper who appreciated the atmosphere.
Site selection strategy: For optimal family experiences at state park campgrounds, choose sites with space and views. "I'd recommend sites 1-5, 20, and 39," suggests a family camper who found these specific locations provided better accommodation.
Lodge amenities: Some campgrounds offer access to additional facilities for a fee. "The lodge amenities are top notch with a heated pool that only costs a daily charge to use on top of camping," notes a family who utilized these supplemental recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: CAMP73ROCKST☆R provides quick interstate access for travelers passing through. "Safe place to pull over for the night right of interstate," mentions a camper who used the location as a travel waypoint.
Site dimensions: When selecting campgrounds near Mount Clare, verify pad specifications for larger rigs. "I wasn't too impressed. I thought it was expensive. The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow," cautions an RVer describing challenges with site configuration.
Alternative activities: Campgrounds near towns provide additional recreation options. "If you get sick of camping, or would just like to sip an adult beverage, there's a boardwalk across the lake to the lodge patio where you can sample one of three restaurants or visit the outdoor bar," advises a camper describing off-site options.
