The tri-state area surrounding New Manchester, West Virginia provides a variety of camping experiences with several established campgrounds within driving distance. Tomlinson Run State Park Campground in nearby New Cumberland offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even yurts with a camping season running from April through October. Other options include Raccoon Creek State Park across the Pennsylvania border and several Ohio state parks like Beaver Creek and Jefferson Lake, all within approximately 30-45 minutes of New Manchester. These parks feature a mix of primitive sites and developed campgrounds with varying levels of amenities.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most state parks maintaining year-round operations while others like Tomlinson Run close during winter months. The terrain in this Ohio River Valley region includes rolling hills and wooded areas that provide natural shade at many campsites. Most campgrounds offer electric hookups for RVs, though amperage varies by location, with some parks featuring both 30-amp and 50-amp service. Cell coverage can be spotty in more remote camping areas, particularly in the Pennsylvania and Ohio state forests. According to one visitor, "Tomlinson Run is a nice little state park in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Has a little store, dump station, most sites are 30amp and they have added a few 50 amp sites."
Campers report varying experiences with amenities and site conditions across the region's campgrounds. Most established camping areas provide basic facilities such as restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables, though cleanliness and maintenance standards differ between locations. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer and waterfowl, are commonly mentioned in reviews of parks like Raccoon Creek. Water features represent a significant draw, with several campgrounds offering fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities during warmer months. One camper noted, "There are nice hiking trails, biking, swimming, fishing, paddle boats, parks for the kids, and of course the camping." For those seeking more primitive experiences, options like Hidden Hollow Campground in Ohio's Fernwood State Forest provide more secluded sites with fewer amenities but greater solitude.
$18 - $128 / night
"All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"
"This location is pretty great, especially since it's very close to Pittsburgh. You can go canoeing, hiking, swimming, and camping! There is even a nice snack bar during the summer!"
$28 - $40 / night
"Tomlinson Run is a nice little state park in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Has a little store, dump station, most sites are 30amp and they have added a few 50 amp sites."
"Bathhouse is heated with showers that have a fiberglass tub surround, not concrete. Nice hiking trails that connect through the campground. "
$18 - $50 / night
"Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe. "
"direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park"
$70 - $250 / night
"Adjacent to the lake. Multiple amenities close by. Plenty of activities for the family. Great family owned campground."
"Kart friendly and great spots all along the main strip, lake side and creek side."
$18 - $27 / night
"Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."
"Enjoyed fairly level pads, very clean vault toilets, beautiful grounds and walking trails."
"Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."
"The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"
$119 - $299 / night
"If you are looking for a quiet getaway with gorgeous surroundings, this is the definitely place for you."
$31 / night
"This beautiful small state park is only a half hour away from my house. It's close enough that we ho for a week several times a year and I can still drive to work daily. We love the sites lakeside."
"The positives- the staff was incredible, friendly, nice, helpful. The small boating (kayaks, canoes, etc) facilities and small boat ramp were fantastic. The lake was very very pleasant."
"It's been raining and our step out is into mud. To be expected in the area during the winter. If it isn't snow covered, it's muddy. They have a little pizza shop and are right by Gilford Lake."
"This was another way for us to social distance as COVID-19 was still an issue. I also took photos of the camping bathrooms as each KOA does it a little differently."
ScoutThis beautiful small state park is only a half hour away from my house. It's close enough that we ho for a week several times a year and I can still drive to work daily. We love the sites lakeside. It's great to be able to fish right in our own campsite. It is small but always a great time every time we go. Also make sure you go to Lisbon and get Mary's Pizza. Trust me you won't regret it!
GuideWe loved this lake. The water temps were perfect mid June and everyone was so nice! They had clean restrooms/showers and lots of room at each site.
ScoutVery clean great staff would be a solid 5 if they added a swimming pool
TravelerLovely GEM in the heart of Carolina. Nestled in a quiet area full of smiling faces. And the staff were extremely accommodating.
TravelerThis is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!
TravelerBeautifully set in midst of a 360* view of mountains. Site are nicely spaced and are blessed with constant gentle breeze. Lovely wild flowers surrounded during my brief visit.
However I was deceived seeing post and electrical hookup. Pretty sure none of them function.
GuideWas a great camp, clean and well kept. Had a great spot by the lake right off the back of our camper. Make sure you have a good tow vehicle as there is a steep hill at the entrance/exit of the camp ground.
LegendYou come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It’s cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.
ScoutWhen I first got here the 2 owners went above and beyond in so many ways. Unfortunately they didn’t have a 50 amp site available so the owner gave me 30 amp converter at no cost and also helped me hook up my gray water and black water connections. They keep the area pristine and welcome everyone as if they are family.
Camping sites near New Manchester, West Virginia provide diverse experiences within the Appalachian foothills. The region averages 41 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures reaching 80-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 700-1,200 feet, creating moderate hiking conditions with some challenging terrain in more remote locations.
Swimming and water activities: At Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, campers can access the lake for swimming during warmer months. "We made a fire, hiked by the moonlight and swam at the warm lake at night. There were other campers around but we rarely noticed them and only when walking to restrooms at the daylight," shares Mariana N.
Hiking trails: Fernwood State Forest offers secluded hiking opportunities on marked paths. "It is a very well maintenance campsite most have fire pits a lot of level ground for tent camping pull in parking spots for RVs and campers a bathroom on site and two different trails to hike fishing minutes away," notes Justin T.
Boating options: Guilford Lake State Park provides boat rentals and lake access for personal watercraft. "I love that you can go across the lake and rent a pontoon boat for the day!" according to Sami Jo L., who frequently visits the lake.
Private tent sites: Some campers prefer more secluded options. At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, "Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road / cul-de-sac," notes Dusty R.
Family-friendly amenities: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins offers extensive recreation options. "Tons of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," reports Mathew H.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations. At Raccoon Creek State Park, one camper mentions, "This is my go to spot for camping when I have to just get away from it all. It's close to home plus it is a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks."
Site terrain varies significantly: At Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, "You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped," warns Kimberly.
Limited cell service: The Hidden Hollow Campground in Fernwood State Forest, like many area campgrounds, has spotty or non-existent phone coverage. "No phone service at all, no matter the carrier," notes one camper at Austin Lake.
Seasonal closures affect availability: While some camping areas operate year-round, others have limited seasons. Jefferson Lake State Park remains open all year, but Tomlinson Run State Park operates from April 1 to October 31, and Kennedy Marina Park has an even shorter season from mid-May through mid-September.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The campground is clean with clean bathrooms and showers. They have a playground, a basketball court, and their own beach for the campers," says Kevin C. about Guilford Lake State Park Campground.
Water recreation options: Family-oriented sites often offer water activities. "The lake was very very pleasant. The camp hosts were amazing, most of the fellow campers were very kind and friendly," reports Justin G. at Guilford Lake.
Budget-friendly options: For families watching costs, Hidden Hollow at Fernwood State Forest offers free camping. "Self-register with cards located at pit latrine building. 14 days every 30. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites," explains Donald F.
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Beaver Creek State Park Campground, one RVer notes, "Small park, only a few sites with hookups, but very nice. Rustic, with trails to the main park that take you through beautiful woods."
Limited hookup availability: Electric access varies between parks. "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord," advises Eddie at Jefferson Lake.
Fill-up logistics: Water access can be challenging at some sites. Eddie continues about Jefferson Lake: "All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal. We were later told by staff the maintenance building had a threaded spigot."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near New Manchester, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Manchester, WV is Raccoon Creek State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 49 reviews.
Keep Exploring
