Melisa & Ronnie T.
Scout
ScoutRiver Run Campground — North Bend State Park
River Run at North Bend
A great place to fish and bike. The rail trail is great. The camp sites are cozy and the bath house is very clean.
Best Campgrounds near Napier, WV
Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area near Napier, West Virginia features several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options ranging from tent-only sites to full-hookup RV campsites and cabin rentals. Bulltown Campground, situated on the shores of Burnsville Lake, serves as the primary camping destination in the area, offering electric, water, and sewer hookups alongside traditional tent sites. The surrounding region includes additional camping facilities at Riffle Run Campground and Flatwoods KOA, with most facilities managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or West Virginia State Parks systems.
Camping availability typically runs from mid-April through October or November, with most campgrounds closing for winter. Burnsville Lake campgrounds maintain meticulously groomed grounds with modern facilities including showers, clean restrooms, and boat access points. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and holiday weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service varies throughout the region, with Bulltown Campground noted as one of the few camping areas in West Virginia with reliable connectivity. As one visitor noted, "This is one of the only campgrounds in West Virginia of the two dozen or so we've visited that has cell service."
Several visitors highlight the family-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities as key attractions at Bulltown Campground. Waterfront sites are particularly popular, offering direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming activities. Many campsites feature lantern posts, fire rings, and picnic tables, with some waterfront sites including boat mooring posts. The campgrounds balance natural settings with accessible amenities, featuring modern playgrounds, pavilions, and historic attractions nearby. According to one camper, "The grounds are meticulously maintained by Army Corps of Engineer personnel, hosts and volunteers. In fact, one entire camping loop on the hill is for volunteers. I really cannot overstate how impeccably clean all the facilities are here." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, with visitors reporting encounters with deer, turkey, and various bird species.
Best Camping Sites Near Napier, West Virginia (98)
1. Flatwoods KOA
17 ReviewsSutton Lake, WV8 milesWebsite+1 (304) 765-5055$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."
2. Stonewall Resort State Park Campground
15 ReviewsWalkersville, WV12 milesWebsite"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."
3. Bulltown Camp — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
7 ReviewsNapier, WV1 mileWebsite+1 (304) 452-8006$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."
4. Bulltown Campground — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
6 ReviewsBurnsville Lake, WV2 milesWebsite+1 (304) 452-8006"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"
5. Holly River State Park Campground
15 ReviewsHacker Valley, WV15 milesWebsite+1 (304) 493-6353"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."
6. Camp Creek State Park Campground
6 ReviewsSutton Lake, WV8 milesWebsite+1 (304) 425-9481"Camp Creek State Park West Virginia. This was a drive through, we didn't camp here. This State Park is only 2 miles from I- 77! Exit 20.
This is a hiking park & also has horse trails.
"
"There’s no real entrance to the water to swim. We literally had to slide down like a water slide haha."
7. Gerald Freeman Campground
6 ReviewsNapier, WV8 milesWebsite+1 (304) 765-7756$28 - $46 / night
"Walking distance to the marina where there is a nice general store. Super friendly . Boat rentals available . Nice getaway in a beautiful part of the country."
"There are a few places you can move around to and maybe get 1 bar, but they are hard to find. Starlink works great though, and once established you can use WiFi calling for your phone."
8. Riffle Run Campground — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
2 ReviewsNapier, WV4 milesWebsite"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"
9. Cedar Creek State Park Campground
6 ReviewsCedarville, WV16 milesWebsite+1 (304) 462-7158"Good access to hiking trails. Will definitely return"
"Hiking trails nearby. Nice fishing ponds, but you have to drive to them."
Recent Camping Photos near Napier, WV
163 Photos of 98 Napier Campgrounds
Jeremiah S.
Bulltown Campground — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Dave V.
Riffle Run Campground — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area
Laura H.
Flatwoods KOA
Rachel L.
Camp Creek State Park Campground
Brian P.
Gerald Freeman Campground
The Dyrt
Bee Run Campground — Sutton Lake
Lee D.
Elk River Hotel and Caf__
Jennifer B.
Stonewall Resort State Park Campground
Brett W.
Holly River State Park Campground
Lynn S.
Cedar Creek State Park Campground
keri S.
Broken Wheel Campground
bobbi L.
Camp Holly
Recent Reviews near Napier, WV
358 Reviews of 98 Napier Campgrounds
Camp With Me
LegendCranberry River Sites NF Campground
Another amazing place to camp in West Virginia
Cranberry River dispersed camping along Forest Road 76 offers quiet, scenic, riverside primitive campsites with excellent fishing and easy access to the surrounding wilderness. We stayed a couple of nights at Site 8 and had great river access with only a small amount of road traffic. There were campers at about five other sites during our stay, but it still felt peaceful and spread out. With inexpensive sites spaced along roughly five miles of road, this is a great area to camp. Roads like this in West Virginia are home to some of my favorite campsites, and we will definitely be back.
Check out all the sites with GPS locations in our video.
https://youtu.be/q6G3fhvmfoY
- Camp With MeLegend
Summit Lake Campground
Mountain Campground with a lake
Summit Lake Campground is a quiet, clean campground in the Monongahela National Forest. I stayed one night and really enjoyed the fishing on the lake. The campground wasn’t busy, the sites were well maintained, and it was a relaxing place to spend the night surrounded by nature.
Check out the 360° Drive through showing all the sites.
https://youtu.be/GxE0sj5xZ98
- Camp With MeLegend
Cranberry Campground
Typical National Forest Campground
We stayed at Cranberry Campground for one night and really enjoyed how quiet and peaceful it was. There were only a couple of other campers in the campground, and we were able to get a site in the back away from them, which made it feel like we had the place to ourselves. The campground is spacious, well kept, and surrounded by forest, making it a great spot to relax and unwind. If you’re looking for a quiet National Forest campground with plenty of room and a secluded feel, this is a great place to stay.
Check out our 360° video that shows all campground and sites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlTOJ_YkSKg
- Camp With MeLegend
Bishop Knob Campground
Rustic National Forest Campground
We stayed at Bishop Knob Campground for two nights in July and absolutely loved it. During our entire stay there was only one other camper, which made the campground feel quiet, peaceful, and almost private. Even better, the sites were only$8 a night, making this an incredible value for a national forest campground.
We stayed in the last site on the loop Site 33, which looks to be the old camp host site. It’s a great spot with flowers and plants planted around the site entrance, and the wooded area behind the site has been cleared out, giving it a more open and usable feel than many of the other sites.
One really interesting feature of this campground is that the second loop appears to have been closed for years. You can still walk through the old loop, and it was neat to see the overgrown sites and roads slowly being reclaimed by the forest. It adds to the sense that this campground doesn’t get a lot of use.
We walked around and checked the site tags left behind in the open loop, and many of them were dated several months earlier, which really shows how lightly used this campground is. If you’re looking for a quiet, uncrowded, back-to-nature camping experience in the Monongahela National Forest, Bishop Knob is a great place to stay. We would absolutely camp here again.
Check out our 360° drive through the campground, see all the sites and get a real feel for the campground.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI3qYdYxGzo
- Camp With MeLegend
Tea Creek Campground
Well Spaced out National Forest Campground
This was a nice, secluded National Forest campground tucked away at the intersection of Tea Creek and the Williams River. The 28 sites are well spaced, giving you plenty of privacy, and most are flat, with the creekside sites being especially nice.
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, waste receptacle, and lantern hook. The campground was clean, with vault toilets on each loop and bear-proof trash cages throughout. I noticed four trailheads at the campground. There is no cell service. Camping is $10 per night or $5 with a discount, making this a great, affordable place to stay in the Monongahela National Forest.
Check out our 360° drive though of the campground, it will help you get a good sense of the place.
https://youtu.be/FlOco2p8T2Q
- RRic M.
RangerWalmart supercenter parking lot in Elkins
confirmed with manager: overnight RV parking permitted
I spoke with the Walmart manager and confirmed that they are okay with RVs parking in the section of the parking lot closest to the road, but overnight only(i.e. not consecutive nights). It is conveniently located on a major north/south highway at the south end of Elkins. Of course this also means that you will have a four lane road near where you are parked, so not ideal for quiet, but can work well for a free overnight stay while you are traveling.
- RRic M.Ranger
Bear Heaven Campground
Not very dispersed, but lovely
One of the advantages of this particular campground is that it's not far from the town of Elkins, so you can go back into town if you don't feel like campsite cooking— lots of good restaurants and entertainment opportunities in Elkins.
While this is truly primitive camping, you are not so primitive that you need to dig a hole to go to the bathroom— they do have porta-potty's. It's also noteworthy that this is likely not available year-round. The road becomes impassable in winter when there is a lot of snow, and they start maintaining it, often even blocking the road with gates during the winter. Understandable but unfortunate, since it is beautiful added is not always snowing even in winter, right?
The campground is not free but also not very expensive. I think the senior citizens price is under five dollars, or at least it was when I camped there a couple years ago(2023). The sites themselves are first-come first-served, the kind of camping ground where you simply go back up to the entranceway to fill out a form and state where you are and make the payment in a box. While the campground is at a fairly high altitude, most of the sites don't have expansive views, and I think only a couple of the sites even have an expansive view down below. But that's okay if you are into wooded views, because there's plenty of that all around, and even a small rock climbing area for you and your kids to scramble on the rocks.
- Camp With MeLegend
Day Run Campground
National Forest Campground near the Highland Scenic Hwy
Stayed one night at Day Run Campground and overall it was a solid experience. Nothing fancy, but for$8 a night it’s a good deal. The campground is quiet, simple, and easy to access, with sites spread out it feels private. It is along the Williams River. The river is nice to walk along and check out, and the sound of the water adds to the relaxed atmosphere. There are also plenty of nearby trails and scenic stops along the Highland Scenic Highway, which makes this a good base for hiking and exploring the area. If you’re looking for a basic, affordable place to camp in a scenic location, Day Run fits the bill.
Check out all of the sites in our video.
https://youtu.be/HmvLiWtx7H0
Guide to Napier
Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area camping options near Napier, West Virginia range from fully-developed campgrounds with modern amenities to more primitive sites along the lake shores. The campgrounds typically operate from mid-April through October with occasional sites remaining open into November depending on weather conditions. At an elevation around 1,550 feet, the area experiences moderate summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Hike the local trails: At Holly River State Park Campground, explore multiple waterfalls and hiking paths within a short distance. "You can check out the park's website at http://www.hollyriver.com/. The Potato Knob trail is awesome...plan it for a day...bring a full hydration pack and trekking poles...it is strenuous but rewarding," notes Dave V.
Visit historic sites: The Civil War history at Bulltown Camp provides educational opportunities. "Bulltown campground, is adjacent to the Bulltown Historic Site of Civil War significance. Civil War buffs and historians alike will thrive at this location! Research dates/times for Civil War battle re-enactments," recommends a visitor.
Go boating: Burnsville Lake offers multiple water access points. One camper at Bulltown Campground explains: "Great sites on and near the lake. We stayed right next to lake…just 10-15 yards from the water. Clean, calm and refreshing from the heat wave we are having."
What campers like
Clean facilities: The bathhouses and common areas receive consistent praise. At Gerald Freeman Campground, a visitor noted: "The campground itself is SUPER clean, and so are the shower houses. The sites are level and well maintained."
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple playgrounds and recreational options keep children entertained. At Cedar Creek State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Nice clean campground. Plenty of playgrounds for the kids. Good access to hiking trails. Will definitely return."
Fishing access: The proximity to water makes fishing convenient at many sites. "The tent sites have platforms. Has bathrooms with showers. We had nice view of the lodge," comments a visitor to Stonewall Resort State Park Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Gerald Freeman Campground, a camper warns: "Gerald Freeman Campground is a GREAT place to get away if you are looking to disconnect. There is NO SERVICE of any kind up here! We have a powerful WeBoost on our RV and STILL no bars."
Weather considerations: Rain is common, especially at certain campgrounds. At Holly River State Park, a camper observed: "The park workers said this is common year round. This is a nice quiet area."
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, advanced booking is essential. "We booked this trip last minute on Memorial Day weekend and literally took the last site reservable. The place was crowded and our corner was as crowded as anywhere," notes a camper at Bulltown.
Tips for camping with families
Look for waterfront sites: Children enjoy direct access to water recreation. At Bulltown Campground, a camper recommends: "I'd recommend c1-c5 if you have kids," noting these sites provide good access for families.
Plan for activities during rain: Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. "Every morning and every night it rained which made it difficult to swim and fish," mentions one camper, suggesting indoor games or shelter activities as backup plans.
Bring basic supplies: Limited shopping options mean preparation is important. "It takes about 20 minutes to get to stores so make sure you're prepared. There is a store on property for things you've forgotten though," advises an Elana C. at Gerald Freeman Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Some campgrounds have tight spots for larger rigs. A visitor to Stonewall Resort State Park Campground notes: "The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow. I like to have a little bit of space when camping, but there were tent campers all around us."
Be prepared for elevation changes: The mountainous terrain can challenge drivers. One 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."
Monitor power quality: Electrical issues can occur at some sites. "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time," reports an RVer at Stonewall Resort State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bulltown swim area at Burnsville Lake in Napier open year-round?
Is the Bulltown swim area at Burnsville Lake in Napier open year-round?
The Bulltown swim area at Burnsville Lake near Napier is not open year-round. The swimming facilities typically operate seasonally from late spring (Memorial Day weekend) through early fall (Labor Day weekend), depending on weather conditions and water levels. During winter months and early spring, the designated swimming areas are closed. For up-to-date information on current operating dates, it's recommended to contact Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area directly before planning your trip, as opening dates can vary slightly from year to year based on staffing and conditions.
Where are the best camping locations in Napier, West Virginia?
Where are the best camping locations in Napier, West Virginia?
Napier and the surrounding area offer excellent camping options. Bulltown Campground at Burnsville Lake is one of the prime spots, offering both drive-in and boat-in access with reservable sites, water, and toilet facilities. It's particularly popular for its lake access. Another great option is Cranberry Campground, which provides a more rustic experience with quiet, spacious sites (about 40-50 total) and good separation between campers. The peaceful setting away from major highways makes it perfect for those seeking a genuine West Virginia wilderness experience.
What family-friendly amenities are available at campsites in Napier?
What family-friendly amenities are available at campsites in Napier?
Campsites near Napier offer numerous family-friendly amenities. Battle Run provides excellent facilities for families, with opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding—perfect for keeping children entertained. For families seeking more developed amenities, Flatwoods KOA offers concrete pads for picnic tables, spacious sites, and typical KOA amenities that cater to families with children. Many campgrounds in the area feature playgrounds, easy access to water recreation, clean restroom facilities, and hiking trails suitable for various age groups, making the Napier area a great destination for family camping adventures.
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