116 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Buckhannon, West Virginia serves as a gateway to diverse camping environments, with several established campgrounds located within a 30-mile radius of the city. Audra State Park Campground, situated along the Middle Fork River, offers 67 sites for tent and RV camping, with 13 featuring electrical hookups. Nearby Stonewall Resort State Park provides additional options including cabin rentals and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, while some like Kick Back n Camp and Broken Wheel Campground remain open year-round for extended season camping opportunities.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping availability around Buckhannon, with most state park campgrounds operating from April through October. Audra State Park typically opens in mid-April and closes in mid-October, while Holly River State Park extends slightly longer from early April through late November. Weather conditions can significantly impact the camping experience, particularly along waterways where river levels fluctuate with rainfall. The Middle Fork River at Audra can transform dramatically after heavy precipitation, creating challenging conditions for riverside campsites. A camper noted, "The Middle Fork River was at a tranquil flow when we first arrived, but after several days, it swelled into a wild ride."
Riverside camping represents a distinctive feature of the Buckhannon area, with many campsites positioned directly along waterways. Audra State Park receives consistently high ratings for its riverside sites, where visitors can enjoy the sounds of flowing water throughout their stay. Several campers highlighted the peaceful atmosphere created by the proximity to water. "Falling asleep to the sounds of the river every night was perfect," one visitor wrote. While riverside sites offer natural ambiance, they also tend to fill quickly during peak season. Campgrounds farther from town such as Holly River State Park and Tygart Lake State Park provide alternative settings with varying degrees of development and natural features. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, though site sizes and levelness vary considerably across locations.
"Audra State Park, is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the journey. Tucked away, just outside of Buckhannon, WV...home of West Virginia Wesleyan College."
"This campground is deep in the woods of Buckhannon. There are 67 campsites with picnic table, fire grate, and moveable bench, 13 of these sites have electricity hookups."
"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."
"Plenty of trash cans around and a nice park to play at. We tied our doggos between two trees and let them run. Firewood for sale. None to gather around not even sticks so be prepared for that."
"We called the campground, and they had availability for walk-ins! Usually, you’d have to book in advance. The campsite was a semi-private spot, and it cost less than $30 a night, without electricity."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"There was a bathroom close by with running water and showers. It was beautiful and very close to the lake."
"Trails to lakeside/shore where campers do swim although no swimming from shore is "not" allowed. Just be respectful and clean up after yourselves and usually no drama involved."
"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."
"This is a hidden gem right outside of town. We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups."
"It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $34 - $46 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/ Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."
"This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."
from $50 / night
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ScoutThis place is beautiful! I loved seeing all the wildlife! My daughter and I enjoyed walking the entire campground looking for Bigfoot.😉 we loved waking up the next morning to having squirrels, chipmunks, deer and birds on our campsite. We stayed on site 14
ScoutSuper remote camp spot! The drive to the forest road was a little tight and windy for an inexperienced mountain driver as myself. Wouldn't want to do it at night.
Most camp spots are on loops of more group camping with 4-6 sites at each loop and I believe there were 3 or 4 loops. Not my cup of tea, too fish bowl for me and way too exposed. Outside of the loops, there were 8-10 sites that were more my style, with the one we stayed at was just right! The most perfect spot in the whole place (for our preferences) we were literally on a babbling creek. Couldn't get any closer. Had direct access to water for washing and other needs. However I read in a brochure to not drink the water without boiling for 3 minutes because the area has giardia.
Saw a lot of people headed further down creek to fish for trout. No cell service for about 20 minutes. We had to drive back to route 33 and the halfway to Elkins to catch a sliver of cell service.
If you are staying at camp and brought everything you need, you're golden. There are lots of things to occupy yourself with exploring. There is a trailhead on forest rd 162 with miles of hiking with a hand full of trails to choose.
We arrived around 4PM on a Sunday. Plenty of sites to choose from. Was about half full. When we got up the next morning to leave, most spots were open. We stayed until mid day on Friday. Action was definitely picking up. Saw more people, more kids and louder noises. We are definitely Sunday to Thursday campers. I want to camp without knowing the neighbors are there. When leaving on Friday most sites were taken.
Had no problems finding plenty of fallen kindling for our fire. We found a great roadside house on route 33 that was selling firewood in their front yard for only $10 a "row" as they called it. We got 2 rows because we werent sure what to expect when we got there. We built a good hearty fire every morning and every evening and still had firewood we left there since there was so much accessible resources.
We ended up doing a lot of "tourist" experiences that was a bit of a drive to get to due to my inexperience in driving in the mountains. The drives were usually 30 minutes to an hour and a half. But well worth the drive.
Elkins is the closest place to "civilization" (north on 33) we went there for cheap gas, ice, and the grocery store. Didn't explore Elkins as it was too "city" for us. We wanted more remote experiences.
Harman was the next closest place (south on 33) not much for exploring, but they have a dollar general (what remote town doesn't have a dollar general?) and a place for gas
Continue on 33 south and hit Seneca Rocks! Such a beautiful sight to see! Also have the oldest general store built in 1902 and Yokums country store. Its like going back in time. Both tourist traps but worth the experience. We went to the recreation area with river access so beautiful to see the cliffs upclose and personal. If you are a climber this is the place for you. We are hikers. But enjoyed the views.
Continuing on 33 south there is smoke hole caverns. Another tourist trap but fun. For $20 you get a cavern tour tack on a little more if you want to go gem "panning" and get a bag of dirt to find gems. Or putt putt. Giant gift shop. Someone said it was the largest gift shop in West Virginia.
From Seneca Rocks if you head west on 28 it will take you past Seneca Caverns. They were closed for the summer due to blasting nearby.
Continuing on 28 west you then come to one of my favorite spots. Spruce Knob. The highest elevation in all of West Virginia, gorgeous views all around! Terrible observation tower that you cant see anything due to trees. Nice picnic area. Going down the other side of the mountain Spruce Knob lake, lots more trail heads AND a fantastic dispersed camping area! Seneca Creek backcountry. Didn't camp here. Will camp here next time. All dirt roads down the other side of the mountain. But so worth the adventure!
From camp and going to Harman take 32 east and that will take you to Canaan Valley state park, didn't explore too much but access to a lot more hiking
Then you come to Davis WV one of the cutest little towns ever! Very developed for back country but very very quaint. The davis depot has some camping/hiking clothes and lots of tourist items with t-shirts stickers and such. But great designs. Spent a hunk of change here. Has a grocery store and a dollar general. And a hiking, camping, backpacking store. Has gear, clothes, shoes, you name it. Had an issue with my hiking boots. Got good quality boots here! There are several small boutique stores a couple of restaurants a brewery and a bicycle shop.
Last point of interest I'll address, on the other side of Davis, Blackwater State Park. Easy in intermediate hiking here did most of our hiking here. Gorgeous falls. 3 to be exact. Nice overlooks. Nice recreation center for the kids. Near Canaan loop rd.[Canaan loop rd has dispersed camping too. This is where I had planned on camping when we came to WV and ended up over in Glady. However, I was told by the guy at the camp store in Davis that it was closed. I cannot confirm this. But just definitely check into it before solidifying plans]
My preferences for camping are not usually the whole tourist thing. But WV has so much to offer I just couldn't get enough! So we kept trekking out to see more. The drive is a lot and was a whole day's journey round trip with spending time at those locations but so worth it. Not that far of a drive in the scheme of things
Will come back to this area over and over for all the dispersed camping options and for all the sights and experiences packed in such a small area.
TravelerThere were at least 12 numbered sites. Free dispersed camping. 14 day limit. Most sites had sun so you could have solar. Some sites were very private tucked far off the gravel road. All sites were very spaced out. Very quiet.
TravelerI used the coordinates and it took me to a campground that charges $15 a day. They weren’t private being right on the gravel road. There were tables,pits and the shepherds hook in each one. There were some that were on the river. There were toilets. I didn’t use them so I can’t say anything more about them. Not much sun thru the dense trees for solar. I kept driving around the forest on FR227 and came upon a whole nother set of labeled dispersed campsites that were very private and have open areas for solar. They were numbered. There were at least 12 that I saw.
ScoutNice clean Campground not to crammed but not a lot of space either. Small pond with bluegill a few large fish but pretty scummy to fish on top of. Nice wide river beside us also swimming pool available Lodge with restaurant. Porta potties on site short walk across the trail to bathhouse and showers. A lot of geese! 😅🤷♂️
ScoutThe biggest problem with the WV state parks is the cancellation policy. Make sure you check it out. Bath houses are decent. Shower had hot water and good pressure. Most of the sites are not level 1-9 are the best sites by far. Poor drainage when raining.
ScoutWe love staying in the yurts. Peaceful. Like camping with amenities. Has fire or wood! Rain doesn’t bother us here. Stay as often as we can when available.
ScoutThe surroundings are beautiful as is the Campground. No water or sewer so be prepared for that. The shower/laundry/bathroom building is centrally located and immaculate.
ScoutBeautiful quiet place
Campgrounds near Buckhannon, West Virginia range from river-adjacent state parks to lakeside recreation areas with accommodations for various camping styles. Audra State Park Campground, located along the Middle Fork River, provides tent and RV sites with some electric hookups. Stonewall Resort State Park Campground offers cabin and glamping options in addition to traditional camping facilities. Most campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, while some provide additional amenities such as shower facilities, sanitary dump stations, and camp stores. Several sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though not all locations are suitable for large rigs.
Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from mid-April through October. Audra State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making weekday arrivals recommended for securing prime riverside sites. Sites along water features tend to fill quickly, especially during summer months. Most campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities with clean bathrooms and showers. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas. Weather conditions should be considered when planning, as river levels can rise rapidly after rain. According to one visitor, "The outer edge of the campground has sites next to the river but be weary of low sites during rainy days as the river rises rapidly."
The Middle Fork River provides a key attraction for campers in the Buckhannon area, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and riverside relaxation. Campers frequently highlight water access as a primary draw to campgrounds in the region. Trails throughout the area offer hiking opportunities and scenic views. Audra State Park features the Alum Cave Trail which follows the river and provides natural features to explore. While some campgrounds can become crowded during peak season, particularly on weekends, many sites maintain adequate spacing and privacy with tree coverage between campsites. A camper noted, "We were right on the river, surrounded by trees and could barely see the neighbors." Most locations accommodate pets, though rules require they remain leashed. Campgrounds in higher elevations tend to be cooler and may offer more seclusion from crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near Buckhannon, WV?
Audra State Park Campground is the closest campground to Buckhannon, tucked away just outside of town. This beautiful campground is slightly off the beaten path but well worth the journey. For additional options within driving distance, Stonewall Resort State Park Campground near Weston offers drive-in camping with amenities including water, toilets, and sites that accommodate larger RVs. Both locations provide good bases for exploring the Buckhannon area and enjoying West Virginia's natural beauty.
What activities and things to do are available near Buckhannon WV campgrounds?
The Buckhannon area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. At Tygart Lake State Park, you can enjoy water activities like fishing and boating. For hiking enthusiasts, Kumbrabow State Forest provides excellent trails through its 9,500-acre forest. Many campgrounds in the region offer fishing, swimming, and tubing opportunities in local rivers. Buckhannon itself is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College and has small-town charm with local shops and eateries. The area's mountain terrain makes it perfect for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and photography throughout the seasons.
Are there private campgrounds available in the Buckhannon area?
Yes, there are private camping options near Buckhannon. Camp Holly is a beautiful private campground in the mountains of West Virginia that offers multiple camping styles including hammock, tent, cabin, or RV camping. Though off-grid, they do provide WiFi access. Another option is Broken Wheel Campground near Weston, which is a short drive from Buckhannon and features reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces for RVers.
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