Near Buckhannon, West Virginia, several campgrounds offer upscale glamping accommodations nestled in the Allegheny Mountains at elevations between 1,400-4,000 feet. The region's seasonal temperature variations create distinct camping experiences, with summer highs around 80°F and overnight lows that can dip into the 40s even in July. Weather patterns in this mountainous area can change rapidly, with afternoon rain showers common during summer months.
What to do
River activities: Try fishing in Shavers Fork River at Five River Campground, where campers can enjoy both trout and smallmouth bass fishing. The gentle current makes it ideal for tubing too. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish. A popular spot on the weekends and gets busy with all types of travelers," notes one visitor.
Historical explorations: Visit the Civil War reenactments at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground during summer events. These educational demonstrations bring history to life with period costumes and demonstrations. As one camper mentioned, "Civil war reenactments when we came," along with other activities like "mini golf course, rock wall" that supplemented their historical experience.
Mountain stargazing: Take advantage of dark skies at higher elevations where light pollution is minimal. Several campgrounds offer exceptional star viewing opportunities. "It gets darker than dark and the stars go on forever...." writes a camper about their experience at Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest point at 4,863 feet.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses with reliable hot water at Bulltown Campground receive consistent praise from visitors. "Clean campground. Bathhouses were kept clean but had 100's of little green bugs and a ton of months and mosquitos on them," explains a reviewer, noting both the cleanliness and the natural conditions campers should expect.
Affordable full hookup sites: Budget-friendly glamping options with complete amenities allow for comfortable extended stays. "This campground is absolutely beautiful. There are full hookups. Lots of trails and wildlife," shares a visitor about their experience at a nearby state park. Many sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to communal areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Regular deer sightings occur at many glamping locations close to Buckhannon, West Virginia. "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," writes one reviewer. Wildlife encounters add to the immersive outdoor experience while still enjoying climate-controlled accommodations.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most glamping sites close by late October with a few exceptions. "Mid April to October" is the typical operating season for Tygart Lake State Park Campground, though some luxury accommodations remain available year-round. Winter closures typically begin after leaf-viewing season ends.
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings fill quickly during peak summer months. "We were searching for a quite place to stay. Typically we like dispersed camping but after not finding much in the area we splurged for this KOA," explains one visitor who noted they were "pleasantly surprised it was quite empty" during their off-peak visit.
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature swings regardless of season. "Keep in mind, anytime after mid September can be quite cold overnight. But the foliage is totally worth it!" advises a camper about their fall glamping experience. Temperature differences between day and night can exceed 30 degrees.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for sites near play areas for convenience with small children. "A very relaxing, family friendly place to camp! Visited here several times and the campground is always clean," notes a visitor to Bulltown Campground. "Good area for kids to ride bikes. Some sites were tight fit for our tent but we still enjoyed it."
Swimming options: Choose glamping sites with lake access for summer visits. "The lake was pretty but there was a ton trash all around it, such a shame. I had to pick up a bunch of pieces of glass on the shore of the campground so my dog wouldn't get hurt," cautions one visitor, highlighting both the appeal and occasional maintenance issues at water features.
Kid-friendly trails: Select locations with gentle hiking paths suitable for younger campers. "Lots of hiking trails to choose from and fishing, boating and swimming in the lake. Good place for a weekend trip," describes a visitor about their family experience at Tygart Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request river or lake view sites when booking glamping accommodations at Revelle's River Resort. "We had a river lot which was beautiful. Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food. Service there was great," shares an RVer who appreciated the convenience of dining options close to their site.
Hookup positioning: Check the orientation of utility connections before selecting a site. "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side," warns a camper about one state park. This practical insight helps those with RVs avoid awkward setup challenges.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some glamping locations. "Our site was flat but pretty unlevel, wasn't a huge concern," notes one RVer about Flatwoods KOA. Bringing additional leveling blocks can help ensure a comfortable stay in mountainous areas where perfectly flat sites are rare.
