Best Campgrounds near Grafton, WV

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The Monongahela National Forest region surrounding Grafton, West Virginia provides a range of camping experiences from developed state parks to more remote forest service sites. Tygart Lake State Park Campground offers cabin accommodations and tent camping with lakefront access just north of Grafton, while Audra State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles south, features riverside sites along the Middle Fork River. Both locations support mixed camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Additional options extend into nearby areas like Coopers Rock State Forest and Blackwater Falls State Park, which provide more extensive trail systems and scenic overlooks within an hour's drive.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-April through October, with limited winter accessibility. Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some forest service roads requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall. According to one visitor, "West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it." Cell service remains limited in many camping areas, though some state parks have begun adding WiFi near central facilities. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months, especially at popular waterfront sites. Elevation changes affect temperatures significantly, with higher elevation campgrounds like those near Spruce Knob experiencing cooler nights even in summer.

Riverside camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with the Middle Fork River at Audra State Park and Tygart Lake offering popular water recreation opportunities. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, particularly deer, throughout the region's campgrounds. Several visitors noted the quality of hiking trails connecting to camping areas, with Blackwater Falls and Coopers Rock providing exceptional scenic overlooks accessible from their respective campgrounds. A camper wrote, "The views of Seneca Rocks were welcomed, when it wasn't raining (a common occurrence in WV)," highlighting the region's variable weather patterns. Primitive camping options in the higher elevations provide greater solitude but require more preparation for temperature fluctuations and limited facilities. Many campgrounds feature updated bathhouses with hot showers, though more remote forest service campgrounds typically offer only vault toilets and hand pumps for water.

Best Camping Sites Near Grafton, West Virginia (118)

    1. Tygart Lake State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    3 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Audra State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Volga, WV
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 457-1162

    "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."

    "v=VLUEBlIxHpo) Trails undulate with the terrain. The short trail within the campground area is steep in areas but offers some nice views."

    3. Coopers Rock State Forest

    32 Reviews
    Dellslow, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 594-1561

    $25 - $35 / night

    "This is the largest state forest in West Virginia, it has a total of 25 sites that vary in their privacy. Each site has electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire grates, and utility post."

    "There is also a small laundry room with dishwashing sink behind the bathhouse. Both ice and firewood are sold onsite."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. Camp Ara

    2 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 652-4777

    $20 - $150 / night

    "Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!"

    5. Family Fishing N' Camping

    3 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 265-1000

    $10 - $150 / night

    6. Five River Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parsons, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-3515

    $15 / night

    "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."

    7. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 259-5216

    $50 / night

    "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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    8. CAMP73ROCKST☆R

    1 Review
    Morgantown, WV
    13 miles

    $35 - $65 / night

    9. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    83 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "The plan was to camp and hike throughout West Virginia, but when we visited Pathfinder outdoor retailer in Morgantown, WV the staff encouraged us to check out Ohiopyle, while we were so close."

    "Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."

    10. Mylan Park

    5 Reviews
    Cassville, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 983-2383

    "Decent sized “parking spaces” Available on holiday weekend Good price ($40/night) Full hookups (bring your long sewer tube, I used 3 x15’ as it’s at the tail of the spot) Fields & Grassy area adjacent"

    "We love it here most of the time it’s close to Morgantown so it’s perfect for university events. Really close to campus. They have full hookups & partial hookups."

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Recent Reviews near Grafton, WV

657 Reviews of 118 Grafton Campgrounds


  • R
    Dec. 5, 2025

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    An odd mix of campsite types, but something for just about everybody!

    So this is quite large, I'm guessing at least 25 to 35 campsites along a 4-ish mile long dirt road that deadends. It is dispersed camping, free. And I guess it just depends on what you were looking for. I like to have something a little bit remote, where my campsite is not visible from other campsites. There isn't a lot of that here, but I did find maybe three or four that fit that description, all visible from the dirt road that goes through it. 

    There were many sites that I simply would not like it all, but might be ideal for your purposes, such as two or three areas where there is essentially a big field with a short loop road with maybe half a dozen campsites right next to each other. These are bordered by trees but there are no trees on those sites. Definitely not my cup of tea, but might be ideal for those who are in campers or motorhomes and what to be near a group of other people doing the same thing. 

    The pit toilets are good, reasonably clean. They are however even more dispersed than the campsites— roughly one every mile. Keep that in mind while you are picking a campsite. You may want to be close to one, and then that would limit your choices. If you don't care how close you are to one of the toilets, then you have lots and lots of choices. 

    One of the best things about this location is if you are into mountain biking or hiking or trail running. There are an absolute ton of choices for you, some of them starting right there from the campsite or right at the end of it and several more within half a mile. The Allegheny trail runs right through the campsite with the road itself serving as part of the trail, then immediately turning into singletrack trail on the far ends of this several-miles-long dispersed camping area.

  • R
    Dec. 5, 2025

    Gladwin Dispersed Camping

    lovely and remote camping place ... but small

    the size of the available campsites were not small, but the overall place is. Near as I can tell, there are pretty much just five traditional sites and also a field or two where one could choose to camp but there's no driveway or parking area. 

    I camped at the site closest to the river— right next to it in fact! 

    And it was quite large. I was camping by myself, but there were at least three different places in that one campsite that could fit a large tent— so then actually three large tents total could comfortably fit in this one Spot -- possibly good for a group then. 

    The campsite's driveway itself is long enough that you could park a good-sized camper trailer in there. 

    As others have pointed out, it's a little hard to get to this place, and a little hard to figure out you are there when you are there because it's not well marked. If you do dispersed camping much, you sort of recognize the signs— not literal signs but rather the fact that it is dispersed camping. 

    The furthest two campsites among them— the one I picked and the one on the other side of the creek/River a little ways down — were the most private..  Both are visible from the road, and the one right by the water that I was in is a deep enough lot that you can choose to put your camper or tent further the back of it, further from the dirt road that goes through it. 

    Note that there were signs suggesting that the road going over that bridge is not usable when the waters are running high. Given that the campsite I was in is directly next to it, I imagine it would also flood, not just the low bridge. And that would mean that the other campsite's not reachable when high water is happening. 

    Other notable things: 

    1. absolutely no cell phone reception, no hint of it nearby that I got. 

    2. Do not confuse the open farmer's field with a couple dozen campers that is very nearby— that is not Gladwin dispersed camping but rather a private long-term rental spot.

    3. enjoy hiking? The 330 mile long Allegheny trail is right there next to the dispersed camping grounds

  • Casey L.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    Parts felt crowded

    Some areas of campground felt very congested with little privacy. Our bathhouse was old and smelled moldy but have seen worse. Our site itself was nice, spacious and clean with large tent pad, right across from bathroom.

  • Dana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    Ok for a quick overnight

    Due to a water main break, only one bathroom and showers were available. Bathrooms were quite old and run down. There are over 100 sites. Pets are only allowed on specific loops and cannot be walked on “non pet” loops. We had an electric site which was pretty level for our van. Bike trails were more like hiking trails ( not single track Mtn biking trails). I found this park to be “just ok”.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Audra State Park Campground

    Quiet

    A beautiful park located on a river very quiet. Campsites are small only electric is available bathhouse clean. The roads are very narrow with sharp turns.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great dispersed sites!

    We only drove down to the second site, but it was awesome! Big site, good fire ring, paths the walk right from the site. The moss was like walking on carpet

  • Alia
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Kick Back n Camp

    Last Minute Getaway

    My husband and I went on a spontaneous camping road trip. 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. They also have sites with electricity. We were fortunate enough to have no campers around us, making it quite private.

    The campground had a picnic table, a fire pit, and they even delivered our firewood directly to our site. They had separate sites for RVs and tent camping, so we could choose the one that best suited our needs. The owners were incredibly friendly and outgoing, making our stay even more enjoyable.

    If you forget anything, the campground office had everything you needed for purchase. They also had a well-organized brochure that showcased the campground’s amenities and offerings. And let’s not forget their delicious ice cream! They had a variety of flavors, and I highly recommend trying them all.

    One of the standout features of the campground was the bathhouse. It was spotlessly clean and felt like a spa. The showers were comfortable and had hot water, making it our highlight

    Overall, we had a fantastic time at the campground. It was a great place to unwind and connect with nature. If you’re looking for a peaceful and affordable camping experience, I highly recommend this campground.


Guide to Grafton

Dispersed camping options expand beyond state parks in the Monongahela National Forest area surrounding Grafton, West Virginia. The region sits at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,000-2,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley campgrounds and higher elevation sites. Most forest service roads require high-clearance vehicles and become particularly challenging after rainfall when muddy conditions can make access difficult.

What to do

Rock climbing experiences: Near Coopers Rock State Forest, climbers find beginner-friendly pitches under 50 feet high. "I have been going here for years and I always love to climb this area. The pitches aren't too high (50ft) but great just to get out there an enjoy life!" notes one visitor.

River activities: The Middle Fork River at Audra State Park Campground becomes a whitewater paddling destination during spring rains. According to a camper: "During other times the river is crystal clear with anglers trying to hook rainbow or golden trout. Locals flock to Audra S.P. Day Use areas on weekends to cool off at several park swimming areas."

Trail exploration: Kentuck Campground offers direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage trail. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," shares one visitor, who also noted its convenient proximity to Fallingwater.

What campers like

Waterfront access: Campers consistently praise the river camping at Audra. One visitor reported: "The whole thing is along a beautiful crystal clear river that runs along large rocks. There is great trout fishing in the area and great hiking trails within the park."

Wildlife spotting: At Tygart Lake State Park Campground, birdwatching opportunities abound. "The birds are active and wonderful to listen too!" notes one camper who visited in early May when the park was nearly empty.

Winter camping options: While most campgrounds close seasonally, Five River Campground remains open year-round. A camper explains: "I really love Five River Campground in Parsons, WV. The owners are amazing! This campground is paved up to the campground. It has 120 RV sites many with full hook-ups."

What you should know

Raccoon awareness: Tygart Lake has documented wildlife issues. A camper reported: "There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in... At one point they even put holes in the outside of our $300 tent!!"

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited connectivity, but Five River Campground is an exception. "Ended up staying 2 weeks as the wifi service is the best we have had on the road," notes one camper, making it suitable for remote workers.

Tent site selection: Choose carefully at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. According to a visitor: "You back in & your door is facing the correct way, but your picnic table & fireplace are on the wrong side! A lot of sites on this loop are like that."

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: At Coopers Rock State Forest, families appreciate the kid-friendly layout. "There is a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play," reports one camper who noted the campground wasn't overcrowded with RVs or noisy.

Swimming spots: Audra State Park offers natural water recreation for children. A visitor explains: "We were fortunate to find one along the river which was great to sit by a fire while the kids swam. Across the road is a day use area for swimming and tubing - bring your own or rent one."

Educational opportunities: Camp Ara offers a lake with multiple activities. "Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing!" notes one visitor, highlighting its appeal for active families.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing: At Coopers Rock, RV campers praise the newer section layout. "New section is spaced out with a berm of earth in between a lot of the sites," explains a camper who weathered a major storm there and noted the 50-amp service had no issues.

Hookup locations: At Tygart Lake, RVers should note site placement issues. "The electric sites have no shade or privacy, and they are all on top of each other," warns one camper who opted for a non-electric site for better privacy and lake access.

Urban convenience: When needing full hookups with easy highway access, Mylan Park offers RV-friendly convenience. "We have a 5th wheel that's 46' long... Lots of shopping and gas stations in and around the area," notes one visitor, though they recommend taking exit 155 rather than 152 for easier access with large rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the RV campgrounds in Grafton, WV near Tygart Lake?

For RV camping near Tygart Lake in Grafton, Tygart Lake State Park Campground is the closest option, though reviews suggest checking other alternatives. Five River Campground near Parsons is another option with full RV hookups and is big-rig friendly. For a better camping experience with RVs in the general region, consider venturing a bit further to campgrounds that offer more amenities and spacious sites. Many RVers recommend calling ahead to confirm site availability and hookup options before making the trip.

What camping options are available at Family Fishing N' Camping in Grafton?

Family Fishing N' Camping offers drive-in and walk-in camping opportunities with basic amenities including reservable sites, potable water, and toilet facilities. As the name suggests, this campground specializes in fishing experiences for families. For those seeking a more rustic camping option in the region, Spruce Knob Lake Campground provides a quiet alternative with fewer sites than most public campgrounds. Family Fishing N' Camping is ideal for those who prioritize angling opportunities while enjoying a straightforward camping experience without elaborate amenities.

What activities can families enjoy when camping near Tygart Lake in Grafton?

Families camping near Tygart Lake can enjoy water activities including swimming, fishing, and boating on the lake itself. Horseshoe Recreation Area offers additional water recreation with tubing options. For hiking enthusiasts, Blackwater Falls State Park Campground provides scenic trails with stunning views within driving distance. The region features numerous hiking paths suitable for all skill levels, picnic areas, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. During summer months, ranger-led interpretive programs are often available for children, making it an educational experience as well as a recreational one.