Best Tent Camping near Parkersburg, WV
Tent campers seeking outdoor experiences near Parkersburg, West Virginia have several options within a short drive, predominantly in nearby Ohio. Lane Farm Campground in Wayne National Forest offers four basic tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a roadside setting about 20 miles northeast of Parkersburg. Hune Bridge Campground, also in Wayne National Forest, provides tent camping with the unique feature of a historic covered bridge adjacent to the camping area. Both campgrounds are free with stay limits of up to 14 days.
Most tent campgrounds in the region are primitive with minimal amenities. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established sites, but drinking water is rarely available—campers should bring their own supply or water filtration equipment. Vault toilets are typically provided at designated camping areas, though they may not include toilet paper. Many sites feature lantern poles, but no electric hookups or shower facilities. A visitor commented that at Lane Farm Campground, "Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. It's designed for tent camping, but no drinking water is available and the creeks are quite muddy, so come prepared with water!"
The tent camping experience near Parkersburg often includes proximity to hiking trails and water features. Areas in Wayne National Forest provide access to historic covered bridges, hiking paths, and horse trails. The Kinderhook Trailhead campground serves as an equestrian access point but welcomes tent campers with two designated sites that include picnic tables and fire pits. A recent review noted, "With it being an equestrian trail, there were a lot of horses and trailers throughout the day. Before sunset, everyone cleared out and only campers remained." Many campsites lack privacy between sites but offer good shade coverage. While most locations are undeveloped, their proximity to small towns and the city of Marietta (about 5-15 miles from various campgrounds) makes supply runs convenient.