Parsons, West Virginia sits at the confluence of the Shavers Fork and Black Fork rivers at an elevation of 1,647 feet. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging around 80°F and cold winters dropping to the 20s. Camping options range from riverfront tent sites to full-hookup RV sites, with several campgrounds operating beyond the typical May-September season.
What to do
River activities at Five River Campground: Five River Campground offers direct access to Shavers Fork river for fishing, swimming and tubing. Campers can walk upriver to the property boundary and float down to the lower section. "We walked up river to the end of the property and were able to tube down to the lower end of the property. The view and sunsets over the river made for gorgeous pictures. We also spent a little time fishing," reports one reviewer.
Visit historic sites: The area contains multiple historic attractions within a short drive. "The visitor's center has a nice collection of Native American artifacts and a cool video of the Army soldiers who trained here before WWII," notes a camper staying at Seneca Shadows.
Explore Dolly Sods: This wilderness area features unique ecology and miles of hiking trails. "There are plenty of hikes within 30 minutes, and we checked out Douglas Falls. Next time, we'll visit Lindy Observation deck and more of Blackwater Falls State Park," mentions a Five River Campground visitor.
What campers like
Easy access to essentials: Camping near Parsons provides conveniences not typically found in remote areas. "Grocery store, gas station and a family dollar all within a 5 min drive or walk," notes a Five River Campground reviewer. This accessibility makes longer stays more practical.
Trout fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer direct river access for anglers. At Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort, a camper reports, "Only 10 sites right on the river. Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable. A little pricey for the area. I Would stay here again... Did I mention access to multiple areas for great trout fishing."
Dark skies for stargazing: The region offers excellent night sky viewing. According to one camper at Smoke Hole Caverns, their site features a "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing."
What you should know
Cell service availability: Unlike many rural camping destinations, some RV sites near Parsons, West Virginia offer reliable connectivity. At Five River Campground, one camper noted, "We ended up staying 2 weeks as the wifi service is the best we have had on the road."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers a more rustic experience with basic facilities. "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available," reports a visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds present challenges for those with mobility concerns. At Brooklyn Heights, a camper noted, "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families staying in the Parsons area have options for children's recreation. A Five River Campground visitor shared, "There's a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground."
Look for level terrain: Smokey Bottom Campground provides sites that make bicycle riding manageable for children. "This campground was very close to hiking trails in the area and was close enough to Elkins to quickly run into town. There was also a really good BBQ place right next to it," notes a reviewer.
Check pet policies carefully: Rules vary significantly between campgrounds. Some Brooklyn Heights Riverfront visitors appreciate the pet-friendly atmosphere, while a Smoke Hole Caverns camper mentioned, "When we got here, we read signs about 'no pets', but they didn't ask when making the reservation, so we had no idea until a few days after being here."
Tips from RVers
Know the elevation changes: Mountain driving presents specific challenges for larger vehicles. The routes to campsites can involve significant grade changes that require proper planning.
Confirm size restrictions: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground accommodates smaller rigs, with a camper noting the campground has "5 short term RV sites near the river (RV's 30 foot or less recommended)."
Reserve riverfront spots early: Prime RV locations at Riverside Cabins and RV Park fill quickly during peak season. A visitor reported, "Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots. We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!"
