Best Campgrounds near Petroleum, WV

North Bend State Park serves as a central camping hub near Petroleum, West Virginia, with multiple campground options including River Run and Cokeley. The area features a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations within 10-15 miles of Petroleum. River Run Campground offers sites along the North Fork of the Hughes River with both electric and non-electric options, while Cokeley Campground provides water and electric hookups for RVs. Mountwood Park Family Campground, located about 15 minutes east of Parkersburg, offers additional developed camping with primitive tent sites and RV hookups, though reviewers note the tent areas are "less than desirable and more of an afterthought."

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region. North Bend State Park campgrounds typically operate from mid-April through mid-November, while some private campgrounds remain open year-round. Summer weekends often see full campgrounds, especially at waterfront sites, making reservations highly recommended. Winter camping options are limited to cabins at North Bend State Park, which remain open after the campgrounds close. Trails can become muddy after rainfall, potentially affecting hiking and biking activities. A visitor noted, "Trails have difficulty drying out, so rocks and roots were muddy and slick, but still enjoyable."

Campers consistently mention North Bend State Park's proximity to the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail as a major attraction. This multi-use trail crosses 35 bridges and passes through 11 tunnels, making it popular with hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Several reviewers highlight wildlife viewing opportunities, with one camper reporting, "Deer in abundance were lining the roadway" near River Run Campground. Water activities are another draw, with paddling available on both North Bend Lake and the North Fork of the Hughes River. Many campgrounds feature clean bathhouses and showers, though amenities vary by location. Tent campers should be aware that some sites, particularly at Mountwood Park, may lack level ground and privacy compared to the more developed RV areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Petroleum, West Virginia (91)

    1. River Run Campground — North Bend State Park

    11 Reviews
    Cairo, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757

    "Initially, you don't see it...you must drive up and over a roller."

    "North Bend State Park is located at the halfway point of the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, so it’s a great camping spot for hikers, bikers and horseback riders who want to explore this scenic trail which"

    2. Cokeley Campground — North Bend State Park

    6 Reviews
    Harrisville, WV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 643-4777

    "Love this place. 1st time ever in West Virginia and this park was up to the task of making a great 1st impression of the state.

    Great hiking with well marked trails."

    "My dad and I stayed at the lodge in NBSP in May 2023 after riding bicycles for 26 miles from West Union on the rail trail."

    3. Mountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)

    5 Reviews
    Petroleum, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 679-3611

    $20 - $40 / night

    5. Kinderhook Horse Trail

    5 Reviews
    Newport, OH
    15 miles

    "Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown."

    "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table."

    6. Harris RV Park

    1 Review
    Newport, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 482-5815

    $25 / night

    "He has so much info on where to eat and what to see in the surrounding areas. The guy bends over backwards for his guests."

    7. Forked Run State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Long Bottom, OH
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 378-6206

    "On the border with West Virginia. There aren’t really sites on the water but there’s a nice path to the lake from the camp sites and lots of deer."

    "Yes, it's a bit rough around the edges. We liked that it wasn't crowded. The attendant said the park was full over Memorial Day weekend."

    8. Kinderhook Trailhead

    1 Review
    Newport, OH
    15 miles
    Website

    "As we drove around the trailhead, we found a second designated site. The forest website says dispersed camping is allowed and fires are allowed with a 10 foot clearance and a ring of rocks."

    9. Ashland RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Marietta, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 350-8157

    "Very close to the nice little downtown Marietta, Ohio but still very rural location. Large sites. Great staff. Absolutely love this place. Slow pace and quiet."

    "The highway traffic can be a little loud in the morning if you're on that side of the property, but who wants to sleep when there are trails to hit!"

    10. Wayne National Forest Leith Run Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    St. Marys, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 373-9055

    $15 - $55 / night

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Recent Reviews near Petroleum, WV

290 Reviews of 91 Petroleum Campgrounds


  • Aly M.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blennerhassett RV Park

    Friendly campground

    The owner was great. I called when I was on my way, he gave me a space number, and I was able to go straight to it. Weekly and monthly pricing is great too.

  • Alex A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    Peaceful Stay

    Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves. Very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected. Will visit again.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Flatwoods KOA

    It's ok. Site 44

    Very unlevel spot. Not sure if they are all like this, but it's a big ugh... trash pick up is 1/day & 1 bag of trash 🤦🏼‍♀️

    Wifi is non existent! Tried connecting TV to it and connected with no internet. So, hotspotted my cell phone and showed a internet connection, but very slow. Yeah yeah ...I know we're camping ,but it is 95° outside and the sun is shining all over us...hopefully after sunset?

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Flatwoods KOA

    Nice and convenient

    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. We were pleasantly surprised it was quite empty. Checking was a breeze. We even were able to change our site. Our 3 dogs and us had an entire row to ourself. Clean bathrooms and showers. Well maintained grounds. Very friendly campers.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Bulltown Camp — Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area

    Really nice, peaceful and clean

    I’ve gone to park twice this month, it’s only 90 minutes from my house. Both times I got a spot on the lake…just 10-15 yards from the water. Clean, calm and refreshing from the heat wave we are having. Spacious lots. The park is clean and fairly quiet, family friendly.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice Site, Not Private

    The site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I’ve had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo (Like I am).

  • Cynthia K.
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Camp Creek State Park Campground

    Very Nice State Park

    Camp Creek State Park West Virginia.

     This was a drive through, we didn't camp here. This State Park is only 2 miles from I- 77! Exit 20. 

    This is a hiking park & also has horse trails.

     We stopped at the office for a map & the lady at the desk was very nice & friendly.

    There are a lot of nice picnic areas too.

    Two very nice waterfalls. The first waterfall is on a road right by the modern campground so of course we had to visit. 

    9 electric sites.

    9 full hookup. 

    8 water& electric.

    A nice looking bath house.

     I liked the sites that were by a creek- 8/9/10/13/14/15/16/18. 12 is a pull thru. These sites have a paved pad & the whole campground looked nicely kept. All the sites looked flat. There's a dump station on the road out of the park.

     Blue Jay Campground is primitive camping along a creek. 12 sites. They looked very nice. There's pit toilets. This campground is on the road to the 2nd waterfall. There's parking by the gate. 

    Further down from Blue Jay is a locked gate. Beyond the gate is the Double C horsemans camp. You have to register at the office & they'll give you a key. 

    I really liked the modern campground. If we ever travel this way again I would stop here. There's no interstate noise in the campground.

  • cyndy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Wolf Run State Park Campground

    Great chill time

    This is a smaller, older campground. We were in the non electric site area. It was pretty quiet, a great place to chill. The showers are older but well kept up. No bugs, we even watch them broom the outside windows and doors knocking down all webs.Nice shower head, good pressure. There are only vault toilets, but not bad , they pressure washed really well. Has dump station and plenty potable water stations. Good canoe and kayak lake. Part of buckeye trail on one side of lake. Has a playarea for kids with basketball court.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Burr Oak State Park Campground

    Good time with friends staying at lodge

    Very hot outside so aware that many sites do not have shade. Camp store people friendly, made a site change for us. The store has some basics but they were out of ice. The lodge is on the other side of the lake so about 10 minutes away. Going to rent a pontoon boat today and check out the beach, as well. In the 90’s so very few spots taken!


Guide to Petroleum

Camping spots near Petroleum, West Virginia range from developed state park campgrounds to more basic facilities in county parks. The region sits within the Ohio River Valley, with elevations between 600-900 feet, creating varied terrain for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds experience humid summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rainfall.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: At Mountwood Park Family Campground, visitors can access extensive trail systems for various skill levels. "If bombing mountain bike trails is your thing, then across the highway from the campground is your dream," notes one camper.

Paddling opportunities: The Ohio River and nearby waterways provide multiple paddling options within 20 minutes of Petroleum. "I paddled on the North Bend Lake which was extremely peaceful and beautiful, with the colors of fall surrounding me on all sides," reports a visitor who brought their own kayak.

Rail trail exploration: The North Bend Rail Trail offers 72 miles of converted railway for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. At River Run Campground, one camper noted, "This humble campground is located on the 'Haunted' North Bend Rail to Trail. It was easy check in with a friendly staff."

Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities with varied catch. "They told me they catch bass and catfish at this 300-acre lake. The trail around the lake would be good for birders because I spotted ducks, hawks and wood-peckers," a camper mentioned about North Bend Lake.

What campers like

River sites: Waterfront camping spots receive consistent praise for their ambiance. At River Run Campground, a camper shared, "We were at site 13, right on the water. Check-in was easy and the staff was very friendly! Plenty of ice and firewood at the store and a cute little gift shop."

Wildlife encounters: Many campers appreciate the abundant wildlife viewing. One visitor to Forked Run State Park Campground mentioned, "On the border with West Virginia. There aren't really sites on the water but there's a nice path to the lake from the camp sites and lots of deer."

Historical features: The region's industrial past provides unique camping context. One reviewer at Mountwood Park noted, "This is where you will find a nice 50 acre lake for short paddles or fishing, a solid collection of varied ability MTB trails and a cool, little local WV Oil history museum."

Tunnel exploration: Hikers enjoy exploring former railway tunnels on the rail trail. A visitor explained, "The North Bend Rail Trail which is an abandoned rail way with multiple tunnels including one that is a quarter long and haunted."

What you should know

Site selection matters: Campsite quality varies significantly within the same campground. At Cokeley Campground, one reviewer warned, "Only the top two locations are the only quasi-level sites along a narrow tree line. No electric. These sites are $16 nightly."

Seasonal limitations: Many area campgrounds have restricted operating seasons. "North Bend State Park has a year-round lodge, year-round cabins and two campgrounds open from mid-April to mid-November," a camper reported.

Trail conditions: Expect variable trail conditions depending on recent weather. "Trails have difficulty drying out, so rocks and roots were muddy and slick, but still enjoyable," mentioned a visitor.

GPS limitations: Navigation systems sometimes route visitors on problematic roads. A Cokeley camper advised, "Do not follow GPS to get to North Bend SP. Call the park office directly. GPS took us up some nasty horse-shoe hills!"

Tips for camping with families

Pool access: Swimming facilities provide family-friendly recreation during summer months. "We had a wonderful time. The Park is great and we have stayed at lodge 4 times before but this was first camping trip. We stayed during historic heat wave but kept cool in the river, the pool," a visitor to River Run Campground shared.

Cabin options: Families seeking more comfort can find cabin accommodations at several parks. "It was wonderful for our RV and family staying in their beautiful cabins," noted a River Run Campground visitor.

Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. One visitor to River Run observed, "River Run also has a nice playground for the kids."

Activity variety: Families appreciate having multiple recreation options at a single location. A Forked Run camper mentioned, "The camping there is nice. The fishing is good as well. What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish."

Tips from RVers

Hookup configurations: RV sites vary in available hookups across campgrounds. At Ashland RV Park, a visitor noted, "Large open campground minutes from downtown Marrietta OH. Clean, nice newer bath house. With laundry large shelter house. Hook ups for each site!"

Site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more spacious RV sites than others. "The property was very clean and family oriented. Nice spacing at our site in particular," shared a River Run camper.

Accessibility challenges: Larger rigs face limitations at certain campgrounds. A reviewer warned, "Neither are easy to get to when you have a big rig! We picked Cokely Campground as it has 50 amp power and water hook-ups. It's a good thing too as we now know that getting to River Run would have been very, very tricky!"

Dump station quality: RVers appreciate well-designed waste facilities. One camper at Cokeley noted, "Sites have electricity and water; dump station is very well done and easily accessible with any RV configuration."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Petroleum, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Petroleum, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Petroleum, WV and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Petroleum, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Petroleum, WV is River Run Campground — North Bend State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Petroleum, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Petroleum, WV.

What parks are near Petroleum, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Petroleum, WV that allow camping, notably Wayne National Forest and Burnsville Lake.