Camping options near Philippi, West Virginia range from established state parks to private riverside campgrounds across elevations from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The Tygart Valley River watershed creates numerous camping opportunities along waterways, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55°F to 85°F. Fall camping is popular with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s, requiring adequate sleeping gear.
What to do
Hiking at Blackwater Falls: Access the canyon trail system from the campground for views of the namesake falls and surrounding forest. "The trails are well maintained, and my husband and I were married at Pendleton Point for a great vista," shares Kellie A. about Blackwater Falls State Park Campground.
Water recreation at Deep Creek Lake: Rent kayaks from the nature center for time on the water just a short distance from campsites. "The huge beach/lake is walking distance from the campsite. We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night," reports Simon S. from Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground.
Fishing for trout and smallmouth: Cast your line directly from riverside camping areas at Five River Campground where the Shavers Fork holds various fish species. A visitor notes, "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," making it a convenient option for anglers staying at the property.
What campers like
River proximity camping: Sites situated directly on riverbanks allow for immediate water access and the sounds of flowing water. "We backed up to a large field (spot 3) and had a great view of the river! Our two dogs swam in the river," explains Kerrie K. about Five River Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive consistent praise from campers in the region. At Swallow Falls State Park, campers appreciate the attention to cleanliness: "The bathhouses are MUCH cleaner than Pipestem and checked often. There's more of a staff presence here also."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer regular deer sightings and bird watching directly from campsites. "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," describes Dave V. about his stay at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground.
What you should know
Campsite layouts vary significantly: Some campgrounds have unusual site configurations that require careful selection. At Blackwater Falls, "You back in and your door is facing the correct way, but your picnic table and fireplace are on the wrong side! A lot of sites on this loop are like that," warns Cynthia K.
Seasonal camping considerations: Many campgrounds close by late October with limited year-round options. "The campground closes in the late fall, but some cabins, and the lodge, are open year-round," notes Jennifer B. about Tygart Lake State Park Campground.
Wildlife management requirements: Several campgrounds have implemented bear safety measures requiring proper food storage. At Deep Creek Lake, "Bears are common so they emplaced a big old bear box at every site. It's enough room to hold your food for a month of camping!" explains Jonathan F.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with accessible water features: Families appreciate shallow areas for children to safely explore. "We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups. The location is amazingly situated right on the Shavers Fork river on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it," shares one visitor to Revelle's River Resort.
Look for playgrounds and open space: Some campgrounds offer recreational areas specifically designed for children. At Stonewall Resort State Park Campground, "We had nice view of the lodge. The lodge amenities are top notch with a heated pool that only costs a daily charge to use on top of camping," reports Jeremiah S.
Consider yurt camping options: For families new to camping near Philippi, West Virginia, yurt accommodations provide comfort while maintaining an outdoor experience. Yurt camping at Five River Campground offers canvas structures with proper beds and protection from weather, making transitions to outdoor experiences easier for children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations can be challenging: Several campgrounds have unusual electrical hookup placements. At Blackwater Falls, "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side," cautions Kevin E.
Site selection for larger rigs: Larger RVs require careful planning and reservation selection. "We fit in the site, barely. We have a 16' BTW," notes Cynthia K. about Swallow Falls State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of checking site dimensions before booking.
Consider full hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer complete services, requiring tank management planning. "There's water at the bathhouse which is inconvenient. You can't drive close to the bathhouse, There's pedestrian paths," explains one RVer, emphasizing the importance of arriving with filled freshwater tanks.
