RV camping near Philippi, West Virginia offers access to mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes, with many campgrounds operating from spring through fall and limited year-round options. Cell service varies significantly throughout the Monongahela National Forest area, with signals strengthening near towns and disappearing in remote valleys.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Shavers Fork River at Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground provides excellent river access. "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available," notes camper Tina D.
Explore nearby caves: Near Smoke Hole Canyon, visitors can tour underground formations while staying at the campground. "Location is prime!! Loved the RV sites right on the water. Perfect if you are a trout fisherman or hiker. Trail head to Chimney Rock is 2 minutes from camp site," reports Casey L.
Visit local stores: When camping at Seneca Shadows, take time to explore nearby businesses. One reviewer recommends, "Make sure you visit Harper's Old Country Store, a 4th generation family run business, operating since 1902. The visitor's center has a nice collection of Native American artifacts."
What campers like
River access and activities: Campers at Five River Campground appreciate the waterfront options. "We backed up to a large field (spot 3) and had a great view of the river! I didn't feel crowded at all!! Our two dogs swam in the river," shares Kerrie K. The campground's river section is "shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Seneca Shadows, one camper noted, "Chipmunks everywhere you look and incredible sunrise birdsong. Camp hosts are super friendly and welcoming, campground is huge and sites are roomy and well spaced."
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting provides excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort observed, "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing. There are cabins nearby, but no tents. No cell phone coverage."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging at certain campgrounds. "No cell phone coverage" is noted at Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort, though Five River Campground offers "great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable."
Seasonal operation: Most facilities close during winter. Seneca Shadows operates "April 2 to October 25," while Bumble Bee RV Park operates "May 1 to Oct 31." Five River Campground is among the few offering year-round access.
Site spacing variations: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. At Smoke Hole Caverns, sites are "large and level, but close to one another and open," while at Seneca Shadows, "the campground is huge and sites are roomy and well spaced."
Tips for camping with families
Look for shallow water access: Families appreciate safe water features. At Five River Campground, "The location is amazingly located right on the Shavers Fork river on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it."
Find campgrounds with amenities: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers family-friendly features despite its rustic setting. "The property was clean and quiet other than the occasional diesel truck going down the road... On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks."
Check nearby attractions: Local parks enhance family camping trips. Near Five River Campground, "There's a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground. The Monongahalia National Forest is really close for hiking, views or additional swimming and fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: RV campers should prepare for varied terrain. At Double G Campground, visitors find "nice full hook up sites and cable TV. Staff was very friendly. Firewood is abundant, good quality, and cheap. Not a whole lot on the way of amenities, but it's a nice facility."
Plan for specific hookup needs: Different campgrounds offer varied services. At Five River Campground, "We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups. The rv sites are very close together but in the week that we stayed we never heard any noise other than our own children."
Road conditions awareness: Mountain driving requires careful planning. Smoke Hole Caverns provides options for larger vehicles: "If you have a class A or are looking for something with full hookups, look no further. Located in the Smoke Hole Canyon resort area, not far from the caverns, this small campground offers 10 RV sites along the river."
