Camp Ara is a beautiful 113-acre property in Fairmont, WV. Located in the Allegheny Mountains about 20 minutes south of Morgantown, WV, and West Virginia University. It is close to major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Columbus, Cincinnati, and many others. The property has been run as a Christian camp for over 60 years, serving and changing the lives of countless youth along the way.​&nbsp;

 There is a large number of foster children in and around the area that are currently in great need of programs that connect them with nature, help them to grow individually, and help teach them life skills to prepare them for transitioning out of the foster care system.

 In addition to running year-round programming, Camp Ara is home to 80+ acres of virtually untouched land. We have created 40 beautiful campsites that require various amounts of hiking to reach. No matter what site you choose, however, you will almost definitely feel as though you are alone with nature.



Camp Ara

Less than 15 miles from Morgantown, West Virginia, you will find a stunning 12,747-acre protected forest. Coopers Rock State Forest is home to a vibrant stretch of trails and forest that share a border with the canyons of the Cheat River, which is notorious with white water rafters. Besides being a scenic area to pitch a tent, Coopers Rock actually offers a multitude of options for recreation. This includes picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and rock climbing. Visitors who want to use the park for hunting or fishing are asked to obtain the proper licensing prior to arriving. The extra step is worth it though, as the park features a glistening six-acre pond that’s brimming with fresh trout that’s located on the northern side of the forest. 

 Coopers Rock State Forest has been, and continues to be a hugely popular destination with rock climbing enthusiasts. It’s considered one of the best areas for bouldering in the eastern U.S., and there are at least 5 popular climbing sites that are easy to find within the park. Those destinations are Roof Rocks, Upper Rock City, Sunset Wall, Roadside Rocks, and Tilted Tree. 

 If you enjoy winter sports, you’ll be pleased to find that Coopers Rock is also known for its ski terrain in the winter. Be careful, however, as the trails here are known to be best suited for intermediate to experienced skiiers. For those considering trying them out, frequent visitors suggest waiting until the snow is densely packed on, at least half a foot, to avoid injury on the many rocks, branches and roots on the trails below the snow.

 Breathtaking views atop sky-high cliffs make camping at the park almost a given for visitors. The park offers two different campgrounds, each offering the options of comforts like water and electricity hook-ups, or more traditional tent camping. All accommodations here are first come first serve. McCollum Campground serves as the main camping area and accommodates a total of 25 campsites, each equipped with electrical and water hook-ups, a bathhouse and even wireless internet. Pets are welcome visitors as long as they remain on a leash or crate at all times.



Coopers Rock State Forest

Sand Springs Campground

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What's the most underrated West Virginia camping? Hiking in! Hike-in camping is a way to find peace away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. It brings people together, provides natural beauty, and sometimes even helps you find yourself. Find the best information on hike-in camping in West Virginia, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

West Virginia

The Best Hike-In Camping in West Virginia

Looking for the best hike-in campgrounds near Pleasant View? These remote campgrounds can be reached by hiking and offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a way you've never experienced before. Find the best campsites in West Virginia that are perfect for walk-in camping!

Pleasant View

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Pleasant View, West Virginia

Known as the “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands,” Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park consists of approximately 20,500 acres of the state’s finest and most rugged natural beauty. A quick drive from Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV, this park can get you back to nature conveniently. The million annual visitors the park gets act as proof of just how convenient this state park is. 

Camping at Ohiopyle State Park offers campers 200 campsites at the Kentuck campground, with flush toilets, warm showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and some electric hook-ups. Yurts and cottages are available as well for those looking for a more comfortable stay in the great Allegheny passage. 

When visiting this state park, campers and adventurers will both notice the mighty Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River flowing through the center of the park. Capitalizing on this, the park offers whitewater boating opportunities for all experience levels. For those looking to stay on dry land, however, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing are all available in the summer months. In the colder months, cross-country skiing and snowmobile riding are available across the park.

Ohiopyle State Park

Swallow Falls State Park

Herrington Manor State Park

YMCA Camp Sherwin, located on the banks of Lake Erie, is a public outdoor recreation and camping center. We have been serving the region since 1912 as a destination for family and youth recreation and outdoor exploration. It is the perfect place to spend summer days! Organized activities keep the kiddos smiling! And, when fall comes, Camp’s extended season is ideal for hunters, fishermen, families and groups.

Camp Sherwin

Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run

## Overview

The Outflow Camping Area is located on Youghiogheny River Lake in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. The lake spans the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Clean waters, forested mountains and steep-sided valleys provide an unsurpassed setting for recreational opportunities.

## Recreation

Camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, biking, picnicking and sightseeing are the area's most popular activities. Boaters consider Youghiogheny River Lake, with its 16-mile length and channels up to one-half mile wide, the best powerboating and water skiing lake in southwestern Pennsylvania.   
  
Youghiogheny Lake's outflow area is renowned for its excellent trout fishing and is stocked from April to September each year. A fishing pier is located in the campground.

## Facilities

The campground contains a variety of sites, including walk-to group sites, RV sites and tent-only sites. Electric hookups are available in many sites. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station are provided. The park also offers an amphitheater and children's playground. Hammock Stations have been added to the Bike and Hike and Group Camping sites.

## Natural Features

The country surrounding the lake is made up of narrow valleys and high rounded hills with steep slopes. Much of the land is covered with northern hardwoods including Beech, Sugar Maple, White Ash, Yellow Poplar and Basswood.   
  
  
A variety of wildlife makes its home around Youghiogheny River Lake, including deer, bear, turkey, grouse, rabbit and squirrel.

## Nearby Attractions

Some of Pennsylvania and Maryland's finest state parks surround Youghiogheny Lake. Ohiopyle State Park is known for some of the best whitewater in the East and is often the location of national kayaking competitions.  
  
Cyclists enjoy the many miles of bike trails in the area. For the history buff, the area boasts many historical sites and parks. For sheer natural beauty, Youghiogheny Lake can't be beat.

Outflow Camping

This quiet hiker-biker campground is nestled along a bend in the Youghiogheny River and has room for over 100 tents.  It features three Adirondack-type shelters (two for parties of six people, and one solo unit), two fire rings (with free firewood available), a pair of grills, and two picnic tables.  There is a composting toilet on site and a well with non-potable water.  River access offers secluded spots for fishing and birdwatching.  Lovely Slush Run tumbles off the hillside and winds through the campground.

Visitor Information
Overnighting at Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground is free and first-come, first-served; no reservations are required or accepted.

Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground (GAP Trail)

Join the fun near Charleston. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Charleston is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Charleston

The Best Camping Near Charleston, West Virginia

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Charleston. Charleston is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your West Virginia camping adventure.

Huntington, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Huntington is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Huntington and user-submitted reviews.

Huntington

The Best Camping Near Huntington, West Virginia

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Huntington, WV has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Huntington is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Searching for the best camping near Parkersburg, WV? Parkersburg is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Parkersburg, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Parkersburg

The Best Camping Near Parkersburg, West Virginia

Join the fun near Morgantown. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Morgantown

The Best Camping Near Morgantown, West Virginia

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Wheeling, WV has a lot to offer. Wheeling is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Wheeling. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Wheeling

The Best Camping Near Wheeling, West Virginia

Weirton, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Weirton, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Weirton

The Best Camping Near Weirton, West Virginia

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Fairmont. Fairmont is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Fairmont and user-submitted reviews.

Fairmont

The Best Camping Near Fairmont, West Virginia

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Beckley. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Beckley is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Beckley

The Best Camping Near Beckley, West Virginia

Monongahela National Forest, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Monongahela National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Monongahela National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Monongahela National Forest

The Best Camping Near Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

New River Gorge National River preserves more than 70,000 acres of land and is home to some of West Virginia’s best whitewater flowing through it. In fact, the river running through it is one of North America’s oldest rivers.

The best camping near New River Gorge National River is anywhere you can find it. All campsites are primitive, first-come, first-served, and, best of all, free. Backcountry camping works the same way. You can park your van down by the river for free, as long as you’re self-sustaining. Amenities will be minimal at any of the nine campgrounds. Not all campgrounds are drive-in or RV accessible, so verify ahead of time. As long as you follow the park’s ordinances, you can camp here for up to 14 days. If you want more traditional lodging, there are a handful of cities nearby, but the main one is Beckley, WV.

New River Gorge National River

New River Gorge National River is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near New River Gorge National River, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Camping Near New River Gorge National River, West Virginia

Summersville Lake, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Summersville Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Summersville Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Summersville Lake

The Best Camping Near Summersville Lake, West Virginia

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Jennings Randolph Lake, WV has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Jennings Randolph Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jennings Randolph Lake

The Best Camping Near Jennings Randolph Lake, West Virginia

R.D. Bailey Lake, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are R.D. Bailey Lake campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in R.D. Bailey Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

R.D. Bailey Lake

The Best Camping Near R.D. Bailey Lake, West Virginia

Are you in need of a campground near Beech Fork Lake, WV? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Beech Fork Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Beech Fork Lake

The Best Camping Near Beech Fork Lake, West Virginia

Looking for the best campgrounds near Bluestone Lake, WV? Bluestone Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Bluestone Lake

The Best Camping Near Bluestone Lake, West Virginia

Burnsville Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Burnsville Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Burnsville Lake camping trip.

Burnsville Lake

The Best Camping Near Burnsville Lake, West Virginia

Searching for the best camping near East Lynn Lake, WV? East Lynn Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near East Lynn Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

East Lynn Lake

The Best Camping Near East Lynn Lake, West Virginia

Sutton Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Sutton Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Sutton Lake, WV. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping in Pleasant View, West Virginia

Top Pleasant View Campgrounds

Camp Ara

Coopers Rock State Forest

Sand Springs Campground

Ohiopyle State Park

Swallow Falls State Park

Herrington Manor State Park

Camp Sherwin

Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run

Outflow Camping

Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground (GAP Trail)

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Camp Ara

Coopers Rock State Forest

Sand Springs Campground

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Camp Ara

Coopers Rock State Forest

Sand Springs Campground

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