Sandra P.
Scout
ScoutCoopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
Very calm campground
We stayed 2 nights. People are very nice. Bathrooms and Laundry are clean.
Spaced spots surrounded by the forrest. Some trails directly from the camp.
Camping near Paw Paw, WV
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Paw Paw, West Virginia encompasses a mix of state parks, forests, and established campgrounds nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The region features several notable camping destinations including Coopers Rock State Forest and Tygart Lake State Park, both within driving distance of Paw Paw. These areas provide options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals amid the rolling mountains and river valleys that characterize this part of West Virginia. According to campers, Coopers Rock State Forest offers "incredible views of the Cheat River Gorge" and serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions.
Most campgrounds in the Paw Paw area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter accessibility. Coopers Rock State Forest is typically open April 1 to October 31, while Tygart Lake State Park operates from mid-April to October. Cell service can be unreliable throughout the region, with one reviewer noting that "most of WV has 'no service' emblazoned across your phone," though some locations like Coopers Rock surprisingly offer WiFi. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with spring bringing frequent rainfall that can cause river levels to rise rapidly. Summer temperatures are generally moderate at these higher elevations, making it a popular time for visitors seeking relief from hotter lowland areas.
The camping experiences around Paw Paw range from more developed sites with amenities to simpler accommodations. RV campers will find electrical hookups at several locations, though visitors with larger rigs should check accessibility beforehand as some campgrounds have narrow, winding roads with rocky outcroppings that can be difficult to navigate. Families and groups can take advantage of riverside camping at places like Audra State Park, where sites are positioned along the Middle Fork River. Wildlife encounters are common, with one visitor to Tygart Lake warning about "a huge raccoon problem" that requires careful food storage. Reservations are recommended during peak season, especially for weekend stays when locals frequently fill campgrounds.
Best Campgrounds near Paw Paw (101)
1. Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
"This is the largest state forest in West Virginia, it has a total of 25 sites that vary in their privacy. Each site has electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire grates, and utility post."
"There is also a small laundry room with dishwashing sink behind the bathhouse. Both ice and firewood are sold onsite."
from $25 - $48 / night
Check Availability2. Tygart Lake State Park Campground
"There was a bathroom close by with running water and showers. It was beautiful and very close to the lake."
"Trails to lakeside/shore where campers do swim although no swimming from shore is "not" allowed. Just be respectful and clean up after yourselves and usually no drama involved."
3. Morgantown / Mylan Park KOA Holiday
"Decent sized “parking spaces” Available on holiday weekend Good price ($40/night) Full hookups (bring your long sewer tube, I used 3 x15’ as it’s at the tail of the spot) Fields & Grassy area adjacent"
"We love it here most of the time it’s close to Morgantown so it’s perfect for university events. Really close to campus. They have full hookups & partial hookups."
4. CAMP73ROCKST☆R
from $35 - $65 / night
5. Camp Ara
"Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!"
from $20 - $150 / night
Check Availability6. Indian Meadows Campground
"The rate for a tent spot is 17 and there are spot for 50,30 amps RVs The owner is a nice guy There is a near gas station"
7. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
"The plan was to camp and hike throughout West Virginia, but when we visited Pathfinder outdoor retailer in Morgantown, WV the staff encouraged us to check out Ohiopyle, while we were so close."
"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability8. Mason - Dixon Historical Park
"Kids enjoyed playing around the boat ramp. Clean restrooms."
9. Family Fishing N' Camping
from $10 - $150 / night
Check Availability10. Rhododendron Camping Area
"There is a bathhouse located closest to site 5 with trails from other sites to get there. The facilities are always clean- no shower available."
"It was walking distance to the beautiful overlook and a great price for what you get."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 30 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 29 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 1 hr 29 min from Wheeling, WV
- 1 hr 38 min from Weirton, WV
Recent Camping Photos near Paw Paw, WV
233 Photos of 101 Paw Paw Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tygart Lake State Park Campground
Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
Sand Springs Campground
Tentrr Signature Site - Creekside Camp Signature Site at Whitewater Preserve
Ryerson Station State Park Campground
Possum Tail Farm CampJ
Tall Oaks CampgroundE
Audra State Park Campground
Kick Back n Camp
Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground
Swallow Falls State Park Campground
Five River Campground
Recent Reviews near Paw Paw, WV
547 Reviews of 101 Paw Paw Campgrounds
- KKevin F.
TravelerKentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Restrooms, showers and visitor center get an F
Stayed one night. Close to Fallingwater and Fort Necessity. The campsite was terrible; close to water and buggy, steep grade required lots of blocking to level the camper and challenging to hook up to the vehicle. Thick canopy kept Starlink from working. The worst part was the bathrooms. The one closest to our spot had no hot water. So we had to walk about a half a mile to two other restrooms and showers within 100 yards of each other. Makes no sense. Anyway, both bathrooms were filthy, had paint peeling everywhere, lots of black mold growing on the ceilings, growing everywhere. No place to hang clothes while taking a shower. One of the two toilets in each of the men’s room was probably 3 feet off the ground. Made for giants I guess! And good luck finding the visitor center. It’s hidden from view and parking is terrible. You’ll have to walk 150 yards from the nearest point of the parking lot to find it. To walk there from the bus and RV parking, add an additional 1/4 mile each way. Be aware that the visitor center store does not accept credit cards. Cash or check only. Who does that? It’s 2026 Pennsylvania!
Cristina L.ScoutCurtisville Lake and Campground
Love this place
Very quiet and private. Beautiful views, fishing, and picnic areas are clean.
Shelby H.TravelerYough Lake Campground at Tub Run
Fantastic for Family
We love it here so much we almost never leave. There is a creek, playground and games for the kids year round. The lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and more from March-August usually but even longer this year it seems. They are INCREDIBLY strict about 5mph and I LOVE THAT! My 8 year old can run around and be a kid at camp like I was without me being panicked. They even have events once a month. They are constantly adding and upgrading around the campground. Everything from walk to primitive sites to full hook ups and dry cabins.
Highly recommend for a long or short get away.
Cari E.
RangerKentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Pick the loop for you
I stayed at two sites at Ohiopyle and I’ll say it again—picking the loop that best fits your equipment is key to enjoying your camping experience here. Not all loops are created equal! My second, and heavy favorite, was my site on Ivy Road. The sites were had more privacy and most importantly, were far more level and easier to access. This loop/road is also more central to the rest of the campground, the dumpsters, and had access to much nicer (still a smidge dingy), larger bathrooms. The cell service here was also decent as this road is in a less hilly area within the campground.
While the park and town are excellent for exploring, I found that the highlight of my trip was Fallingwater—it’s a Frank Lloyd Wright house (personally, I think his best) that offers tours and I was shocked to find that it was less than 10 minutes away. If you need a break from hiking and the river, I cannot recommend it enough!
- Cari E.Ranger
Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Great, but…
My happiness with Ohiopyle SP started off rocky from the start due to two factors, which can also impact your stay:
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No matter what Google Maps tells you, try to avoid taking Sugarloaf Rd into the park—it’s a very steep dirt road that is not at all direct, despite popping you out in the middle of town (which was widely surreal as I landed in the middle of some kind of festival), but most importantly there is no cell service which is frustrating when you’re unexpectedly routed down backroads as night approaches
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which loop you stay in really matters, more so than many other parks I’ve stayed at. My first few nights were on Hickory road and many were small and wildly unleveled—I saw one individual give up trying to get his small RV backed in due to the site being a basin shape. So you truly need to do your research and find a site that fits your equipment. The bathroom in this leg was also small and dingy, to put it nicely, but serviceable. Personally, I would not stay in Hickory again.
That said, this is a beautiful park with phenomenal hiking and water adventures. The town (which is in the park) was also quaint and lovely, with a variety of food and shopping options.
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- CCasie T.Traveler
Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground
Peaceful and spacious
Stayed with friends at RV6. Non electric spot but huge with a nice fireplace and benches. No picnic table but great views of the river and the peaceful sounds of flowing water. Only toilet facility is an outside port-o-potty but they have spray, tp, hand sanitizer and seems well kept.
- AAndrew H.
GuideRhododendron Camping Area
Pretty Basic Campsite
I stayed at the non electric campsite area and it was nice. Very wooded and lots of trails to explore
Tatiana I.GuideFarnum Park LLC
Great campground
Full hookup, accessible after office hours. Friendly staff.
Guide to Paw Paw
Campgrounds near Paw Paw, West Virginia sit within the eastern panhandle region at elevations ranging from 500-1500 feet above sea level. This area features a diverse landscape where the Potomac River flows through the ridge and valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. Weather patterns can change rapidly, with winter nights often dropping below freezing and summer afternoons reaching 80-90°F.
What to do
Rock climbing experiences: At Coopers Rock State Forest, visitors can find moderate climbing challenges suitable for beginners to intermediates. "I have been going her for years and I always love to climb this area. The pitches arent too high (50ft) but great just to get out there an enjoy life!" notes Nick P.
Kayaking opportunities: The 10-mile lake at Tygart Lake State Park Campground offers calm waters for paddlers from spring through fall. A camper reports, "The lake offers great relaxation and the trails around the lake offer pretty views. Only wish that there were more trails available because it's so beautiful in that area!!!"
Hiking with children: Trails around most campsites near Paw Paw vary in difficulty, with many suitable for families. At Coopers Rock, Lindsay W. mentions, "Many hiking trails of all sizes and kept clear. My dog is mostly weenie dog, and his little legs made it everywhere. Also had 12yr old son with me and he had a great time."
What campers like
Seasonal changes: The region transforms dramatically throughout the camping season. A Coopers Rock visitor observes, "This is my absolutely favorite go-to weekend exploration spot. She never looks the same, and every season has a new vista to offer."
Shower facilities: Campground bathroom quality varies significantly across the region. Kentuck Campground at Ohiopyle State Park receives mixed reviews about facilities. One camper notes, "The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them. They are clean but the creepy and gross factor are too much."
Site spacing: Privacy between campsites differs greatly at campgrounds near Paw Paw. At Rhododendron Camping Area, Sienna L. reports, "It is quiet and the sites are spacious. There is a bathhouse located closest to site 5 with trails from other sites to get there."
What you should know
Reservations systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months. Camp Ara offers cabins, tent sites, and bunkrooms that fill quickly. "You can rent a cabin, camp in the woods, or rent a bunkroom or your group. Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing," explains Jenn C.
Raccoon management: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage at several campgrounds. April J. from Tygart Lake advises, "Been camping here since the 90's. No hookups. Spotty phone service. Boat launch is close to campground. There's also a nearby shooting range."
Sunrise viewing spots: Some campsites provide exceptional sunrise opportunities. Emily M. recommends at Rhododendron Camping Area: "Wake up early and watch the sunrise at the overlook I'm telling ya! Also the bathrooms at the overlook are better maintained than the campground bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education: Children can learn about local fauna through guided or self-guided activities. Family Fishing N' Camping receives high marks from parents, with Daniel M. sharing: "Very nice Campground we tent camp and enjoyed our stay."
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for younger visitors. Mason-Dixon Historical Park offers "2 playgrounds, historic buildings" according to Christina W., who adds "This is a fun place. They have concert series during the summer. Kids enjoyed playing around the boat ramp."
Electronic disconnect: Limited cell coverage throughout the region helps families unplug. Kevin H. mentions at Coopers Rock: "The camp Wi-Fi isn't the best but we did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional leveling equipment. Josh W. describes recent improvements at Coopers Rock: "Just returned from our first weekend here. The new section is open and ready. Water and Electric Only. Dump station on the way out. 50amp - No issues."
RV parking options: For travelers needing an overnight stop, Mylan Park provides basic amenities. "While the park itself is essentially a big parking lot, it is smack in the middle of plenty to do! The lot is level and the spots are pretty large, with different types of hookups," reports Philip T.
Electrical service reliability: Power outages can occur during storms. Sean N. cautions about Mylan Park: "No frills and as basic as it gets. Large lot with plenty of space for parking. Our Rv gps took us in exit 152. We have a 5th wheel that's 46' long and this way in was not the best. I'd recommend exit 155."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV rental options available in Paw Paw, West Virginia?
Are there RV rental options available in Paw Paw, West Virginia?
RV rental options aren't directly available in Paw Paw, but nearby areas offer alternatives. Consider renting from larger towns like Morgantown and driving to RV-friendly campgrounds in the region. Coopers Rock State Forest offers electrical hookups at all 25 sites and can accommodate larger RVs on some sites. For family-oriented camping with RV rentals, check out Audra State Park Campground, which provides a wonderful off-the-beaten-path experience. When planning, call campgrounds ahead to confirm RV size restrictions and reservation requirements, as many West Virginia state parks have limited availability for larger rigs.
Where can I find camping sites in Paw Paw, West Virginia?
Where can I find camping sites in Paw Paw, West Virginia?
While Paw Paw itself has limited camping options, the surrounding region offers several excellent opportunities. Horseshoe Recreation Area is a hidden gem nearby, known for being quiet and remote with nice bathroom facilities and plenty of water access. It's perfect for families looking to enjoy tubing, swimming, and fishing in West Virginia's natural beauty. For more camping options within driving distance, Blackwater Falls State Park Campground offers both electric and non-electric sites at the highest elevation campground in West Virginia, with 65 total campsites featuring picnic tables and fire pits.
What camping is available near Paw Paw, WV?
What camping is available near Paw Paw, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Paw Paw, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 101 campgrounds and RV parks near Paw Paw, WV and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Paw Paw, WV?
Which is the most popular campground near Paw Paw, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paw Paw, WV is Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paw Paw, WV?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paw Paw, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Paw Paw, WV.
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