Most campgrounds near Red Creek, West Virginia sit at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet in the Monongahela National Forest region. The area experiences cool mountain nights even in summer, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees after sunset. Fall camping season extends through late October when nighttime temperatures regularly dip below freezing.
What to do
Fly fishing access: Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort provides direct river access for trout fishing. "Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable. A little pricey for the area. I Would stay here again. Easy access to Dolly Sods, short drive to Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob. Did I mention access to multiple areas for great trout fishing."
Hiking to Chimney Rock: Sites near the Smoke Hole area provide convenient trail access. "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 and Seneca Rock is about 20 minutes away."
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers exceptional dark sky viewing at several rv campgrounds near Red Creek. "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing. There are cabins nearby, but no tents. No cell phone coverage."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Five River Campground offers riverfront tent sites with mountain backdrops. "Beautiful spot on the river— only tent camping in a huge field separated us from the water. The interior was more crowded and didn't have a view." The campground features 30 full-hookup sites with 50-amp service for RVs.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note the well-maintained restrooms at various Red Creek area RV parks. "Showerhouse/restroom/laundry building is centrally located and closer to the RV/Camper sites. RV/Camper sites have power and water. Tent sites do not. In fact, tent sites might be considered primitive, possessing no picnic table."
River recreation: Multiple camping options provide water access. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish. A popular spot on the weekends and gets busy with all types of travelers from class A super rigs to very modest trailers."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout Red Creek region campgrounds. "Only cons were I had to leave and no picnic tables. The majority of the site is level and grass. I will be back for the bluegrass festival in August (Pickin in Parsons)."
Road conditions: Mountain terrain creates access challenges for larger vehicles. "There are a number of campgrounds in the Smoke Hole Canyon/Seneca Rocks area, but most of them are better suited to smaller rigs and tent campers. If you have a class A or are looking for something with full hookups, look no further."
Reservation requirements: Seneca Shadows and other popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Clean and serene campground that wasn't too busy on a drizzly June weekend. Not sure if you can get a first come first served site every weekend, but there were several empty ones near me at site 13."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers family-friendly river access. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks."
Campground layout: Some RV parks near Red Creek provide spacious sites for families. "The tent sites along the river do not offer much privacy from each other in the way of foliage or natural visual barriers. Distance is your privacy."
Local attractions: Several campgrounds provide access to caves and other family activities. "Plenty to do in the immediate area, with the caverns, fishing, hiking, and climbing. Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley are also nearby."
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Several campgrounds accommodate larger rigs, but access roads can be challenging. "There are 10 RV sites along the river. Picnic tables and fire rings available. Site are large and level, but close to one another and open."
Site selection: Riverside Cabins and RV Park in Moorefield provides year-round camping. "We stayed here in October 2020. Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots. We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!"
Internet access: Connectivity varies across rv campgrounds in the Red Creek area. "Ended up staying 2 weeks as the wifi service is the best we have had on the road. It has great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable."
