Best Campgrounds near Riverton, WV

The Monongahela National Forest surrounding Riverton, West Virginia provides numerous camping options within mountainous terrain at elevations reaching nearly 5,000 feet. Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers 45 primitive sites with pit toilets and drinking water from a solar-powered pump, situated just below Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak at 4,863 feet. Nearby, Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping provides free sites for both tent and RV camping with minimal amenities. Several established campgrounds including Seneca Shadows and Big Bend feature more developed facilities with varying levels of hookups, while backcountry camping opportunities exist along multiple trail systems throughout the region.

Road conditions across the area range from paved highways to rough forest service roads, with many campground access routes consisting of narrow, winding gravel roads requiring careful navigation. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, closing during winter months due to harsh mountain weather conditions and potential snow accumulation. Elevation significantly affects temperature, with higher sites maintaining cooler conditions even during summer months. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most camping locations, particularly at remote sites. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season. A visitor noted that "the drive to the Spruce Knob Lake Campground is on a combination of narrow, winding, mostly unpaved roads. Go slow because there are plenty of blind curves."

Campers consistently highlight the exceptional night sky viewing opportunities throughout the area due to minimal light pollution. Wildlife sightings, including deer and black bears, are common around camping areas, requiring proper food storage. Several visitors mentioned the unique forest environments, particularly noting the moss-covered grounds and distinctive red spruce trees affected by high-elevation winds. Day-trip opportunities from camping locations include fishing at stocked lakes, exploring Seneca Rocks, visiting the Green Bank Observatory, or hiking to waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park. A reviewer described the region as "perfect in all seasons" with "the moss-covered ground and rocks make it the perfect oasis for a weekend trip." Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat but may experience sudden weather changes, with afternoon thunderstorms being common during warmer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Riverton, West Virginia (128)

    1. Seneca Shadows

    32 Reviews
    Seneca Rocks, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-3082

    $17 - $65 / night

    "I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen."

    "West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it."

    2. Spruce Knob Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Riverton, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-3082

    $15 - $32 / night

    "The Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground."

    "It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia).  Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like. "

    3. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Whitmer, WV
    8 miles
    Website

    "Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site."

    "Just camped there with two of my friends this past weekend, really cool site we were lucky enough to get a site next to the river! Get there early as it’s first come first serve!"

    4. Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower

    8 Reviews
    Circleville, WV
    9 miles

    "Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and offers great views."

    "Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak and on a clear day offers breathtaking 360 degree views from the Observation Tower.      https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?"

    5. Big Bend Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cabins, WV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 358-3253

    $27 - $50 / night

    "Forest, West Virginia."

    "The campground is situated in the middle of a bowl in the canyon(you're surrounded by mountains)."

    6. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 259-5216

    $50 / night

    "Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/

    Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."

    "This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."

    7. Red Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Cabins, WV
    21 miles
    Website

    "I stayed two nights at site 2 which is tucked away from most of the other sites, save for one close by."

    "It is away from everything and it is surrounded by a ton of hiking trails. Great camping, great hiking."

    8. Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area

    9 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    16 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "This campground is mostly level, so bike riding for kids is great, walking to the lake or shower houses is very easy for those who have trouble with hills. The lake has a small but clean beach."

    "A short walk from your campsite to the lake to enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming and picnicking. The camp has a bath house with showers. The camp host is very nice and keeps the campground spotless."

    9. Eagle Rock Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Tract, WV
    10 miles

    $10 / night

    "Stayed one night in a tent right next to the river. It is what it is, a West Virginia backwoods campground. $10 will get ya a nights stay."

    10. Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 866-4121

    $20 - $45 / night

    "Campground Review: Canaan Valley State Park and Resort, Davis, West Virginia

    The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season."

    "West Virginia is a state for anyone who enjoys the outdoors!!!! There are tons of out door activities! We recently camped 3 nights at Canaan Valley! We had a great time!"

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Recent Reviews near Riverton, WV

650 Reviews of 128 Riverton Campgrounds


  • C
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    Convenient location

    It s nice to have a camp option near Harrisonburg. I agree with others that the tall grass seems like a tick risk. The tall grass is too close in the more private fire circle for fire safety. It was nice to hear several owls nearby. There is road noise during the day. Orv is welcoming and accommodating.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Audra State Park Campground

    Quiet

    A beautiful park located on a river very quiet. Campsites are small only electric is available bathhouse clean. The roads are very narrow with sharp turns.

  • Sonder B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    Clean, Remote, Pristine, off the beaten path = Mower Basin

    I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. 

    The first three I would be solo and on that Friday my partner in crime would come to camp. I went to the primary camp site, and it was occupied. 

    I had four other camp sites chosen and continued to the other four. I found that other campers were on the other spots. I went to the last one and found it to be open. In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. 

    One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles! The attached photo is the last dispersed camp site. It was a little over a mile from the other site. I was dispersed camping in the Mower Basin. You can drive right up to your camp site, but don’t be fooled, this is primitive camping. 

    You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you.

    Nearest Cell tower is here 38.688719,-79.979097

    Fuel &  small gocery store can be found here 38.710707,-79.979095

    Minor Automotive shop and tire repair here 38.713085,-79.979352

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great dispersed sites!

    We only drove down to the second site, but it was awesome! Big site, good fire ring, paths the walk right from the site. The moss was like walking on carpet

  • Alia
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Kick Back n Camp

    Last Minute Getaway

    My husband and I went on a spontaneous camping road trip. We called the campground, and they had availability for walk-ins! Usually, you’d have to book in advance. The campsite was a semi-private spot, and it cost less than $30 a night, without electricity. They also have sites with electricity. We were fortunate enough to have no campers around us, making it quite private.

    The campground had a picnic table, a fire pit, and they even delivered our firewood directly to our site. They had separate sites for RVs and tent camping, so we could choose the one that best suited our needs. The owners were incredibly friendly and outgoing, making our stay even more enjoyable.

    If you forget anything, the campground office had everything you needed for purchase. They also had a well-organized brochure that showcased the campground’s amenities and offerings. And let’s not forget their delicious ice cream! They had a variety of flavors, and I highly recommend trying them all.

    One of the standout features of the campground was the bathhouse. It was spotlessly clean and felt like a spa. The showers were comfortable and had hot water, making it our highlight

    Overall, we had a fantastic time at the campground. It was a great place to unwind and connect with nature. If you’re looking for a peaceful and affordable camping experience, I highly recommend this campground.

  • Aileen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    Clean Campground in a Beautiful Park

    This is one of our favorite places. The park is beautiful, and so are the nearby Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge and Canaan Valley State Park.

    The campground is better suited to tents and small to medium size camping units. I think the person who designed it was not familiar with camping units other than tents. Loop 1-30 is one way going clockwise. Loop 31-65 is one way going counterclockwise. But in both loops, to have your door facing away from the street, you have to drive counterclockwise if your site is on the outside of the loop, and clockwise if your site is inside the loop.  In some sites, the electric pedestal is on the wrong side, so you'll have to use a long cord and take it under your unit to reach your electric hookup.

    There are two water fill stations, one at the camp store where you check in, and the other at a water fountain near the bathhouse in loop 31-65. They are supplied supplied with a green garden hose, not a white potable water hose, so we unscrewed the hose and used our own. The water tastes unusually good.

    The dump station is in a section of loop 31-65. You have to go the wrong way on a one way road to be close enough for your slinky to reach it. The non potable rinse water is across this road from the dump station and it has a white hose--beware--this is not the drinking water! You stretch this hose across the road to rinse your gray and black tanks and slinky.

    Some of the sites are not very level, and many of the pull thru sites share some driveway space with another pull thru site or a back in site. There are two pairs of sites that share a pull thru--OK for people traveling together, but otherwise a headache if you're arriving and leaving at different times.

    Once you have dealt with all this inconvenience and oddness, you'll find you're within walking distance of the falls, a small lake, hiking trails that go through beautiful forests with rhododendrons, hemlocks, spruce, and hardwoods. The camp store is limited, but the staff is very friendly and helpful. The nature center is one of the best I've ever visited, and park naturalists provide programs on weekends. There are kayak rentals in summer. The lake has a swimming beach, but you can pay to use the swimming pool at the lodge for better swimming. The lodge also has a huge lobby with a cabinet containing jigsaw puzzles. We worked on one on a rainy day when we didn't want to be outside. Davis and Thomas have some interesting shops and good restaurants.When you get back after a day of adventures, you'll find clean restrooms with hot showers that are actually hot. And the T-Mobile service was good enough for my husband to stream a movie while I sent photos to my family. The park was very busy for Labor Day weekend, but it was a family atmosphere and after dark, there were few lights and little noise.

  • Lee G.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Bend Campground

    Big Bend Campground…Definitely Worth the Experience

    Big Bend Campground is a beautiful place with a great family atmosphere. The campsites are large and accommodate RVs and/or multiple tents. The best part about this place is the nearly 360° lazy river tubing experience. This place has no cell service and you’ll have to travel along a 2 1/2 mile dirt road to finally get to the campground. The Camp Hosts were great and offered a lot of local information and tips. While this is a great location and provides memorable adventures, it would be great if the picnic tables and some of the fire rings could be updated as they’re nearing the end of their service life. However, this is simply a great place to unhook from the daily grind.

  • scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Gladwin Dispersed Camping

    Go a little further

    Decided to try it even though other review said private property- and seems they were correct but incorrect. Initially you do come to private land with several campsites and campers present. But if you go down the dirt road a little to the low water bridge you will find a wonderful site on the right with several fire pits. Or another 100 yards after bridge was another nice site on the left

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake

    Great Tenting, Little Busy

    8/14/2025

    USACE-managed campground with hosts who are on-site all season. Nice sites (easy staking) with picnic tables and fire pits, plus a camp store for firewood and other supplies (got there too late to check it out though). A little crowded with what seemed like folks who stay there for a hefty chunk of the season, and the sites are pretty close together, but there weren't any issues with rowdy folks - it seems like the hosts keep things in order/enforce quiet hours if necessary. 

    Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 

    $22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site.


Guide to Riverton

Camping near Riverton, West Virginia centers around the mountainous Monongahela National Forest, where lower elevations support hardwood forests while areas above 3,500 feet feature red spruce and mountain laurel. Winter closures affect most campgrounds from November through March, with spring bringing significant rainfall and muddy conditions on forest service roads. Summer temperatures at higher elevations typically remain 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys.

What to do

Fishing at stocked lakes and streams: At Spruce Knob Lake Campground, the nearby lake is "stocked with trout several times a year" with "a boat dock and wheelchair accessible fishing pier" available for anglers. A camper mentioned that "electric motors only; No swimming allowed" on the lake.

Tubing the natural lazy river: Big Bend Campground offers a unique river experience where "the river makes a loop where there is only a couple hundred yards to climb out of the river and get back in and do it again." As one reviewer described: "A natural lazy river surrounds the campground and is a great location for fishing and river activities... The entire loop took a little over an hour to complete, then a 2 minute walk, and start again."

Stargazing in dark skies: With minimal light pollution, campsites near Riverton provide exceptional night viewing. "With no ambient light, the night skies are amazing," noted a visitor to Spruce Knob. Another camper at Brandywine Lake Campground explained: "You'll be hard pressed to find a darker sky on the east coast. My husband, dog and I stayed for two nights, and got the best sleep of our lives, since it was so dark and beautiful here."

Waterfall exploration: While visiting Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, take short hikes to multiple cascades. "The Falls of Elakala is a short walk from the lodge. Lindy Point overlook was a .3M one way for a fabulous view," explained one visitor. Another noted: "There are waterfalls in many areas around Canaan. Blackwater falls, Douglas falls, Elakala falls is the 4 falls of Shays Run."

What campers like

Creek-side primitive sites: Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping offers free camping along a mountain stream. "Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site," explains a regular visitor. Another camper shared: "Each site is secluded and creek front. We stayed at the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical."

Privacy between campsites: Many campgrounds in the region offer good separation between sites. At Seneca Shadows, "camp hosts are super friendly and welcoming, campground is huge and sites are roomy and well spaced." A different visitor noted: "The tent areas were not very private and wasn't exactly what we were looking for but had a very nice view of Seneca Rocks."

Temperature relief: Higher elevation campgrounds provide natural cooling during summer months. "It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife," reports a camper at Spruce Knob. Another visitor to Gandy Creek shared: "It's one of my favorite areas and even when it's hot it's a great place to camp because the elevation and the creek."

Diverse forest environments: The area features unique alpine ecosystems. "The forest is silent and beautiful, looks like it belongs out west in the PNW," observed a visitor to Spruce Knob. Red Creek Campground offers "a wonderful forest environment, with "lots of trails upon trails" and "over 10,000 acres of wilderness to explore."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most campsites lack reliable communication. At Brandywine Lake Campground, "cell phone service is nonexistent. You need to drive 10 minutes to local stores to call for help." Similarly, Big Bend campers report "no cell service. Nearest cell reception is a 20 minute drive away."

Road condition challenges: Many campgrounds require careful navigation on unpaved routes. "The drive to Spruce Knob Lake Campground is on a combination of narrow, winding, mostly unpaved roads. Go slow because there are plenty of blind curves," warns a camper. For Big Bend, "you'll have to travel along a 2 1/2 mile dirt road to finally get to the campground."

Weather variability: Mountain conditions can change rapidly year-round. At Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower, "if you visit in the fall bring long sleeves because it is windy and quite a few degrees cooler then down below." Another visitor advised: "With a season of Mid-April through the beginning of December, be assured that weather is always a factor."

Water availability concerns: Many sites have limited or no water sources. Red Creek Campground has "only a small spring pipe (that I highly recommend filtering before use even though it does not post that)." At Gandy Creek, campers are advised to "download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away."

Tips for camping with families

Look for established campgrounds with amenities: For families with young children, Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground offers "a little park for the kids," plus "mini golf course, rock wall, and civil war reenactments." Another family noted "there is a large open field with a play area near the campground."

Consider accessible fishing options: Some areas provide easy fishing access for children. At Brandywine Lake Campground, there's "a fun beach on the lake for swimming and a fishing dock as well." Spruce Knob Lake features "a boat dock and wheelchair accessible fishing pier with the lake stocked with trout several times a year."

Pack for temperature fluctuations: Higher elevations mean cooler temperatures, even in summer. "It gets darker than dark and the stars go on forever," noted a camper at Spruce Knob, but "it is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer." A Blackwater Falls visitor advised: "Keep in mind, anytime after mid September can be quite cold overnight. But the foliage is totally worth it!"

Check seasonal operation schedules: Many facilities operate on limited seasonal schedules. Canaan Valley offers year-round camping, but many activities are seasonal. "The chairlift to the summit at the ski area was open on weekends," noted a spring visitor, while summer brings options to "hike, bike, golf(including mini-golf), swim, geocache, or stargaze."

Tips from RVers

Choose sites with appropriate hookups: At Big Bend, sites are categorized by access to amenities - "the upper loop is $12 per night and river loop is $14 per night." Canaan Valley campers note "all sites have full hook ups and a paved pad. The sites are far apart."

Be prepared for challenging access roads: RV access varies significantly across campgrounds. Some reviewers warn about "very remote" locations with "a combination of narrow, winding, mostly unpaved roads." At Gandy Creek, one RVer advised: "We took our car but the roads were a bit rough and I wouldn't recommend anything too low to the ground."

Check site layout before booking: Some campgrounds have unusual configurations. At Blackwater Falls, a visitor warned: "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side. The dump station is in a weird spot."

Consider seasonal closures: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Big Bend operates from "April 1 to October 29," while Spruce Knob Lake's season runs "April 18 to October 4." Winter travelers should check Canaan Valley Resort, which remains open year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Riverton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Riverton, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Riverton, WV and 30 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Riverton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Riverton, WV is Seneca Shadows with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Riverton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Riverton, WV.

What parks are near Riverton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Riverton, WV that allow camping, notably Monongahela National Forest and Jennings Randolph Lake.