Riverton, West Virginia offers numerous pet-friendly camping options at an elevation of 2,300-3,600 feet within Monongahela National Forest. Weather can change rapidly at these elevations, with temperature differences of 10-15°F compared to surrounding valleys. The region receives abundant precipitation throughout the year, creating challenging trail conditions even during summer months.
What to do
Fishing at Gandy Creek: The dispersed camping area along Gandy Creek provides excellent fishing opportunities with multiple deep spots for swimming. "Really cool 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!" reports Nick E. from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping.
Hiking at Spruce Knob: Take the half-mile loop trail at Spruce Knob for 360-degree views from West Virginia's highest point. "Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and offers great views. You can drive all the way up to the summit and hike around the small loop trail that leads to the observation tower and then to a small wooden look-out on the far side of the loop," writes Hannah V. about Spruce Knob.
Tubing at Big Bend: The river forms a natural lazy river loop around the Big Bend Campground. "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," explains Tim M. The entire tubing circuit takes about an hour with just a two-minute walk back to the starting point.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Riverton feature spacious campsites with natural separation. At Seneca Shadows Campground, Jillian E. mentions you can "Wind back into the woods for camping in a quaint quite setting (A-D) or camp in the meadowlands with Seneca Rock in the background (walk-sites)."
Dark night skies: The region offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "On one of the one clear night I was there, the sky was brilliant," notes Jean C. about Canaan Valley Resort. Bryan G. adds that "Spruce Knob Lake was a great spot for Milky Way star gazing."
Wildlife sightings: Campers frequently report deer and small mammal encounters. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Amanda H. observed "Wildlife galore! Deer galore! Someone saw a black bear on the trail (we did not)! Beautiful birds with tons of color!"
What you should know
Weather preparation: The high elevation makes for unpredictable conditions, with frequent rain and temperature swings. "Know that it will likely rain on you in Dolly Sods, so always bring rain gear. Also realize, that with climate and conditions similar to the Canadian Tundra, temperatures and winds vary and fluctuate often, any time of year," advises Dave V. about Dolly Sods Backcountry.
Water management: Many campsites have limited water access. Jean C. notes at Spruce Knob Lake that "Water is available, though they state it is in limited supply. Gravel parking and tent pads are generally level."
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds are unpaved or challenging. When visiting Eagle Rock Campground, Tom P. warns "It is what it is, a West Virginia backwoods campground. $10 will get ya a nights stay."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is minimal throughout the region. Randall T. mentions that around Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds "this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes."
Tips for camping with families
River activities: Several campgrounds offer safe water play options for children. At Big Bend Campground, Jon C. recommends, "A natural lazy river surrounds the campground and is a great location for fishing and river activities. The water level was a little low, but you could still float on your inter tube around the entire loop."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy observing the abundant deer populations. Regina C. reports at Canaan Valley Resort, "This state park offered a lot of nature adventures right in your backyard. Hiking, biking, playground, sight seeing."
Firefly displays: Summer evenings feature impressive natural light shows. "The highlight of my stay here were the hundreds of fireflies around my campsite in the evening...sure, I've seen lots of fireflies in my time, but never so many," Thomas R. observed at Big Bend Campground.
Playground access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds include play areas. Sienna L. mentions that at Blackwater Falls State Park, "There were trails to walk pets. The sky was absolutely perfect to view from the campground - you could bring a telescope!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Seneca Shadows: Electric hookups are available only in certain areas. Keith B. advises, "The C-Loop has electricity" while "The A&B Loops are for tents or RVs with no electric service."
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have awkwardly positioned waste disposal facilities. Kevin E. cautions about Blackwater Falls State Park Campground: "The dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing."
Hookup positioning: Several campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. Cynthia K. notes at Blackwater Falls, "You back in & your door is facing the correct way, but your picnic table & fireplace are on the wrong side! A lot of sites on this loops are like that."
