Camping spots near Mount Clare, West Virginia range from riverfront sites to mountainside retreats within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the Appalachian foothills at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Seasonal temperature swings can be dramatic, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing at Shavers Fork River: Five River Campground in Parsons offers access to trout and smallmouth bass fishing. One visitor noted, "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish."
Kayaking and tubing: At Five River Campground, the river provides excellent water recreation options. A camper mentioned, "We walked up river to the end of the property and were able to tube down to the lower end of the property."
Hiking at Blackwater Falls: The park features multiple trail options for various skill levels. As one camper described, "Lindy Point overlook was a .3M one way for a fabulous view."
Swimming opportunities: Many campgrounds offer swimming areas during summer months. At Audra State Park Campground, one visitor shared, "Across the road is a day use area for swimming and tubing - bring your own or rent one."
Winter activities: Though many campgrounds close for winter, some areas remain accessible for cold-weather recreation. The region around Blackwater Falls State Park is popular for winter sports, with one reviewer noting, "Skiing must be very popular in the winter."
What campers like
River proximity: Many campers appreciate sites directly adjacent to water. At Audra State Park, a reviewer wrote, "We were fortunate to find one along the river which was great to sit by a fire while the kids swam."
Wildlife viewing: The forested settings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. One camper at Tygart Lake State Park mentioned, "The birds are active and wonderful to listen too!"
Stargazing conditions: Clear skies away from urban light pollution create excellent night viewing. According to a Blackwater Falls visitor, "The sky was absolutely perfect to view from the campground - you could bring a telescope!"
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. A visitor to Kick Back n Camp reported, "Bathhouses are clean and better then my bathroom at home."
Responsive campground staff: Personal attention from campground owners stands out in reviews. At Five River Campground, a camper observed, "The owners are literally the nicest people that you will ever meet. They come around daily to check on each person to make sure all of your needs are met."
What you should know
Site slope and terrain: Some campgrounds feature uneven ground. At Tygart Lake, one camper warned, "Almost all sites are on a hill. The pictures do not accurately show this."
Wildlife challenges: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters. A Tygart Lake visitor cautioned, "There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. I wish we were warned ahead of time. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs widely between campgrounds. At Stonewall Resort State Park, a camper noted the contrast with more remote areas, while Five River Campground gets praised: "We had cell service since we were right outside of town which is hard to find in WV."
Seasonal crowding: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. One Audra State Park visitor advised, "Nice weekends from May to October fill up fast and Day Use areas are packed full."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate on first-come, first-served basis. At Audra State Park, a camper pointed out, "No reservations, first come, first served."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly water features: Shallow water areas provide safer play spaces. At Five River Campground, a parent shared, "The location is amazingly located right on the Shavers Fork river on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it."
Check for playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas. As one reviewer noted at Audra State Park, "The camp has a decent bath house and playground."
Consider nearby attractions: Areas with multiple activities help keep children engaged. According to a Broken Wheel Campground visitor, "The catch and release pond was a wonderful place to take kids to learn and gaurentee to catch a fish with worms. We also found newts!"
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Mountain weather changes rapidly, especially at higher elevations. A Blackwater Falls visitor warned, "Keep in mind, anytime after mid September can be quite cold overnight."
Verify pet policies: Rules for animals vary between campgrounds. A Family Fishing N' Camping visitor noted they were able to "tent camp and enjoyed our stay" with pets, while Blackwater Falls offers "trails to walk pets."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Many campgrounds have limitations on RV size. At Stonewall Jackson State Park, one RVer cautioned, "The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow."
Power considerations: Electrical issues can affect equipment. One camper at Stonewall reported, "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time."
Hookup locations vary: Some sites have inconveniently placed utilities. A Stonewall Jackson camper observed sites with hookups on the wrong side, requiring longer hoses and cords.
Off-season camping options: While many campgrounds close for winter, alternatives exist. Family Fishing N' Camping remains "Open year round for fishing!" according to their information, providing extended season options.
Dump station access: Layout affects convenience for RV services. At Blackwater Falls, a visitor noted, "There's a dump that's in the middle of the first loop. You have to go the wrong way on a one way road to dump."
