Best Tent Camping near Romney, WV

Tent campers can find multiple established sites near Romney, West Virginia in the surrounding natural areas. Big Run State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping with generous spacing between sites and stream access, while Barnum Whitewater Area provides tent-friendly sites along the river. The Squirrel Hollow Road area offers dispersed tent camping options in a more remote setting, with no facilities but greater privacy.

Most tent campgrounds in this region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Pit toilets or vault toilets are available at established sites like Big Run State Park and Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, but drinking water is limited to certain locations. Sites typically have fire rings and picnic tables, though primitive areas may lack these conveniences. The terrain varies from open grassy areas to wooded settings with natural ground cover. Access roads to more remote tent camping areas like Hawk Campground may require high-clearance vehicles, especially during wet conditions.

Tent campers enjoy significant natural features in the Romney area, including riverside locations and mountain views. At Big Run State Park, tent sites adjacent to the stream provide peaceful water sounds that enhance the camping experience. The Cacapon River area offers prime waterfront camping with good spacing between sites. Many camping areas provide access to hiking trails and water recreation opportunities, though mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months near water. The region generally offers a quiet experience with relatively low visitor numbers, even on weekends. A review from Big Run State Park mentioned, "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream where you can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

Best Tent Sites Near Romney, West Virginia (39)

    1. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    4 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    21 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Basic tent camping sites. Portable bathroom facilities only. Only a mile from the historic paw paw tunnel. Tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel."

    "Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath. The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."

    2. Barnum Whitewater Area

    2 Reviews
    Jennings Randolph Lake, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 788-5732

    $10 - $30 / night

    "Primitive campsites are $10 a night. Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins."

    "Had my wedding 2022 at Jennings picnic area and then after that spent the whole weekend away from everyone and everything!"

    3. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5453

    $10 - $55 / night

    "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

    "Unfortunately, someone moved our picnic table to the next site. Too lazy to move it. Pit toilets were pretty clean. Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish."

    4. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    20 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

    6. Stoney Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Little Orleans, WV
    22 miles
    +1 (703) 229-1139

    $99 - $175 / night

    "Two sides are separated by a dense forest, piles of drift wood and noise from the river running through boulders.

    Both sites are very private--bordered by river/mountain and forests."

    7. Hawk Campground

    1 Review
    Star Tannery, WV
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4101

    "I would not want to drive on this in the rain. There are minimal turning points so if someone is coming in while you're coming out or vice versa, someone would have to reverse."

    8. Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center

    2 Reviews
    Kitzmiller, WV
    24 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay."

    "Surrounded by a white water stream, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. This really is a such a peaceful environment, and the ideal property to re-connect with nature."

    9. Buffalo Gap Retreat

    Be the first to review!
    High View, WV
    16 miles
    Website

    $35 - $100 / night

    10. Buffalo Gap Retreat

    Be the first to review!
    High View, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (202) 422-7540

    $35 - $125 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Romney, WV

956 Reviews of 39 Romney Campgrounds


  • RL
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great views, primitive camping

    We hiked the one mile into the campground and stayed for a night. It was a pretty flat walk from the overnight parking area to the campground. In the campground there is one bathroom facility with two vault toilets (although one of the doors was locked while we were there, which was unpleasant with a full campground). No running water or showers in the bathhouses. Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming. There are two areas with firewood (purchase when you check in or pay $6 cash at the kiosk - honor system). Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole. Definitely will be back!

    The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites 🪁💙

  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 27, 2019

    Red Creek Campground

    Allegheny Plateau and Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Small, primitive campground with 12-sites.  There were a surprising number of trailers and small RVs when I visited, especially when you consider visitors have to drive about 10-miles on a graded dirt road to get there.

    There are some walk-in tent sites for more privacy and you have the option of pure wilderness camping in the surrounding 17,400 acres of Dolly Sods as long as you use existing campfire rings, or use a backpack stove when you can't find one.

    No cell phone service or Internet… No electricity, pit toilets, and a busted water pump, but there is a fresh-water spring. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. 

    The camp hosts are super mellow and also lead the volunteer bird-banding that takes place just across the road from the Red Creek Campground.  

    The plant life and weather at Dolly Sods are similar to Northern Canada, so bring some extra layers. It was at least 15-degrees cooler than the valley when I reached the peak of the Allegheny Plateau. Add the wind and I had to put my sweatshirt after sweating in a T-shirt at Seneca Rocks that same day. 

    Bring a backpack and good hiking boots so you're prepared to experience some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife you’ve ever seen! 

    First-come, first-serve only and often full on weekends.

    *Word of caution: Dolly Sods was used for military training during WWII, so there are artillery and mortar shells still being found in this wilderness. Don’t touch any shells you might find, note the location and report to authorities.

  • Corey B.
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Little Fort Campground

    Great Stay

    Small and simple campground with a handle full of sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are semi secluded from each other. Some sites have direct access to the Peter's Mill Run OHV complex. Vault toilet for all sites to share. No water, no electricity. Have to pack trash out. Sites were first come first serve. Free to camp.

    We camped so we could spend two days on the OHV Trails with the Jeep. Had an incredible time. We'll be back.

  • Lucas B.
    Jul. 2, 2017

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Awesome foray into backpacking

    Came here for the first time in February 2017 to do a shakedown on some new backpacking and camping gear. Super friendly staff and easy check in process. Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet. Sites are spaced far apart and come with tent pad, picnic table, fire pit and lantern pole. Non potable water is available via hand pump near rest rooms. Rest rooms are very nice and clean. No showers. This was one of my favorite camping experiences ever and I will definitely be back!

  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Seneca Shadows

    Perfect Location!

    If you're a fan of hiking and rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, Seneca Shadows is absolutely the best campground near this fantastic rock formation. 

    It’s located in the Monongahela National Forest near the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River with nearby peaks ranging from 1,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Seneca Shadows campground offers a view of the famed Seneca Rocks and puts you within walking distance of the visitor’s center, hiking and climbing trails, plus the quaint town of Seneca Rocks where you buy gas, food and gifts. 

    Make sure you visit Harper’s Old Country Store, a 4th generation family run business, operating since 1902. The visitor’s center has a nice collection of Native American artifacts and a cool video of the Army soldiers who trained here before WWII. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground is a modern campground with paved parking, flush toilets, showers and an amphitheater. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Seneca Shadows is part of a growing trend where a private concessionaire is a running a public camp-ground. I’m not a huge fan since it often mean higher fees, but I must say that the campground was spotless and well-run by a delightful couple who obviously enjoyed their summer job. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground has three loops to chose from: 

    The A& B Loops are for tents or RVs with no electric service. 

    The C-Loop has electricity. 

    There's also a group camping area and a "tent-only" camping area with walk-in sites from a nearby parking lot.

    Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods are nearby and both deserve a spot on your outdoor adventure“bucket list” in West Virginia.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Horseshoe Recreation Area

    Fish, hike, relax or seek river adventures

    This is a remote riverside campground with great fishing opportunities for catch and release(check the requirements for license/stamps; I included a picture of a sign). One loop comes with water/electic hookups($7 more) the others are primitive. If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites with parking near the bathroom. Parking pads are large and generally level. There are vault toilets and some flush toilets. No cell service(Verizon). Sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and lantern post. The prices for firewood are among the highest I’ve seen at$10/bundle. Camp store has limited hours, but ice and firewood are available. 

    You may have day visitors here to fish, swim, or picnic at one of the two pavilions. In addition to fishing, you may find it refreshing to swim/wade in the river, but I would definitely want water shoes to protect my feet. Interested in more adventure on the river? Head about 15 minutes down the road to St George where outfitters can set you up for both flatwater and whitewater activities on the Cheat River, depending on your preference, age, and water level.

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • M J.
    Jun. 15, 2021

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Wonderful location in Shenandoah

    More quiet than the Big Meadows area (less people for sure!). Simple campground, with all you need to experience a wonderful time in Shenandoah. In the more northern area of the park, and we found that with a Thursday-Sunday time frame there was so many less people. Bathrooms are simple, and no showers. Our site B125 was not huge (are any sites here huge? I didn't see one!), but we had space for our larger North Face tent on the tent pad (just barely!). Our site had a fire ring and picnic table, though no bear box. Seems like some sites had the boxes, and others did not. Be sure to lock up your food and anything questionable here. Policy was pretty strict about that. B125 was tucked against a hill and woods (and man those woods are right at the edge of your site). Across from us was a handicap site, and next to us was a handicap site as well. It meant we had basically no neighbors for our early June weekend camping. Saturday night was quite full all around (still no neighbors for that spot). Some spots at Matthews Arm are reservable, others are first come first serve. It's cheap! You can park some trailers here, but it probably depends on your set up which spots would be best for that. There are a number of trails that you can get to either from campground, or sorta close. We hiked out near the group site and could get to Overall Run Falls (which I believe is the tallest in the park). As with all Shenandoah hikes, a good amount of up and down on this one. We really enjoyed our visit here and will definitely be back! 

    Don't forget to wait for full dark, and then look up. Breathtaking. 

    So. Many. Stars.

  • Mary S.
    Oct. 11, 2018

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Well-maintained, quiet campground in a national park

    What do I love about Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park? So many things!

    • The simplicity of a national park setting: no frills in a beautiful setting.
    • Generator-free area: No generators are allowed in parts of the A and B sections.
    • Non-reservable sites! This makes it easier to travel without a plan other than arriving early at a campground. The entire A section (A1-A116) and a small part of C (C143-C145) cannot be reserved. Sites in B (B117-B141), the rest of C (C146-C164), and D (group sites D165-D167) can be reserved.
    • $15 price: Our Lifetime Senior Pass cuts that in half (and covers the park admission fee).
    • Hiking! You can hike to Overall Run Falls from a trail in the parking lot near the campground and turn this into a loop hike by returning a different way. The ranger at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center near the Front Royal (North) Entrance Station was extremely helpful. We told her we planned to try 3 of the 4 campgrounds as we drove north to south on Skyline Drive and wanted hiking recommendations. There are 15 separate maps with multiple hikes in each, and we left with several of those marked up by the ranger. We also hiked the Stony Man loop on the way to our next stop at Big Meadows; the 180+ degree view while standing up on top of the rocks was spectacular.
    • It's quiet! People don't come to national park campgrounds to party. They come to see the sights and hike. They're tired at night and don't make a lot of noise.

    I guess that's enough.

    The Sites

    • Sites are large but many are lined up right next to each other. I recommend staying away from A72 to the end of A. They're lined up too closely for my taste, and there isn't much shade.
    • I liked our site A55 and thought A56-A61 were nice sites. When we entered a sparsely populated park in mid-afternoon on a Monday in October, those sites were already taken. By evening, the park was half full. Arrive early in the day if you don't have a reservation, especially later in the week.

    Amenities

    • Bathrooms are adequate. There is potable water and a utility sink near the bathrooms, but there are no showers. The closest (coin-operated) showers are about 30 miles south at Big Meadows Campground, the next campground on Skyline Drive. Bathrooms are newer/nicer at Big Meadows and Loft Mountain.
    • Trash disposal, ash disposal and recycling bins are available.
    • Some sites have food storage lockers. Google reviews indicated park rangers insist you keep all food in a locker, camper or vehicle and you can be fined if you don't. Apparently, bears recognize coolers so you should cover them up in vehicles. (I also heard this at Rocky Mountain NP.)
    • There's no store at the campground, but there's one a couple miles south on Skyline Drive.

Guide to Romney

Tent camping near Romney, West Virginia, offers a blend of serene landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tent campers should check out Big Run State Park Campground

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Big Run State Park Campground, where sites are well-maintained and nestled in the woods alongside a lively stream.
  • This campground allows pets and features picnic tables, making it a great spot for families looking to enjoy the outdoors together.
  • With access to hiking and canoeing, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Western Maryland.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Barnum Whitewater Area

  • Barnum Whitewater Area offers primitive campsites that are perfect for those seeking a rustic experience, with the added bonus of river access for water activities.
  • The campground features picnic tables and allows campfires, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
  • While there’s no drinking water on-site, the scenic river views and natural surroundings make it a worthwhile destination for adventurous campers.

Explore local attractions near Paw Paw Tunnel Campground

  • Located near the historic Paw Paw Tunnel, Paw Paw Tunnel Campground provides a unique opportunity to explore this engineering marvel while enjoying tent camping.
  • The campground offers boat access to the Potomac River, perfect for those looking to kayak or fish during their stay.
  • Although amenities are basic, the proximity to the tunnel and the beautiful views of the Potomac make it a memorable spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Romney, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Romney, WV is Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Romney, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Romney, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.