Tent campsite options near Romney, West Virginia range from primitive to basic facilities with varied terrain accessibility. Most camping areas sit between 500-1,000 feet elevation in the Potomac Highlands region, characterized by Appalachian ridge-and-valley topography. Several campgrounds provide access to waterways including the Potomac River and its tributaries, with camping conditions typically best from April through October when temperatures remain moderate.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Barnum Whitewater Area offers direct river access for paddling enthusiasts. According to a visitor, "The main draw here is the river," making it ideal for water recreation enthusiasts looking for camping near launch points.
Visit historic structures: Paw Paw Tunnel Campground provides access to the historic 19th-century canal tunnel. A camper noted, "Only a mile from the historic paw paw tunnel. Tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel... Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark!"
Fishing opportunities: Trout fishing is available at several tent campsites near Romney, with Big Run State Park offering stream access. A camper observed the "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," making it a prime spot for anglers seeking accessible fishing without traveling far from camp.
What campers like
Stream-side locations: Camping near running water provides natural white noise. A Big Run camper shared, "Nice wide open site... Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites."
Privacy between sites: Squirrel Hollow Road Camping offers dispersed sites with substantial separation. According to one visitor, "Large campsites and relatively quiet. We took two vehicles and found several suitable sites. Traffic was light with one pickup overnight and a small convoy of motorcycles the next morning."
Group-friendly layouts: Some areas accommodate larger gatherings. A Stoney Creek Campground visitor noted, "The two large sites can accommodate up to 40 people each with plenty of parking. Two sides are separated by a dense forest, piles of drift wood and noise from the river running through boulders."
What you should know
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Hawk Campground warned, "The road in is a single lane dirt road with parts of it partially washed away. 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."
Toilet facilities: Most primitive sites have basic or no facilities. At Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, one camper noted, "Portable bathroom facilities only," while another mentioned, "The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."
Water availability: Drinking water access varies significantly. At Big Run State Park, a visitor advised, "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," indicating campers need to plan for water transportation or filtration.
Tips for camping with families
Creek play access: Stream-adjacent sites provide natural recreation for children. An Andy C. at Big Run State Park shared, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
Educational opportunities: Incorporate historical sites into your camping trip. A Paw Paw Tunnel visitor mentioned, "Amazing to see the work that the canal builders accomplished," providing context for combining educational experiences with outdoor recreation.
Off-peak timing: For quieter experiences with fewer crowds, consider weekday camping. A Squirrel Hollow Road visitor noted, "We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays," indicating better availability and more space for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. An Abrams Creek Campground visitor noted the campground is "long and narrow bordering on Abrams Creek," suggesting limited maneuvering space for larger vehicles.
Alternative accommodations: Consider cabin options when weather threatens. "Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights," reported a camper at Abrams Creek, providing insight into weatherproofing strategies when tent camping isn't feasible.
Limited hookup availability: Most tent campsites near Romney, West Virginia lack RV amenities. Bring portable power solutions and sufficient water for your stay, as most sites provide only basic picnic tables and fire rings with vault or pit toilets.
