The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Dog-Friendly Camping near Shady Spring, WV

83 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Little Beaver State Park Campground provides spacious campsites with water and electric hookups where pets are welcome year-round. Located near Beaver, WV, this state park features multiple hiking and biking trails where dogs can explore alongside their owners. Most sites are well-shaded with gravel pads and ample room for both camping equipment and pet play areas. Grandview Sandbar Campground in New River Gorge National Park also accommodates pets with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground offers full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) for self-contained RV camping with pets. Sites are kept clean with regular trash collection, and many campers report frequent wildlife sightings including numerous deer wandering through the campground. Camping photos and user guides for Shady Spring, West Virginia are available on The Dyrt.

    The extensive trail systems connected to Little Beaver State Park provide excellent opportunities for exercising dogs, with some hikers noting the trails are well-maintained and offer varying difficulty levels. New River Gorge National Park's multiple pet-friendly campgrounds allow dogs to accompany their owners on most trails throughout the park, though pets must remain leashed at all times. During summer months, Little Beaver's lake offers a refreshing spot for dogs that enjoy swimming, though owners should check with park staff about specific pet swimming regulations. Bathrooms at Little Beaver State Park are notably clean with hot showers—convenient for campers who need to rinse muddy paws after trail adventures. Winter camping is limited in the region, with Little Beaver closing its campground during colder months while some RV parks remain open year-round for travelers with pets.

    New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Camping Guide - The Complete Guide

    Get the guide now

    View Guide

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Shady Spring (83)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Little Beaver State Park Campground

      4.3(20)4mi from Shady SpringRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This CCC State Park is very picturesque and has several hiking trails and the man-made lake is small but offers plenty of recreation possibilities. I found the layout a little strange."

      "This campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet."

      from $35 - $50 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

      4.0(23)11mi from Shady SpringRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "New River, just outside of Prince, WV off Route 41 offers upclose and personal riverside camping."

      "Through Traffic: Access to the boat ramp is through the campground. Though, traffic is minimal, folks on the way to the ramp and picnic area often drive pretty fast."

      Check Availability

      3. Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

      4.4(13)11mi from Shady SpringRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "I’ve spent over 150 days camping and hiking in West Virginia n the past four years and keep finding new, wonderful places to enjoy."

      "We had 1 big tent, 2 vehicles and a few dogs and had plenty of room. The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in."

      Check Availability

      4. Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park

      4.6(16)14mi from Shady SpringRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."

      "Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year."

      Check Availability

      5. Pipestem Resort State Park Campground

      4.7(15)14mi from Shady SpringRVs

      "Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia.  We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.

       "

      "There is plenty to do within walking distance or a short drive. There is hiking all around the Pipestem area. There is a lake to fish and boat on."

      Check Availability

      6. Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

      4.2(17)16mi from Shady SpringTents

      "Tucked away by the river past Thurmond. Great secluded sites. Trailhead for hiking from camp."

      "There are some right on the river and a couple more set back closer to the trail. Great spot to set up a hammock, go swimming, or walk on the nearby trails if you aren’t climbing."

      Check Availability

      7. Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park

      4.3(9)11mi from Shady SpringRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We stayed a weekend in one of the many cabins at the Campground; pet friendly! The RV/Tent camping sites were closed."

      "This campground rests by Bluestone Lake, which is where the Bluestone River runs runs into the New River."

      Check Availability

      8. Babcock State Park Campground

      4.5(27)22mi from Shady SpringRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."

      "Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"

      from $33 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Rifrafters Campground

      4.5(32)24mi from Shady SpringRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Beautiful area, close to New River National Park. Very accommodating staff. Includes wifi, PBS TV, small dog run, small playground, picnic shelter, laundry, bathhouse, firewood, ice,etc."

      "They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."

      from $15 - $50 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Ace Adventure Resort

      4.6(15)19mi from Shady SpringRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nearby are showers and restrooms. They have individual rooms that can be locked that has the restroom in with the shower stall. Lots of biking and equestrian trails available."

      "The campground is spread around a really big area but it’s very hill-y. Beautiful area. Close to store & restaurants. Staff very friendly. A little pricey but worth it."

      from $15 - $600 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 83 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Shady Spring Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Shady Spring, WV

    79 Photos of 83 Shady Spring Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Shady Spring, WV

    598 Reviews of 83 Shady Spring Campgrounds

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 1, 2021

      Bull Falls Campground — Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area

      Peace & Serenity Here @ Bull Falls Campground

      You’ve struck gold here at Bull Falls Campground if you’re looking to get away from it all, discover solitude in the heart of West Virginia’s lush, verdant nature garden of Eden. Bull Falls Campground in the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area is along the western banks of the New River, far flung from all of the other nearby campgrounds you’ll find sprinkled up and down and around this river basin. 

      This is a fantastic spot for you to bring all your water toys from snorkeling and innertubes to fishing, kayaking and anything else that you want to submerge in this slow moving, tranquil snake-like river. At this campground, there’s about 20 sites or so – very small and not crowded and is open to tent campers as well as campers, trailers and even RV’s.  Campfires and pets are both allowed and there’s plenty of picnic tables.

      Nearby there’s about 4-5 really great hiking trails. Insider’s tip? Right off campsite#14, there’s a great opening that will take you down one of the longer hiking trails, which after about 1 mile or so you’ll come to a small little inlet, perfect for inflating an innertube and floating in isolation with your Bluetooth speaker playing some nice jazz with plenty of coozie-hugging beers from your floating cooler. Also, there’s some really great bird watching in these parts, so bring your binoculars.

      Happy Camping!

    • Amber A.
      Jul. 3, 2016

      Summersville Lake Shelters

      No camping here...

      This lake is lovely but there is no where to camp. Lots of big pavilions to rent. See nearby Battle Run Campground. https://thedyrt.com/west-virginia-camping/west-virginia-battle-run

    • Joseph F.
      Jul. 31, 2018

      Summer Wind RV Park

      Wonderful Little RV Park

      Just a wonderful small RV park in rural West Virginia. We needed to stay overnight and Ann was terrific in finding us a spot to stay in. Great hospitality and reasonable prices for the spots. Absolutely gorgeous views across the pastures and hills. As we were leaving in the morning Ann mentioned we should come down the road to her little shop in the adjacent lot to the RV park. It was a Saturday and we were just driving another 4 hours so we stopped down there. Cute little shop, fresh strawberry jam canned. It was almost lunch so we (Me, wife, and our five kids) had pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and soda pop. Some of the best pulled pork and slaw I've had! Can't speak highly enough of this little RV park

    • Cynthia K.
      Jun. 24, 2025

      Pipestem Resort State Park Campground

      all right

      Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia. 

      We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.

       This park has a LOT of razzle dazzle. A zip line, a golf course, no pool but a splash pad. They also have a tram that's closed right now for refurbishing.

       A lake with fishing & boating. You can rent a boat.

       The Nature Center is nice. The typical stuffed animals. You're not allowed to pet the bear!! 

       Lots of trails. A horse barn. A large "lodge" & cabins for rent. 

      There's 82 sites in the campground. 

      1- 31 have full hookup.

       32- 49 electric only.

       50- 82 water& electric 

      Sites 1-4 are handicapped sites. 

      We were in site 1 by the bathrooms/ showers.

       There are pretty good sites, but watch the site descriptions for the incline. 

      The water/electric sites surround a large field. These sites tend to be sunny.

       1- 49 are in the woods. The sites seem small, but the perimeter sites face the woods. 

      44 is a large site, but the incline is severe, so appropriate for Class B or tents.

      I didn't like site 5 at all. It sits right as the road curves down a hill. 

      The showers/bathrooms were very much on the lower spectrum of state park clean. It looked like they had been remodeled fairly recently, but not cleaned often. The campground doesn't seem to generate the same attention as the rest of the park. There's no DNR presence, no one driving through the campground. We rarely saw any employees checking the bathrooms.

       I would probably not stay here again since we won't be coming this way for a long time.

    • Jonda M.
      Jun. 18, 2019

      Babcock State Park Campground

      Babcock

      Nice campground. The park is spectacular. The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around.

    • Dave V.
      Sep. 1, 2017

      Babcock State Park Campground

      Drop Dead Gorgeous!

      Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect! https://wvstateparks.com/park/babcock-state-park/

      The road in off the highway isn't too long, but it seemed long, winding, and up and down...especially as night fell. Driving backcountry roads in West Virginia, at night, is not my idea of fun, as I had several near misses with Bambi and her roving gang of miscreants...having no regard for traffic laws...and one knock down, drag out with minimal vehicle damage.

      One of the beauties of West Virginia...it is a sparsely populated state with open, unchoked roads that lead to some of the most amazing sights. You must be willing to explore, but you will be richly rewarded.

      In the dark, I did pass the campground signs without seeing them and turned into the State Park entrance...wound around past rental cabins to the park office, so I had to backtrack to the campground, which is located in a different area altogether. Driven during daylight hours, the signs are very apparent...so I'm blaming it on the deer.

      We arrived midweek, the first of May, so we did not reserve a site. The campground has 52 sites, so I thought we would have a good shot as a walk-in. No worries...we shared the campground with two other campers. Our campsite (site 32) was on the inner loop of the main campground loop at sits around 2450 ft elevation. The temperature got down to 30 degrees and frost covered everything. Twenty eight sites have electric hook-ups ($28) and twenty four do not ($25). The inner loop has some mature trees but is wide open and close cut grass...every camper has a view of the other. Even the outside sites on the main loop are visible. The smaller loop to the right as you enter and a few sites to the left sit in slightly more wooded sites...but there is no foliage separating sites. There is also sites on the opposite side of the roadway when you enter the campground, but seem more like overflow sites...and a fair distance to trek for the showerhouse/restroom/laundry which is situated on the bottom of the main loop.

      There is plenty of gravel parking pad for large RV/Campers at all the sites and are angled for trailer back-in. Tent pads are not define and grassy (or a muddy mix depending on weather and usage). Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

      The showerhouse/restroom is located at the front of the loop and was spotless and maintained at the time of our stay...but not climate controlled...as in, not heated. The ladies that keep the park facilities clean worked tirelessly. A very nice activity area for kids sat along the inner portion o the main loop.

      The main entrance to the park offers several cabin rental, from economy to 4 bedroom, the park office/visitor's center/gift shop sit along the river. The park office staff were very helpful, friendly and wear many hats...like most state parks.

      This building and surrounding stone structures, retaining walls, and staircases were built by the CCC and are magnificent and in great shape. The beautiful gift shop was once a former park restaurant of a bygone era.

      Ranger Cochrane was a wealth of information about the park, it's history and neighboring parks. He graciously spent time answering my barrage of questions. Ranger Cochrane was yet another tribute to the fine personnel that WV parks have in place.

      The park office is also the best location for postcard perfect pictures of the raging whitewater and gristmill. While not the original gristmill from this location, three remaining gristmills from around the state were dismantled and rebuilt into one at the present location over 30 years ago. The gristmill was very photogenic in the early Spring, but I can only imagine the splendor when the fall leaves change color.

      Whitewater kayakers were readying to put in on the rain swollen and boulder strewn river that feeds into the New River below.

      Boley Lake, a short drive up the mountain is picturesque and well-stoked with fish. You can paddle the 19 acre lake with personal paddle craft or rent paddleboats, canoes or rowboats from the Boley Lake Marina. Fishing is permitted, but you must have proper licensing...which can be purchased online.

      Trails are everywhere and of every terrain and level of difficulty...over 20 miles of trails total. Babcock State Park is 4,127 acres, so there is plenty to see and do. Bicycling can be done on all park paved and gravel roads (no off-road trails), as well as along the Narrow Gauge Trail. And of course, being not too far from The New River and Gauley River...whitewater rafting is close.

    • Katie M.
      Jul. 11, 2021

      Moncove Lake State Park Campground

      Beautiful Lake Camping

      Moncove Lake is a State Park in West Virginia right over the Virginia border and about 40 mins from Lewisburg in Gap Mills, WV.  This park is off the beaten path, so be prepared to drive a ways on country roads to get there.

      It is a small park, but so beautiful and scenic. There are two campground loops here, one is for electric sites and one is for non-electric. The non-electric site where we stayed are large and spacious wooded sites, some more shaded than others. They come with all the basic amenities of fire pit, picnic table etc. All campsites are walking distance to the lake and they will deliver firewood to your campsite.  The bathrooms are in desperate need an update and a good cleaning.

      The lake is so gorgeous! We brought our canoe and were able to row around the whole lake. They also offer kayak, boat and paddle boat rentals. There is a nice playground for the kids and some great hiking trails. There is a pool here (you have to pay to get in- it's not included if you're camping). Bring cash if you want to swim in the pool. There is no ATM at the campground and the closest town is like 40 mins away. 

      There is no cell or internet service here so we were really able to unwind and relax! Summer camping in the WV mountains is one of my favorite things. No bugs, cool nights, and beautiful views!

    • S
      Oct. 14, 2020

      Summer Wind RV Park

      Peaceful and perfect for an overnighter

      This campground has views of the West Virginia mountains and overlooks a cow pasture. So much fun to stay at. Glad I found this little gem on here and would stop again if headed that way again. 30 am available.

    • Sam R.
      Sep. 10, 2016

      Battle Run

      A campground you must visit

      If your into hiking, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, white water rafting, paddle boarding or just hanging out outdoors battle run is for you. Whether it's weekend camping with friends/ family or some where to crash after a long day on the lake/ river you won't regret staying in beautiful West Virginia.

    Guide to Shady Spring

    Nestled within West Virginia's central Appalachian region, Shady Spring offers camp sites at elevations ranging from 1,800-2,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates across the area. Summer highs typically reach 80-85°F, with evening temperatures dropping 15-20 degrees. The region receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, with heaviest precipitation occurring April through June.

    What to do

    Waterfall hikes: 3-mile round trip to view Mash Fork Falls at Camp Creek State Park. "The waterfalls are easily accessible and were beautiful even without an abundance of water," notes Dawn M. The park features several hiking trails connecting directly to waterfall viewpoints.

    Historic exploration: 45-minute guided tours of underground mine tunnels near Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground. "Take a tour of the mine, museum, and associated villages (both a coal town and an earlier pioneer community). The guides are knowledgeable and friendly," says Jean C., who found the interpretive exhibits particularly informative.

    River kayaking: Class I-III rapids available on the New River near Army Camp Campground. "Area for people to swim in the river or fish. One trail on far side of parking area that I haven't been on yet," reports Billy C. Water levels can fluctuate significantly after rainfall, making river conditions unpredictable.

    Mountain biking: 20+ miles of trails throughout the region, with some of the best routes near Pipestem Resort State Park. "Lots of places to bike ride for my family of young kids (4 & 8)," shares Jennifer S. Trails range from beginner-friendly paved paths to technical singletrack for experienced riders.

    What campers like

    Private wooded sites: Secluded camping spots at Army Camp Campground provide natural buffers between neighbors. "Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles. Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Spots are shaded," according to Caroline F. Many campers appreciate the hammocking opportunities near riverside sites.

    Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk deer sightings common throughout the area. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free! Good amount of spiders and ants but didn't notice any mosquitoes in mid May," reports Rachel S., who spotted numerous deer during her stay.

    Stargazing: Minimal light pollution at most campgrounds in the region. "The night sky was amazingly clear and stars were bright," Kevin A. observed during his visit to Pipestem Resort State Park. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Shady Spring are situated away from major urban centers, providing excellent night sky viewing.

    Free camping options: No-cost sites available at several national park campgrounds. "Free is a big draw," notes Dave V. about Grandview Sandbar. Many free sites include amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets.

    What you should know

    Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate April-October with limited winter facilities. "Just a quick FYI, there is no camping in the winter," reports Shelly S. about Little Beaver State Park. Always check official websites or call ahead during shoulder seasons.

    Flood potential: Riverside camping requires weather awareness at Stone Cliff Campground. "This was a peaceful, nice area but when there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood," warns Chaz M. River levels can rise rapidly during heavy rainfall, especially in spring.

    Road conditions: Narrow, winding access roads to some campgrounds require careful driving. "The road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds," notes Caroline F. about Army Camp. Some roads become particularly challenging after dark or during inclement weather.

    Limited cell coverage: Minimal or no service at most campgrounds in the area. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," mentions Tucker B. Wi-Fi is generally unavailable except at private campgrounds like Rifrafters.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Dedicated play areas at several pet-friendly campgrounds near Shady Spring. "They also had a nicely updated park for the kids to play," Jennifer S. says about Pipestem Resort. Family-oriented activities typically concentrate around developed campgrounds rather than primitive sites.

    Educational programs: Ranger-led activities available at larger state parks during summer months. "The Nature Center is nice. The typical stuffed animals. You're not allowed to pet the bear!!" Cynthia K. notes about Pipestem's interpretive center, which offers scheduled wildlife presentations.

    Kid-friendly hiking: Short, accessible trails suitable for young explorers. "We had site 19, which was the middle of a loop and it was space and flat," reports Kaley A. about Babcock State Park. "Hiking was great and my young children hiked all of it with us."

    Swimming options: Designated water play areas at several locations throughout the region. "During summer months, there are inflatables in a lake, also must pay," notes Swain K. about Pipestem's water recreation opportunities, which provide structured alternatives to river swimming.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling: Many campgrounds require blocking for level setup. "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 with a 23 ft TT and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Little Beaver State Park.

    Hookup configurations: Utilities sometimes positioned awkwardly on campsites. "Our electric post was on the opposite side of our electrical outlet," notes Bruce E. about Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground. Extension cords and longer hoses may be necessary at some locations.

    Dump station access: Limited sewer hookups at most public campgrounds. "Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump," Charlie W. mentions about Little Beaver State Park, which like many area campgrounds offers dump stations rather than at-site sewer connections.

    Pull-through availability: Limited options for larger rigs without disconnecting. "We had site 19 which is one of the few pull thrus. We have a triple axl, had plenty of room and the site is wooded," Heather H. says, highlighting the importance of researching site dimensions before arrival.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Shady Spring, WV?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Shady Spring, WV is Little Beaver State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Shady Spring, WV?

    TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Shady Spring, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.

    Keep Exploring