Best Campgrounds near Shinnston, WV

Camping near Shinnston, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Rafting on the river: Experience the thrill of rafting down the Ohio Pyle River. One camper mentioned, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town," highlighting the easy access to water activities at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
• Hiking trails: Explore the numerous hiking trails nearby. A visitor at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground said, "The Black Water Falls were also within walking distance and beautiful to see," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• Fishing and swimming: Enjoy fishing or swimming at Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The only thing that I didn’t like was that there were a lot of sharp stones on the bottom of the swimming part of the lake," so be cautious while enjoying the water.

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Audra State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were spotless with tiled floors and walls," which adds to the overall camping experience.
• Privacy between sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness and privacy of the sites. A visitor at Coopers Rock State Forest mentioned, "Beautiful campground with well spaced sites," making it a peaceful retreat.
• Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One review for Five River Campground said, "The owners are amazing and so helpful," which can make a big difference in your stay.

What you should know

• Alcohol policies: Some campgrounds, like Swallow Falls State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, "The campground is dog friendly, but didn’t realize the park is not," so check the rules before you go.
• Limited amenities: Many campgrounds have basic facilities. A review for Red Creek Campground mentioned, "This campsite is a great jumping off point for a number of hikes throughout Dolly Sods," but it also highlighted the lack of modern amenities.
• Crowded weekends: Expect busier campgrounds on weekends. One camper at Tygart Lake State Park Campground said, "The sites are so close together," which can affect your experience if you prefer solitude.

Tips for camping with families

• Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A review for Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "The campground was not as well maintained as other state parks we have visited but not bad," indicating that some sites may be more suitable for families.
• Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground noted, "There is a lot of hiking nearby," which can be great for family bonding.
• Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. One camper at Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Firewood was cheap," so you can focus on cooking and enjoying meals together.

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A review for Coopers Rock State Forest warned, "Beware Site 25! Very hard to get into!" so be cautious when selecting your spot.
• Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Five River Campground said, "Full hook up sites were amazing," which can enhance your camping experience.
• Plan for waste disposal: Ensure the campground has a sanitary dump station. A review for Tygart Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a shop where you could purchase wood and supplies," indicating that amenities are available for RVers.

Camping near Shinnston, West Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning and knowledge, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!