Camping sites near Weston, West Virginia range in elevation from 1,200 to 1,750 feet, creating varied microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs averaging in the low 80s. The region receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, with heaviest precipitation occurring during spring and early summer.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Stonewall Resort State Park Campground, anglers can target multiple fish species in the lake. "We plan on going up early in the morning hoping to snag a spot. Oh don't forget to hike - beautiful trails with gorgeous views," notes one camper who enjoyed combining fishing with hiking activities.
Wildlife watching: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife viewing, with Tygart Lake State Park Campground providing good opportunities. "We saw deer and a skunk came up to our site twice," reports a visitor who enjoyed the natural encounters at this mountainous location.
Historical exploration: Learn about Civil War history at Bulltown Historic District near Burnsville Lake. "I particularly enjoyed visiting the nearby Bulltown Historic District, which is the location of a Civil Battle War battle where Confederate and Union soldiers fought to control a critical supply route, including a covered bridge over the Little Kanawha River."
Waterfall visits: Several parks feature accessible waterfalls, with varying water levels throughout the year. "Two very nice waterfalls. The first waterfall is on a road right by the modern campground so of course we had to visit," explains a camper about Camp Creek State Park's accessible natural features.
What campers like
Lake access for boats: Bulltown Campground on Burnsville Lake provides direct water access. "We stayed at the waters edge this time. It was nice and quiet, close to the bath house, water fountain and playground. Our site was nice sized and not on top of another," writes one visitor who appreciated the waterfront location.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. "Bathrooms were good, store had basics, sites were decent size with a nice fire pit," notes a Camp Creek State Park visitor, reflecting a common appreciation for well-maintained facilities.
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "We chose what we thought was a flat site along the Left Fork River," writes a Holly River State Park camper, while another adds: "My girlfriend and I stayed at tent site 21 July 26th and 27th and was a good experience overall. We both agreed that we will only camp there if this particular site is open though. It is the tent site with the most privacy."
Year-round camping: Broken Wheel Campground offers one of the few year-round options in the region. "We called the day before we wanted a site. The host was very helpful and polite. We arrived late at night, but she gave perfect directions to our site," reports a winter camper about this accessible option.
What you should know
Lake conditions: Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shorelines. "One sad thing about Tygart Lake: There was lots of trash on the banks when I visited. When I spoke to the park superintendent, he says it washes in during the rainy winter months and becomes visible when the water recedes during the summer months."
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly, with some offering better sites than others. "Loop A and B are closed in the off-season and all other spaces are first-come, first serve. There's a self-serve kiosk where you check-in and pay with cash or check," notes a visitor to Bulltown Camp.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campers report wildlife encounters that require preparation. "We had site 33 (probably the worst site). The entire site was on a slant and covered in rocks. There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in," warns a Tygart Lake camper.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "If you are coming from route 19 north about 10 miles from intestate 79 past the Stonewall Resort there is a huge dip in the road. I missed part of the huge dip that swallowed my camper and left it bouncing around the road," cautions a driver heading to Bulltown Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing: Holly River State Park Campground offers accessible fishing spots. "This campground has plenty to offer for the whole family. The privacy of each site varies, on the weekends it is very busy though. This park has lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, biking, fishing, and horseback riding."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas with various amenities. "There's a boat ramp with fishing and swimming areas within the campground as well as a beach area and fishing about half mile away," notes a visitor to Bulltown Campground.
Playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds feature updated play equipment. "New state of the art playgrounds for the kids. Two exist in the campground and a third playground is located in the Day use picnic area just outside the campground entrance to the left…and a fourth playground in a day use picnic area just below the dam," describes a Riffle Run Campground visitor.
Catch-and-release ponds: Some locations offer guaranteed fishing success for beginners. "I recently went tent camping with my two children and 2 dogs it was a wonderful experience! 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!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites. "Very unlevel spot. Not sure if they are all like this, but it's a big ugh," notes a Flatwoods KOA visitor, while another adds: "The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow."
Water quality issues: Some locations have water quality concerns. "The bedroom water had a lot of iron in it," reports a Broken Wheel Campground visitor, while another RVer at a different location recommends: "Make sure you run the water lines to clear them out before hooking up. The water quality is very poor."
Hookup availability: Audra State Park Campground recently added electrical service. "In mid-May 2018, electric was in the process of being run to nearly all the inner loop and most river sites. Water is still located throughout the park. Two showerhouses have modern conveniences."
Spacing considerations: Site size and proximity vary significantly between parks. "Big/long RV's (driven or pulled) have difficulty navigating this narrow, curvy campground road pocked with rocky outcroppings. Park in the day use parking by the bridge or picnic area and scout it out first to avoid frustration and personal property damage."
Scout
