Coopers Rock State Forest campground sits at 2,300 feet elevation in the rugged terrain of northern West Virginia. The forest encompasses over 12,000 acres with camping options located near the scenic Cheat River canyon. Temperatures can drop significantly at night due to the higher elevation, even during summer months when daytime highs typically reach the 80s.
What to Do
Hiking to waterfalls: Swallow Falls State Park features Maryland's highest waterfall at 53 feet. According to a visitor, "Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs camped on the site in 1918, and 1921." The trail system connects multiple cascades along a 2-mile loop.
Rock climbing: The sandstone formations at Coopers Rock State Forest provide climbing opportunities with moderate difficulty. A climber notes, "I have been going her for years and I always love to climb this area. The pitches arent too high (50ft) but great just to get out there an enjoy life!"
Boating and fishing: The nearby Youghiogheny River Lake offers water recreation just 30 minutes from Bruceton Mills. A camper at Yough Lake Campground shared, "We camped here with our RV and boat. We stayed creekside to take advantage of the sewer connections. The boat ramp, slips and trailer storage made it an easy boating/camping vacation spot."
What Campers Like
Private camping spots: Swallow Falls State Park Campground offers secluded sites with natural barriers. One camper mentioned, "I gave it a 5 star for many reasons. First the campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground. Secondly, the tent sites were completely level with no need to worry about rolling down a hill in my sleep."
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the region's natural features. A visitor to Rhododendron Camping Area noted, "There was a fire place and a picnic table and an area to park your car. It was walking distance to the beautiful overlook and a great price for what you get."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. A camper at Coopers Rock stated, "The bathrooms were clean and heated to a comfortable level. Showers had great pressure as well. The spots were well spaced out and pretty spacious."
What You Should Know
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active throughout the region. At Deep Creek Lake State Park, "We were told there were regular bear sightings and there were bear boxes at each site; we saw many deer but not a single bear, keeping our zero bear sightings record intact."
Limited services: Many campgrounds have restricted operating seasons. Coopers Rock is typically open from April 1 to October 31, with fall being particularly busy due to foliage colors.
Water conditions: Lake levels can vary significantly. A camper at Yough Lake reported, "This is a smallish campground and there is nothing at all nice about it except for its proximity to Ohiopyle and surrounding area. Unfortunately the lake was dried up- which the folx at the reservations site warned us about."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Benner's Meadow Run offers numerous activities for children. A camper noted, "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had a amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!"
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature beach areas for cooling off. At Swallow Falls, "The kids love the swings and playground also." Some sites offer direct creek access, with a visitor noting their site had "the perfect pathway down to the creek. Very quiet and family oriented."
Educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities during peak season. At Chestnut Ridge Regional Park, a visitor mentioned, "There are XC trails, an old school house and even a stage for the weekend music series performances."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven sites. A visitor to Ohiopyle State Park reported, "Site 166 is not flat what so ever. We recommend checking out cucumber falls, which isn't terribly far away."
Hookup availability: Electric sites are limited at many public campgrounds. At Coopers Rock, a visitor noted, "A new section will be opening later this season that will have elec and water." The campground previously had sites with electric hookups but limited water access.
Winter access: Year-round glamping in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia is available at select locations. Chestnut Ridge Park maintains year-round operations, with a camper noting, "Sites are very large. Water pressure was good. Bath house was clean. The grounds were very clean and well kept."
