State parks and forests surround Terra Alta, West Virginia, with elevations reaching 2,500 feet in the Appalachian Plateau region. Located in Preston County, this area experiences four distinct seasons with abundant rainfall, making spring camping muddy but rewarding with wildflower displays. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, requiring campers to prepare for cold-weather conditions.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Swallow Falls State Park Campground, explore multiple waterfall views on well-maintained paths. "The falls are beautiful and the trails are well kept. My kids love the swings and playground also," explains Dale O. The park features Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland's largest waterfall at 53 feet high.
Fishing opportunities: Access trout and smallmouth fishing spots at Five River Campground where the Shavers Fork River provides ample angling options. "The river is fantastic and holds trout and smallmouth for those that like to fish," reports a camper. Many sites allow you to camp within sight of prime fishing locations.
Rock climbing excursions: Test your climbing skills at Coopers Rock State Forest where outdoor enthusiasts find moderate difficulty routes. "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!" shares Nick P. Climbing areas remain accessible from April through October.
What campers like
Level tent sites: Many campers appreciate flat, stable camping surfaces at Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground. "Camp site was pretty small and close to each other. The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful. We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night," notes Simon S. The sites include fire rings and bear-proof food storage containers.
Clean bathroom facilities: Well-maintained facilities rank high on camper satisfaction lists. "The bathrooms were quite possibly the cleanest camp bathrooms I've ever come across," mentions Lee Anne H. about Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground. Similarly, shower facilities receive regular cleaning at most established sites in the region.
Privacy between sites: At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, campers note good separation between sites. "This is one of my absolute favorite places in WV to camp. It is quiet and the campground is not too large, it's not stuffed with RV's and screaming children. The sites are reasonably sized, and well spaced," writes Kellie A. Most sites include natural vegetation buffers.
What you should know
Bear activity considerations: Bear sightings occur regularly throughout the Terra Alta region. "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," reports Lee D. from Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground. Store all food in provided bear boxes or secure containers.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across camping areas. "We did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped," notes Kevin H. at Coopers Rock State Forest, but many other sites have minimal or no reception.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds near Terra Alta operate seasonally. Most state parks close from late October through mid-April. "The park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day so I imagine this campground would yield a very different experience in the height of summer!" explains Lee D.
Reservations recommended: Popular weekends fill quickly at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities!" shares one camper. Book sites 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play," mentions Kevin H. about Coopers Rock State Forest. Some parks include sports fields for additional recreation options.
Nature programs: Look for ranger-led activities at state parks. "We visited Swallow Falls over Labor Day Weekend 2016. We had an awesome corner campsite. The campground was quiet, regardless of it being a holiday weekend with lots of kids around," notes Erin O.
Level sites for setup ease: Families with young children should seek flat camping spots. "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, I slept great," explains Mike B. about Swallow Falls State Park.
Swimming areas: Tub Run Rec Area Youghiogheny River Lake offers family-friendly water access. "We had such a relaxing time there. The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentlas on site," shares Natalee M. Most lake swimming areas include designated shallow sections for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Electric sites cluster in specific areas at most campgrounds. "The RV lots were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently. The bathrooms were clean and heated to a comfortable level. Showers had great pressure as well," notes Mike G. about Coopers Rock State Forest.
Dump station access: Plan for limited sanitation facilities. "Dump station on the way out," reports Josh W. about yurt camping options at Terra Alta, West Virginia campgrounds. Most state parks feature a single dump station that can create morning backups during busy checkout times.
Site leveling considerations: Many RV sites in the mountainous terrain require leveling. "This is a smallish campground and there is nothing at all nice about it except for its proximity to Ohiopyle and surrounding area," cautions one camper about site conditions. Bring leveling blocks for most regional campgrounds.
Water connections: Not all electric sites include water hookups. "The spots were well spaced out and pretty spacious, the site we were in had electric hookup for 50a/30a/20a but no water at the site but there was water near the bathroom area," explains Mike G. about Coopers Rock State Forest.
