Best Glamping near Terra Alta, WV
Searching for glamping near Terra Alta? The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Terra Alta experience while glamping. You're sure to find glamping for your Terra Alta camping adventure.
Searching for glamping near Terra Alta? The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Terra Alta experience while glamping. You're sure to find glamping for your Terra Alta camping adventure.
Known as the “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands,” Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park consists of approximately 20,500 acres of the state’s finest and most rugged natural beauty. A quick drive from Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV, this park can get you back to nature conveniently. The million annual visitors the park gets act as proof of just how convenient this state park is. Camping at Ohiopyle State Park offers campers 200 campsites at the Kentuck campground, with flush toilets, warm showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and some electric hook-ups. Yurts and cottages are available as well for those looking for a more comfortable stay in the great Allegheny passage. When visiting this state park, campers and adventurers will both notice the mighty Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River flowing through the center of the park. Capitalizing on this, the park offers whitewater boating opportunities for all experience levels. For those looking to stay on dry land, however, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing are all available in the summer months. In the colder months, cross-country skiing and snowmobile riding are available across the park.
$50 / night
$22 - $33 / night
Less than 15 miles from Morgantown, West Virginia, you will find a stunning 12,747-acre protected forest. Coopers Rock State Forest is home to a vibrant stretch of trails and forest that share a border with the canyons of the Cheat River, which is notorious with white water rafters. Besides being a scenic area to pitch a tent, Coopers Rock actually offers a multitude of options for recreation. This includes picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and rock climbing. Visitors who want to use the park for hunting or fishing are asked to obtain the proper licensing prior to arriving. The extra step is worth it though, as the park features a glistening six-acre pond that’s brimming with fresh trout that’s located on the northern side of the forest. Coopers Rock State Forest has been, and continues to be a hugely popular destination with rock climbing enthusiasts. It’s considered one of the best areas for bouldering in the eastern U.S., and there are at least 5 popular climbing sites that are easy to find within the park. Those destinations are Roof Rocks, Upper Rock City, Sunset Wall, Roadside Rocks, and Tilted Tree. If you enjoy winter sports, you’ll be pleased to find that Coopers Rock is also known for its ski terrain in the winter. Be careful, however, as the trails here are known to be best suited for intermediate to experienced skiiers. For those considering trying them out, frequent visitors suggest waiting until the snow is densely packed on, at least half a foot, to avoid injury on the many rocks, branches and roots on the trails below the snow. Breathtaking views atop sky-high cliffs make camping at the park almost a given for visitors. The park offers two different campgrounds, each offering the options of comforts like water and electricity hook-ups, or more traditional tent camping. All accommodations here are first come first serve. McCollum Campground serves as the main camping area and accommodates a total of 25 campsites, each equipped with electrical and water hook-ups, a bathhouse and even wireless internet. Pets are welcome visitors as long as they remain on a leash or crate at all times.
$25 - $35 / night
Nestled in the scenic hills of West Virginia near the Monongahela National Forest, Five River Campground is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends or to meet new ones! Located on the beautiful and serene banks of the Shavers Fork River it is a prime area to relax or invigorate your spirit with activities centered on the outdoors. Five River Campground serves as a base camp for adventure. We are centrally located to many areas that offer exciting and exhilarating outdoor escapades for the novice or expert alike.
Five River Camp Ground has a 84 full service RV/Camper sites with lots of tent sites and a centrally located bath house with unlimited hot showers, modern restrooms, Laundromat, and two dumping stations. Campsite pedestals are 30/50 amp service. The campground is open year round, however the bath house is only available from April 1st through October 31 annually. Nightly reservations are accepted for anytime except July 10th - August 7th due to Pickin' In Parsons Bluegrass Festival.
All campsites are natural grassy areas within walking distance to over 2,500 feet of natural shoreline on the Shavers Fork River.
Furry, Four legged friends are welcome as long as they are well behaved. We also ask that your keep everyones pet safe by leashing, and cleaning up.
$15 / night
Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The park encompasses over 1,800 acres and adjoins Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area and its 3,900-acre man-made lake. Deep Creek Lake camping lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands. Its location at the southernmost end of Meadow Mountain places it west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed. The park gets its name from the lake, which was a hydroelectric project, constructed on Deep Creek in the 1920's by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company. The Deep Creek Lake State Park Complex also includes Sang Run State Park and the Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area. Deep Creek Lake Camping offers 112 campsites, 26 electrics sites, a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and a wildlife resistant food storage box on each site. They also have heated bathhouses, a dump station, freshwater fill up spot, free boat trailer parking, overnight dock slip use, and even some mini cabins and other lodging options! The park itself offers a sandy lakefront area, fishing areas, bathrooms, playgrounds, and hiking and biking trails. All in all, the park encompasses 1,800 acres!!
Features include: 86 basic sites and 26 electric sites Two Mini Cabins - The mini cabins sleep six people and have electricity, heat, (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Pets are not permitted. Includes a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post One Yurt - The yurt sleeps six people and has electricity, heat, (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Pets are not permitted. Includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post Bear Den - A three sided Adirondack-style shelter with the open side facing out into the forest (Site 72). Includes a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, wildlife box, stone fire place and raised sleeping platform Delphia Brant is a pet-free loop Heated bathhouses Dump station Freshwater fill up Free boat trailer overnight parking registration Overnight dock slip use
$21 - $65 / night
This recreation area is part of Tygart Lake
Yough Lake Campground is located directly on the Youghiogheny River Lake, close to Ohiopyle State Park. Yough Lake Campground is a large campground featuring a wide variety of sites including lakefront sites, standard electric sites, walk-to tent sites, and one room cabins. Yough Lake Campground also offers a lakeside swim beach, an amphitheater, and a playground. The campground is perfect for boating enthusiasts. Other amenities include rentals of canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and a two-lane boat launch ramp. The campground provides all modern conveniences like flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, and an on-site dump station.
$29 - $62 / night
Benner's Meadow Run is a fun, relaxing family campground with spacious RV sites, cozy cabins, unique yurts, and private tent sites! Enjoy our fantastic amenities, including fishing ponds, a swimming pool, mini-golf, a brand-new bathhouse, exciting arcade games, volleyball, a dog park, fire pits, and more! Plus, don't miss our themed weekends and year-round kid-friendly activities! Located near Ohiopyle State Park, Fallingwater, and Kentuck Knob, it's your gateway to whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, and fishing. Book your next family adventure today!
Of the 262 campsites, 149 have electric hook-ups. Some sites have full-service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity. The campground has:
Flush toilets Warm showers Sanitary dumping stations Drinking water Pets are permitted in designated sites. Please follow all pet camping rules.
The campground is open from mid-April and closes the third Sunday in October.
Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or one non-family unit limited to five persons, including one responsible individual 18 years of age or older.
The maximum camping period is 14 consecutive nights.
$29 / night
If you’re looking for a place to camp in West Virginia, don’t even bother with this campground, head over to Audra State park instead.
We generally love most camping experiences and make it work, but this one was so bad we left 3 days early. When I kindly called to cancel, the nice Park ranger said he completely understood and would actually refund us for our entire trip (which we didn’t even mention or ask for).
The only good things about this campground were the friendly staff and the updated bathrooms.
Almost all sites are walk-ups, which is NOT noted on their site. Also, almost all sites are on a hill. The pictures do not accurately show this. We had site 33 (probably the worst site). The entire site was on a slant and covered in rocks, I tried to capture it in a picture, but it just doesn’t look as slanted as it feels when you are standing there. There was no flat spot for our 10 x 20 tent, so we had to sleep on an angle. (I felt like I was falling out of bed the whole night!) 33 should NOT be a site.
There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. I wish we were warned ahead of time. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in. Our dog barked the entire night as the racoons kept coming up to our site and even our tent. At one point they even put holes in the outside of our $300 tent!! The next day we tried to make the best of our trip and decided to check out the lake. We had left our cooler and a couple small Rubbermaid bins of food on the table while we headed down for an hour. The car was far and incredibly hot during the day, and we didn’t want to give them any incentive to go after our tent again, so we had no other option. While we were gone the raccoons tore open our cooler, ate some of our food, and scattered the rest of our food and water in the woods. (This is probably why there is so much food that can been seen scattered near the campsites).
The lake was pretty but there was a ton trash all around it, such a shame. I had to pick up a bunch of pieces of glass on the shore of the campground so my dog wouldn’t get hurt. You technically aren’t allowed to swim in the non-beach/swimming area unless you are jumping off a boat, but people were doing it anyway. You cannot bring dogs in the designated swimming area.
While the bathrooms were nice they are a very far walk from any of the shaded/non-electric sites, and you are not permitted to drive up to them. There are only 2 showers. Both were kept clean but had 100’s of little green bugs and a ton of months and mosquitos on the. To get to the bathrooms you must park at the top of the hill and walk down (not a big deal for us, but may be for some).
The electric sites have no shade or privacy, and they are all on top of each other.
The Kentuck campground was fairly empty (except for the yurt areas.) The trails were very enjoyable, as was the Natural Waterslide and Cucumber Falls.
Great site, level and not far from the GAP trail (great Allegheny pass). Fit our yurt shaped tent perfectly, and the bathhouses were close to each site. Definately plan to return.
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to welcome your host, Laurel, to our platform. This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered. Please no alcohol. Friday nights are Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending. Book your stay today and leave them some love!
This is the largest state forest in West Virginia, it has a total of 25 sites that vary in their privacy. Each site has electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire grates, and utility post. The sites in the middle of the loop lack privacy that the outer loop sites have. There is one bath house that has hot showers, flush toilets, water spigots, and now WIFI. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. There are gravel pull-ins for the sites, there are a couple of pull through sites for RVs.
The campground gets busy during the fall because it is so close to Morgantown and Mountaineer games. There are lots of hiking trails, coopers rock is definitely a must to see during sunset. Ravens rock is also a beautiful look out trail. Rock climbers have a lot of rock outcroppings on short trails for climbers to utilize. Fishing, biking, and hunting are also popular activities that can be done here.
This campground is the highest in West Virginia, it has a total of 65 campsites 30 of which are electric and 35 are non-electric. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit, most of the campsites are open and have little privacy from neighbors. No tent pads, but no more than two tents permitted (but may be charged for the second tent). It has a bath house with hot showers, flush toilets, and coin laundry. There is a dumping station. Reservations can be made by phone or at campground registration but is otherwise first come-first serve. Pets are permitted. The sites are $25 a night.
The park has tons of hiking trails to choose from and two viewable waterfalls. There is a lake that is open to swimming, volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts are in the vicinity as well. Fishing is a large draw as well to this area, both catch and release and catch and keep permitted on the Blackwater River.
This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night. Two loops - one with electric sites and one without. Very reasonable rates - $25 for electric ($22.50 with senior discount) plus you don’t need a state parks sticker as you do for other states. Rates are also the same for residents and non-residents. Not all sites are level and some are very close together (which would be good for people camping together). Inside sites have no privacy between them; some of the outside sites have some trees offering privacy. Flush toilets and showers plus coin laundry. Bathrooms were clean but although the showers appeared to have new shower heads, they were a bit sketchy looking (shower shoes would be a definite). Very limited cell service but WiFi is available in the lodge and cabins. Great hiking trails.
West Virginia is a state for anyone who enjoys the outdoors!!!! There are tons of out door activities! We recently camped 3 nights at Canaan Valley! We had a great time! The campsite was full hookup & very inexpensive!!!! Plenty of trees providing shade! There is a little park for the kids, it could use a little TLC! But we didn't spend much time there. There is a huge field that the kids enjoyed kite flying! The staff at the store/check in are very friendly and helpful with area attractions! There is a ton of wildlife in this state park! Deer galore! Someone saw a black bear on the trail (we did not)! Beautiful birds with tons of color! You have access to the pool at the resort (near the hotel)! The bathrooms are less than desirable, but you're good if you have an RV! There are tons of attractions in WV, you may just have to drive. We went to Smoke Hole Caverns and Seneca Rocks for the day, only a 45 minute drive! Well worth it! We will return! Only took off one star b/c of the playground & bathroom! Happy camping!
From white water kayaking and guided rafting trips, natural waterslides, to hiking and biking trails - this park has it all! This beautiful park has something to offer for everyone. The campground is nice with several camping options such as tent, camper, yurt and cabin rentals. They also have hot showers, electric options, and pet friendly areas. They have several seasonal events and festivals that are fun for the whole family. Must respect quiet hours here, rangers patrol frequently. For those who want to have a good time and be noisy and share some adult beverages Scarlett Knob campground May be a better option.
This small campground is just a couple of miles from busy Hwy 68, but amazingly quiet. Sites are average to large, with a few that can accommodate larger RV’s. All have electricity, a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole.
There is almost no privacy between sites, but sites are spacious. The campground is kept very clean. Bathrooms are older, but kept clean and have nice HOT showers. There is also a small laundry room with dishwashing sink behind the bathhouse. Both ice and firewood are sold onsite.
There are many hiking trails in the area, including the very popular Raven Rock trail that leads to an incredible overlook of the Cheat River Valley and Canyon. Also very popular are both the Big Sandy and Cheat Rivers, both within 10 miles to the put ins. Lots of options nearby for just a few hours and/or a full day of whitewater fun.
Morgantown, about 10 miles away, is the closest town and is filled with everything you need. We enjoyed a great cycling day on the Mon River Trail which runs along the Monongahela River, accessible from downtown Morgantown or Star City.
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Campground Review: Canaan Valley State Park and Resort, Davis, West Virginia
The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season. Winter brings copious snowfall and the skiing here draws thousands...downhill and XC. The summer sees backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, gravel grinders, car-campers and RVers. Not only do you have hiking trails here on the State Park location...you can drive up to the nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness Area for camping, day-hikes or multi-day backcountry trips; Blackwater Falls (10 miles north) offers memorable falls, great hikes with long gorge views (Lindy Point a favorite). Even Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob are only 30 minutes or so away. Possibilities are endless in this neck of the woods. This very weekend was to be the Mountainbike Festival, but due to Covid-19, well you know the rest of that story. The Abe Run Trail was a pleasant trail leaving from the campground.
The campground portion is not expansive but 34 sites are situated in three small loops (see photo of campground map). Primitive tent sites don't have water or electric and parking is roadside but you are within 100 yards of the "Comfort Station." The three "tent only" sites have only been around for a couple years...but sites 1 and 2 are in a nice grassy area away from the RV loop 2. Always verify current rates, but June 18, 2020...mid $30's nightly for nonresidents (WV residents get 30% off). Primitive tent sites were $17 a night.
The Resort Lodge, Golf course, swimming pool and a covered ice skating rink (obviously the last three mentioned being seasonal) were further up the windy park roadway. (See rates on park website).
The campground "Comfort Station," is a restroom/shower/laundry and soda machine building. The gender specific restroom/shower rooms each have two wooden stalled modern facility stools, two shower stalls (men's are separated by a shower curtain, women's by a wall); a separate unisex ADA restroom/shower sits adjacent to the men's and appears newer.
The grounds are well-maintained and manicured as are all WV State Parks. Trails are scattered throughout the park. some are foot traffic only, others permit bicycles. The Back Hollow Trail was predominantly a mown grass trail but occasional wooded sections were rocky two-track. This is Wet Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months. I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping. It also still gets chilly in these mountains during the early summer months.
Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening. A kid's playground is situated beside (separated by a field) primitive tent sites 1 & 2.
We spent three days in June and experienced afternoon rain showers daily, but arranged our hikes and bikes around them.
This review reflect the campsite only, not the surrounding area or Dolly Sods, which is beautiful.
This is the most we have spent on a campsite anywhere ($50/night) and the worst. This is frustrating. The video is if site 3. You will notice the nonstop high-pitched whine in the background. It sounds like a leaf blower but is, in fact, a 24 hour a day pump that is working with the two large, rectangular, man made "ponds" directly behind the site, which I assume have something to do with septic. The ponds are surrounded by a tall chain linked fence with barbed wire on top, so this fence is what you see for you entire field of vision at the tent site. The picnic table and fire ring are down a hill and about 50' from the parking area. That could be overlooked, but there is no gravel pad and the picnic area is bare dirt so muddy in the morning. Thankfully it did not rain. Finally, the state employee here at the state park was not wearing a mask both times that we entered the recreation area to check in, but a few supplies, and then see if another spot was available. Just about everyone camping here is over 65 and West Virginia has a mask mandate. After 3 phone calls and 1 stop in at the lodge, we did get a phone call and one night was refunded back to us, which we did appreciate.
Coopers Rock State Forest is located in the northeast area of WV, just east of Morgantown…home of WVU. Easy to access, feels remote, yet close to a great college town.
We camped in McCollum campground within Coopers Rock State Forest. A small campground, but during the week it was quiet while being full. Surprisingly, you had wifi service, which is a modern day miracle, seeing most of WV has "no service" emblazoned across your phone. You have one shower house/flush toilet…but its sufficient. Downside: campsites enjoy no privacy or seclustion…
Trails inside the park are excellent and varied. There are plenty of trails to keep you occupied for a week or more, and the scenary will keep you coming back.
The Raven Rock Trail culminated with an incredible long view of the Cheat River Gorge. You could easily spend an entire morning reveling in the beauty of the gorge and the bluffs offer fantastic photo opportunities…as does Coopers Rock, especially at sunset. A memorable visit.
Much history surrounds this state forest. The Henry Clay Furnace Trail revealed some of the interesting history of the area, prompting you to dig deeper.
At some point during your stay at Coopers Rock, find your way down to Morgantown. Its really a cool town. Take a lunch break at Black Bear Burrito…you will thank me later. For all your outdoor enthusiast needs alot an hour or two for Pathfinder outdoor retailer. The staff were fantastic, knowledgeable of all the surrounding outdoor pursuits and experts of all adventure gear that they sell. If you desire the burger, choose Tailpipes.
We used Coopers Rock as a jump-off point for three weeks of nearby camping and hiking…Lovin' West Virginia!
Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/
Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty.
Most will travel by Canaan Valley State Park entrance and the back road to Dolly Sods Wilderness Area to arrive at Blackwater Falls State Park...but very worthwhile.
This campground is very popular and fills up quickly. I’ve only visited during midweek and prime sites are still difficult to find. Reservations can be made online and are recommended during peak season. Cabins are also available for rental.
The campground office is small but sites are paid for there ($23 non electric/$26 electric)... firewood and ice are available there also.
I’ve only camped in the non-electric loops (to the left). and usually along the far wood line. There are 65 sites in all, less than half offer electric.
Obviously, the biggest draw is the cascading 57ft Blackwater Falls, but there are other smaller falls (Elakala Falls) in the State Park. Trails abound with some pretty incredible long valley views. Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook are two big draws. All worthwhile. Note: The walk down to the bottom of the Blackwater Falls include many steps...not handicap accessible to the lower levels.
The Trading Post by the falls is enjoyable and will satisfy your search for trinkets.
During my stays the campground has been quiet and relaxing. The centrally located restrooms/showerhouse is spartan but clean and well-stocked.
Deer meandered through the unattended Campsites two of my three stays, so it can be very quiet. Trees exist on outside perimeter sites that can be utilized for hammocking...and some inner loop sites. The sites have level grassy areas for tents...parking pads are all fairly sufficient for pop-ups or moderate-sized campers. On my visits, RV/campers were primarily in the loop to the right of the office.
The nearby town has a small grocery store and several fantastic eateries.
Canaan Valley has 3 loops of sites with hookups as well as a few primitive tent sites. There’s a centrally located bath house with flush toilets and hot showers. Many of the sites are pull-through with parking parallel to the loop road. I was on the last loop in a pull-through site and the main campsite area with picnic table and fire ring were several steps below the parking pad. I was here in April. When I made my reservations, I could only find a site for Friday night, so I went ahead and reserved it, but kept checking back. A few days prior to my arrival, a different site opened for the entire weekend. I couldn’t switch, but I went ahead and reserved the Saturday night at the newly open and then reached out via email to the resort. They were able to change my Friday night reservation to the same site so that I would not have to relocate in the middle of my stay.
The Canaan Valley area is beautiful and is one of West Virginia’s State Resorts, offering far more than just a campground. Many of the facilities were not yet open fully, but the chairlift to the summit at the ski area was open on weekends. There are a number of nearby parks and forests worth exploring: Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods Wilderness, Smoke Hole Canyon, Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks are all within~1 hour drive. You can also stay put at the resort and hike, bike, golf(including mini-golf), swim, geocache, or stargaze. There’s a large open field with a play area near the campground. On of the one clear night I was there, the sky was brilliant.
The only downside was that there was an event of some sort taking place the morning I left and the racket from the loudspeaker carried over to the campground. I picked up some ice cream at the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, WV on my way to the campground. This place also offers live music. There is an assortment of restaurants in Thomas and Davis.
First, I must say, we did not anticipate camping, hiking or rafting in Pennsylvania. The plan was to camp and hike throughout West Virginia, but when we visited Pathfinder outdoor retailer in Morgantown, WV the staff encouraged us to check out Ohiopyle, while we were so close.
Traveling to Ohiopyle, PA from Coopers Rock State Forest, WV…the drive was enjoyable and took less than an hour. Our plan was to visit and drive back and resume camping at CRSF. Upon arrival, we were so stunned and enamored by the beauty of the area…we quickly secured a campsite in Kentuck…then drove back to CRSF and tore down camp.
Kentuck Campground is a very nice campground, the sites are plentiful, and though there are many…there is enough foliage that separate campsites that it feels somewhat private. (That is, until discourteous fellow car campers selfishly disregard quiet hours…but hey, that can…and often does…happen anywhere). One gripe at several campgrounds we visited on this monthly foray…it all seemed to be self-governing…no rangers or enforcement…possibly due to limited funding…I found it stressful. That's the only negative…everything else was…in a word a…blast!
Ohiopyle is a trendy, hip little town…like Boulder East. Running smack dab through the center of town is the Youghiogheny River…Yough for short. A picturesque waterfall, numerous outdoor retailers, bicycle & raft rentals, peaceful trails and a sweet, cutting edge visitor/nature center.
You could easily spend a week here and not exhaust all there is to see and do. The town is tiny, so you cannot miss the plethora of outfitters down every street. Of the numerous cool outfitters, we chose Wilderness Voyageurs across the river, over the tracks and to the right. Time and finances limited us to a "family friendly" float self-guided raft down the Middle Yough…laced with minimal Class 1 and 2 rapids, which I would classify as riffles. The float took three hours, was relaxing, serene and full of solitude.
The Ferncliff Trail loops around the inside of the Yough as it does a near 360 in town. Gentle terrain along the falls and then through moss covered forest.
Just outside town as you climb the hill, to the left is Sliding Rock. Get there early to get a parking spot…and then look forward to having some serious liquid fun. A natural water slide extends around 100 feet as it winds through the rock. Wear sturdy shorts and shirt…I'd also recommend solid footwear…its fun but it is still rock.
As you journey further up the mountain toward Kentuck campground, Cucumber Falls is on the right. Again, get there early for one of the few parking spaces to walk down to the falls. In early August, the falls were not flowing heavy so it wasn't as spectacular as it would be after rains or in the spring. If you are looking to take photos, you will contend with people wading under the falls later in the day.
The local outfitters are a wealth of information for places to go.
From the campground trails head mostly straight down the mountain to the river or to the Great Allegheny Passage mult-use trail…that also runs through Ohiopyle. So give yourself time to climb them, as there are many switchbacks…pretty much straight up…but doable.
Bottom line…Pathfinder staff tips were spot on and we had a memorable time. I gave four stars for Kentuck Campground. I give 5 stars plus…for Ohiopyle!
Logistically, this park can be a challenge to reach for riders along the GAP trail, unless you’re willing to push it. The campground is between 500-700 vertical feet above the former railroad line. Options to get there include the steep walking trail where bikes are allowed to be walked but not ridden, riding the 3.5 miles along the road, also very steep, or taking a shuttle from downtown Ohiopyle. Let me just preface this with the fact that this was the hardest part of the trail for us. Maybe it was our low energy that day, maybe we just needed an extra coffee, but with our loaded bike and bike trailer, this hill kicked our butts! Check out our video for details.
We stayed at the very top of the campground in the walk-in sites. They were fine, tucked into the trees, so we had some privacy although access to other sites lies right along the same trail so you do get to see your neighbors on a busy night. Most of the sites in this area of the campground lacked level ground for the tent, but if you are as a tired as we were, you'll sleep well anyway.
Bathrooms, well, let’s just say that their heyday was around 1982 and the backlog of maintenance must be high. It’s not the worst I’ve ever seen, it’s just in a sad state of peeling paint and cobbled together plumbing repairs. Some things worked well, like the awesome dishwashing sink and the copious amounts of hot water. All the park’s literature claimed that this was one of PA’s most popular parks. If this is their pride and joy, well, pony up tax payers because it’s time to do some work. All this being said, the rest of the campground was in really good shape, and the Yurts looked lovely (and are very popular).
The surrounding area is truly gorgeous, worth exploring the gorge, taking a rafting/kayaking trip, hiking, cycling, etc.
Very large park with a variety of campsites ranging from tent, 20/30 amp, 50 amp, and yurts. Price is the same for all electric sites, regardless of amperage. There is a 40-foot maximum vehicle length allowed in the campground– not a problem for our 17-foot van but the staffer who checked us in remarked that many people come in with larger rigs trying to squeeze in and are unable to. We had no problem securing a site with no reservation on a Monday evening after Labor Day. Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters. Other things to do in or near the park include whitewater rafting, rail trail biking, hiking, zip-lining and touring Laurel Caverns. The nearby town of Ohiopyle has many outfitters and several restaurants. The sites are all located on roads leading off the main road; we stayed in a 20/30amp site on Cherry Road (Site 49). It was right next to the bathroom which was good and bad. Good for proximity but bad because we could hear the hum quite clearly. Also, the door to the women’s room would hit you in the rear quite forcefully unless you held onto it (it took me three times to remember to do this)! There was a dishwashing sink in the women’s room (and I’m assuming in the men’s room?); it was very clean, but the only downside was having to do the dishes by myself! Alcohol is prohibited. Only certain areas allow pets. Only one garbage/recycling station outside of the campground. Wood and ice are available 24/7 on the honor system– very nice not to have to wait until a host is on duty to get what you need. Quiet hours 9 pm-8 am, a bit longer than most campgrounds but except for some sites with campfires still burning with people talking, it was very quiet in this campground. Surprisingly strong cell signal for being deep in the woods.
Camp ground was just a few minute drive away from the entrance to the trail. Trails were easy enough for kids.
Camp site itself was nice and clean but felt a little too close to each other. We had a water pump on the site.
Bathrooms were clean enough.
The cabins were exactly what we needed. Cheap, easy to reserve, and ability to have a nice fire outside. Great park with beautiful falls!
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. Thirdly, the campground was so close to the nature that we wanted to see. We went to see the falls and they were within walking distance from our campsite. Overall, it was an awesome place to camp. The grounds had paths everywhere and were well kept. I didn’t feel like I was walking in the dirt or through someone’s campsite to get to the bathroom or the playground for the kids. It was our first camping here and in Maryland for that matter, and we would love to go back.
Site Details: We stayed on site#40 in the Garrett Loop. It is one of only three FHU sites in this loop(the rest are primitive tent sites). The site was level, spacious, beautifully shaded, and convenient to the bath house. In fact, almost every site on the inside of the loop had its own little direct pathway to the bath house. The camping loop in general was beautiful, quiet and heavily forested. I don’t think there was a bad site in the whole loop.
Facilities/Overall Park: This park very quickly rose to the top of our list of MD state parks. The trails to the namesake falls are beautiful and very family-friendly, with lots of helpful signage. However, the parking lots and trailheads were PACKED on the weekend, so if you’re a day tripper, get there early! The bath house was meh, but it didn’t matter much to us since we had hookups.
Surrounding Area/Attractions: The neighboring sister park, Herrington Manor, has full-service deluxe cabins and a nice swimming beach. Also, be sure to hit the nearby Rock Maze trail, especially if you have kids. Swallow Falls is also very convenient to the Deep Creek area, with all the touristy things of a lakeside resort town. Check out Lakeside Creamery for some awesome ice cream!
Overall, this was a gorgeous, well-maintained park, with plenty to keep us busy in the park and surrounding area. We already have a return trip booked for next year!
We love this park! We have camped and stayed in a camper cabin. We love camping in the trees that provide some privacy. At night time, the owls hoot away. The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean. I like that the campground is dog friendly, but didn’t realize the park is not. The waterfall trails are beautiful and a sight to explore. Definitely recommend this park!
Nice park although the sites we saw weren't very level. The campground map I saw, I believe, said 84 campsites in the park and only 6 electric (& water). Decent cell service although on the low side, bar wise. Beautiful falls and trails.
The campground had modern shower houses, although we did not use them. The park attendees were above standard, if not just down right great! From the young ladies in the registration office to the Ranger, finding us a parking spot for our 26' coach so we could tour the falls. Hats off to them. Super, super!
When I was a kid this was the best place to go but nowadays everyone is too close not enough privacy/or peace and quiet as I remember.
Booked a cabin for thanksgiving and it was almost entirely empty but for the other couple cabins. Snow on the ground and the Canton Falls hike was super busy. The outdoor sink has been removed (freeze prep I imagine) which was the only trouble we had. Our first cabin experience was otherwise excellent. So many stars were visible on clear nights. Weekend hunting could be heard every morning. If we needed a supply the camp store was open 8-4 with minor provisions but small towns were about 25 minutes away. Not super far from Deep Creek so we may try again in warmer weather.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Terra Alta, WV is Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 80 reviews.
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