Best Campgrounds near Thomas, WV

Several campgrounds encircle Thomas, West Virginia, a small mountain town situated in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground provides both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, while nearby Canaan Loop Road offers free dispersed camping options in a more primitive setting. The area supports a range of accommodation types, from basic tent camping to full-service RV sites with hookups, as well as cabins at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground and glamping opportunities at Five River Campground.

The campground landscape near Thomas experiences significant seasonal variation, with many facilities operating only from April through October. "The park is gorgeous with many great trails and overlooks! If you are going through WV you need to stay here!" noted one visitor about Blackwater Falls. Water and electric hookups are available at several established campgrounds, though placement can sometimes be challenging, with some sites reporting hookups on the "wrong side" for RVs. Elevation changes affect temperatures year-round, with higher elevation sites remaining cool even during summer months. Cell service varies throughout the region, with Blackwater Falls reporting reasonably good coverage for both Verizon and AT&T users.

Public lands surrounding Thomas include multiple dispersed camping areas that receive consistently high ratings from visitors seeking more remote experiences. Dolly Sods Backcountry provides free primitive camping with a perfect 5.0 rating from reviewers who appreciate its natural setting, though it lacks amenities like drinking water and toilets. A recent review emphasized that "the trails lead through incredible flower laden sections to incredible views!" when describing the area around Blackwater Falls. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common at several campgrounds, with some visitors reporting regular encounters during morning and evening hours. Campers seeking both convenience and natural experiences can find sites ranging from fully-developed campgrounds with showers and electric to remote backcountry locations within a 30-minute drive of Thomas.

Best Camping Sites Near Thomas, West Virginia (138)

    1. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 259-5216

    $50 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Five River Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parsons, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-3515

    $15 / night

    "This is a hidden gem right outside of town. We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups."

    "It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town."

    3. Red Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Cabins, WV
    12 miles
    Website

    "I stayed two nights at site 2 which is tucked away from most of the other sites, save for one close by."

    "It is away from everything and it is surrounded by a ton of hiking trails. Great camping, great hiking."

    4. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"

    "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites."

    5. Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 866-4121

    $20 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    6. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 257-4488

    "We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow."

    "Having visited Dolly Sods numerous times at the Red Creek Campground, using that as the base camp to launch off to explore the myriad of trails."

    7. Horseshoe Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Thomas, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2481

    $17 - $85 / night

    "Great place to connect with family in the wide open spaces of West Virginia. Very nice bathroom facilities,no bath house but plenty of water."

    "If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites"

    8. Seneca Shadows

    32 Reviews
    Seneca Rocks, WV
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-3082

    $17 - $65 / night

    "I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen."

    "West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it."

    9. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hendricks, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 328-1840

    $20 - $55 / night

    "includes 14 camping sites(firepits, slabwood benches, parking, and future picnic tables), 5 primitive shelter cabin sites(10x`12 lofted barn cabins with hasp for your padlock), and a 5 short term RV sites near"

    10. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    7 Reviews
    Harman, WV
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "No one next to me. There were a couple of small groups, like two rigs together. Nice and quiet. A few friendly fishermen each day, sharing local knowledge."

    "I didn't pull in until close to 11 PM, but a couple notes on what I could see. There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there."

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Showing results 1-10 of 138 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Thomas, WV

693 Reviews of 138 Thomas Campgrounds



Guide to Thomas

The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Thomas, West Virginia, creating a lush wilderness camping environment at elevations between 2,800 and 4,300 feet. This high-altitude location stays 10-15 degrees cooler than lower regions during summer months, making it a popular destination for those seeking relief from heat. The area's remote camping locations often experience significant fog and mist, especially in morning hours.

What to do

Enjoy riverside recreation: At Five River Campground, campers can fish, tube, and paddle the river. "We walked up river to the end of the property and were able to tube down to the lower end of the property. The view and sunsets over the river made for gorgeous pictures. We also spent a little time fishing," shares one visitor who stayed for a week.

Explore diverse ecosystems: The unique landscape around Dolly Sods offers distinctive vegetation zones unlike anywhere else in the region. "With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana," notes one backpacker.

Go stargazing: Clear mountain nights provide excellent stargazing opportunities. At Seneca Shadows, "With no ambient light, the night skies are amazing." Another camper at Blackwater Falls State Park mentioned, "The sky was absolutely perfect to view from the campground - you could bring a telescope!"

What campers like

Easy access to small towns: Nearby communities offer cultural experiences within minutes of wilderness camping. One Blackwater Falls State Park visitor appreciated "spending the day in Thomas looking at local art & antiques. The evening in Davis eating at hellbender burritos." The campground serves as "a central location to some of the best of our state."

Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common at most campgrounds in the region. A Canaan Valley visitor noted, "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening." At Seneca Shadows, one camper described how "we were so quiet, several deer passed between us within arms reach" while stargazing.

Temperature comfort: The higher elevations provide natural cooling during summer months. "We visited in August and the weather was lovely," reported one camper at Canaan Valley. Another mentioned, "even though the weather was in our favor, at night there is extreme winds and it's enough to completely destroy your tent" - highlighting the importance of proper gear.

What you should know

Seasonal road conditions: Winter access requires preparation and appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Canaan Loop Road warned, "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered. It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road."

Cell service variability: Communication access varies dramatically by location. Five River Campground boasts "great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable," making it unique among wilderness camping options.

Water challenges: Many trails and camping areas experience persistent mud and water issues. A Dolly Sods visitor shared, "Be advised that during the summer lots of rain fall so trails will be muddy and some trails almost completely underwater, Dobbins Grade is one of the trails that typically is wet and muddy most of the summer and fall."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping options near Thomas, WV?

Thomas, WV is surrounded by excellent camping destinations. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground in nearby Davis offers scenic camping with access to the iconic waterfall and extensive hiking trails. The area also features Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground with three loops of hookup sites, primitive tent sites, and a central bathhouse with hot showers. For those seeking more rustic options, check out Dolly Sods Wilderness Area for backcountry camping, or the budget-friendly Eagle Rock Campground along the river. Most campgrounds in the region are open seasonally from spring through fall, with winter closures common due to harsh weather conditions.

What amenities does Momma Tried Campground offer near Thomas?

While specific information about Momma Tried Campground isn't available in the reviews, the Thomas area offers several alternatives with known amenities. Seneca Shadows provides both standard sites with gravel pads, water, and electricity in the front section, plus more scenic tent camping areas with breathtaking views. For a more rustic experience, Eagle Rock Campground offers basic riverside camping for just $10 per night with a self-pay system. Most campgrounds in the region provide access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. For verification of Momma Tried Campground's specific amenities, contact the local tourism office in Thomas.

What camping is available near Thomas, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Thomas, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Thomas, WV and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Thomas, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thomas, WV is Blackwater Falls State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thomas, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Thomas, WV.

What parks are near Thomas, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Thomas, WV that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.