Best Campgrounds in West Virginia
The mountainous terrain of West Virginia provides diverse camping experiences ranging from developed state parks to remote wilderness sites. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground in Davis offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and modern amenities, operating from late April through October. Seneca Shadows, located in Monongahela National Forest, features spectacular views of Seneca Rocks with separate areas for RVs and a large tent-only meadow. Harpers Ferry Campground serves as a convenient base for Appalachian Trail hikers and history enthusiasts, with proximity to the historic town and water activities on the Potomac River.
Weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions throughout the state, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. As one camper noted, "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts, but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt." Many campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October or early November, with limited winter options. Cell service remains spotty or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly in the mountainous regions and along trails. Winding mountain roads can be challenging to navigate, especially after dark, with several reviewers mentioning wildlife encounters while driving to campgrounds.
Wildlife sightings rank high among visitor experiences, with deer commonly observed at dawn and dusk. Bears are present throughout the region, requiring proper food storage precautions. According to a visitor at Greenbrier River Trail, "This is bear country, so we kept all our food items and toiletries in a bear cannister during our trip." Riverside campsites are particularly sought after, with locations along the Greenbrier River and near Spruce Knob Lake receiving consistently positive reviews. The state's extensive rail-trail system provides unique bikepacking and camping opportunities, with primitive sites positioned along former railroad corridors. Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at state parks despite limited budgets, with clean bathrooms and helpful staff highlighted in numerous reviews.
