Glamping options near Walkersville, West Virginia sit within the northeastern portion of the state where elevations range between 1,400-1,600 feet. The region's Appalachian landscape creates terrain that transitions between river valleys and forest-covered hills. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with several closing during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing in accessible waters: Bulltown Campground offers fishing opportunities at Burnsville Lake with clean and clear water. "Family friendly. Clean campground. Good fishing," notes Andrew S., who visited in 2021.
Kayaking on Shavers Fork: Five River Campground provides direct river access for paddling trips. "The Shavers Fork river (a Cheat River tributary) is also ideal for rafting, tubing and paddling. Most will take out 11 miles downriver before class 3 rapids (and higher) begin," according to Dave V.
Hiking historical trails: Tygart Lake State Park features forest trails that connect to lakeside areas. "Trails to lakeside/shore where campers do swim although no swimming from shore is 'not' allowed. Just be respectful and clean up after yourselves and usually no drama involved," shares a 2022 visitor.
Water activities on Summersville Lake: Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers direct lake access. "We went swimming in lake two days and drove down to Flatwoods for some of the best ice cream you can find at The Spot (UFO and alien sighting location lol)," notes Jeremiah S.
What campers like
Full-service amenities: Flatwoods KOA provides comprehensive facilities despite its wilderness setting. "You check in at the hotel and proceed up the hills to your site. Because it is associated with the hotel, most hotel amenities are available for campers," explains Stacey in a 2021 review.
Privacy and spaciousness: Seneca State Forest offers secluded camping experiences. "One of the best when it comes to size of site, privacy, and remote feel. Firewood is available for small fee. Table, fire pit, and comfortable pad," writes Mike C., who encountered "19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures" during his stay.
Tranquil river settings: Five River Campground features riverside sites with mountain backdrops. "With our tent sitting five feet off a gurgling river with mountains as your backdrop, well...it just doesn't get much better or tranquil," notes Dave V.
Family-oriented activities: Bulltown Campground maintains numerous facilities for children. "A very relaxing, family friendly place to camp! Visited here several times and the campground is always clean. If you have a boat, the lake is a lot of fun play on," says Emily B.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most glamping facilities near Walkersville operate only during warmer months. Tygart Lake State Park Campground runs from "mid April to October" while Mountain Lake Campground operates from "April 15 to October 31."
Limited services: Seneca State Forest requires preparation for remote camping. "There is no cell service within 30 miles, so for an outsider who doesn't know the area, it was difficult to find the campsite. You also better bring everything you need beforehand," cautions Evan G.
Variable site conditions: Flatwoods KOA has mixed terrain quality. "Make sure you run the water lines to clear them out before hooking up. The water quality is very poor," warns Laura H., adding "Our site was flat but pretty unlevel, wasn't a huge concern."
Limited bathing facilities: Many campgrounds have restricted shower access. Mountain Lake has "one single bath house for each level making some sites very far from a bathroom/shower," according to Tamara W., who adds that "the showers are very rough."
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: Mountain Lake Campground offers sites near play areas. "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site," shares Katie J.
Bike-friendly routes: Bulltown Campground provides safe cycling areas for children. "Good shady sites. Good area for kids to ride bikes," notes malena B., adding that "loop C did have a few visits from a skunk but he didn't bother anyone."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Seneca State Forest offers chances to see animals in natural settings. "Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures," reports Mike C. from his campsite.
Weather preparation: Storm readiness is essential when camping in the area. "A huge storm rolled through with 40/50 mph winds. We had a little heads up thanks to buying a day of WiFi but most people were caught flat footed. We saw 30 plus awnings and canopies destroyed," recounts Jeremiah S. from his Bulltown experience.
Tips from RVers
Elevation challenges: Some campgrounds have steep access roads requiring vehicle preparation. "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out. It should be paved, no exceptions for that hill," warns Fred R. about Mountain Lake Campground.
Utility management: Stonewall Resort State Park Campground provides reliable hookups with occasional issues. "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time," reports Tadd and Justin.
Site selection strategy: Jeremiah S. offers specific site recommendations at Stonewall: "I'd recommend sites 1-5, 20, and 39," noting that during his stay "it was cold outside but we had full hook up and were prepared."
Compact spacing: Flatwoods KOA has tightly arranged sites. "My biggest complaint with KOAs is the tightness of the sites - this one was not bad. They had concert pads for the picnic tables (loved that)," explains Ashley H., who appreciated this feature during their Labor Day weekend stay.
Traveler
