Best Campgrounds near Wardensville, WV

The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Wardensville, West Virginia, providing multiple camping options within a short drive. Wolf Gap Recreation Area offers nine primitive campsites with tent platforms, picnic tables, and fire rings in a wooded setting. Hawk Recreation Area provides free, secluded camping atop a mountain with basic amenities. Trout Pond Recreation Area, located down Thorny Bottom Road, features both tent and RV sites with some electric hookups, plus access to a clear mountain lake for swimming and fishing. Squirrel Hollow Road offers dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more solitude.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest service roads requiring careful navigation. The gravel road leading to Trout Pond Recreation Area is described as "a bit windy but doable" according to one visitor who recommended approaching "from Wardensville, WV and down 16 rather than trying to cross the mountain." Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from early May through late November, though Wolf Gap remains open year-round. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region, making advance planning essential. Summer temperatures typically range from 60°F at night to 80°F during the day, while spring and fall can bring significant rainfall.

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and seclusion of sites near Wardensville. "The campsite itself is beautifully wooded. Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park," noted one visitor to Wolf Gap. Water features are particularly popular, with Trout Pond offering "crystal clear" water where "the bottom can be seen at depths over 8 feet." Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently spotted at dawn and dusk. While most campgrounds provide vault toilets, shower facilities are limited to Trout Pond Recreation Area. Visitors seeking supplies can find them in Wardensville, which has been "recently re-invigorated and worth a look," particularly the Lost River Trading Post, which offers local goods and refreshments. The surrounding mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities, with multiple trailheads accessible from campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Wardensville, West Virginia (162)

    1. Hawk Recreation Area Campground

    15 Reviews
    Star Tannery, KY
    6 miles
    Website

    "Although it's not immediately convenient to the various hiking trails in the Lee Ranger district of Washington-Jefferson NF, this little site is tucked away atop a mountain far from any crowds."

    "Tent sites are rough, some outside ring sites have tent pads."

    2. Wolf Gap

    20 Reviews
    Basye, WV
    12 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Camped here two nights: first night in main area near bathrooms, second night across the street in the overflow camping area. We actually preferred the second night more than the first!"

    "Easy access to hiking trails."

    3. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."

    "Private showers, no WiFi, firewood on site, lots of shade, trails and walking distance to the river. Highly recommended. Close access to Shenandoah National Park."

    4. The Cove Campground

    15 Reviews
    High View, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 858-2882

    "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."

    "The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."

    5. Creekside Campground

    17 Reviews
    Edinburg, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4299

    $26 - $47 / night

    "We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem. 

    We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."

    "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."

    6. Trout Pond Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Baker, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 897-6450

    $25 - $105 / night

    "There were other trails too. We also hiked the Rockcliff lake trail which was rocky at spots but pretty level. There’s a boat launch for non powered boats, and fishing spots along the lake."

    "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake."

    7. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    44 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"

    "There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."

    8. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    3 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

    9. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    119 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

    10. Elizabeth Furnace Campground

    9 Reviews
    Strasburg, VA
    18 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "In the valley outside of Shenandoah, it was a nice spot to return to at night. There are also some hiking trails across the street."

    "Campground Review:

    What a great find, so close to a town….though feels like you are deep in the forest!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 162 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wardensville, WV

1197 Reviews of 162 Wardensville Campgrounds



Guide to Wardensville

Camping near Wardensville, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "There are numerous hiking trails that vary in difficulty and distance" at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: The nearby rivers provide great spots for fishing. A visitor at Mathews Arm Campground noted, "This park has some good hiking and river access."
  • Cavern Tours: Don’t miss the chance to visit the Luray Caverns. One camper at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages said, "We loved the cavern tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A reviewer at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views mentioned, "Each campsite has a view of the Blue Ridge mountains in the distance."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray appreciated that "the bathrooms were clean and all in working order."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Gooney Creek Campground said, "Pam, our gracious host and CG manager was friendly, helpful and very accommodating."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wolf Gap, do not offer drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "There is no electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm."
  • Crowded Sites: Certain campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Mathews Arm Campground mentioned, "The sites are a little close together, but it was quiet."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. One camper at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground appreciated the "placard fixed to the picnic table at my campsite with bear precautions."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray mentioned, "They offer tons of other adventures like laser tag, arcade, mini golf."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to accommodate families. A camper at Gooney Creek Campground noted, "The spots are very big and you are well spread out."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for some noise, especially near playgrounds. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray mentioned, "If you are looking for a peaceful experience, do not book near any of the play areas."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site sizes before booking. A reviewer at Candy Hill Campground advised, "If you have a small camper... you really need to look at site guides."
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have steep or narrow roads. A camper at Wolf Gap warned, "The road to get here was a little bit treacherous for a vehicle so big."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds that offer the amenities you need. A visitor at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages mentioned, "The campground is situated on a mountain and can be hard to maneuver."

Camping near Wardensville, West Virginia, provides a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wardensville, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wardensville, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 162 campgrounds and RV parks near Wardensville, WV and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wardensville, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wardensville, WV is Hawk Recreation Area Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Wardensville, WV.

What parks are near Wardensville, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Wardensville, WV that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.