Camping options near Waverly, West Virginia range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks within 25 miles of town. The region sits within the Appalachian Plateau with elevations between 600-1,000 feet, creating varied terrain with dense woodlands intersected by numerous creeks. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Freshwater fishing: Lakes and ponds throughout the area offer multiple fishing spots. At Forked Run State Park Campground, visitors can fish in a lake containing unique wildlife. One camper notes, "What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish. These type aren't able to sting you."
Disc golf: 18-hole course available at Forked Run State Park, approximately 20 miles from Waverly. A visitor mentioned, "There is plenty to do with fishing and hiking. A lot of people in the area mainly go for swimming or to play frisbee golf."
Hiking trails: Multiple difficulty levels available at Burr Oak State Park Campground, located about 30 miles southeast of Waverly. "The hiking trails are good, the lodge has been renovated, however, I have not stayed there since the reno. Fairly remote, cell service is dicey but if that is what you are going for, you will be pleased," shares a regular visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern amenities at many campgrounds despite rural settings. Ashland RV Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Large open campground minutes from downtown Marrietta OH owner and Staff are very friendly and easy going! Clean, nice newer bath house. With laundry large shelter house," reports one camper.
Waterfront access: Swimming areas with designated beaches. A camper at Forked Run describes, "The lake was nice but I am not sure if they recently had some weather that caused it to be pretty brown/muddy, or if that's normal."
Quiet atmosphere: Less crowded campgrounds especially during weekdays. One visitor to Hook Lake Campground shares, "This campground was very quiet, lots of shade (not ideal if you are running on solar only). The DNR make rounds on a regular basis."
What you should know
Facility conditions vary: Many sites need updates across different campgrounds. At Forked Run State Park, a camper reports, "This park campground is nice, but lost in time. Outhouses are gross. Usable, but gross. No water hook ups, but a place to fill your tank behind water fountains."
Off-grid preparation: Limited cell service in most areas. At Burr Oak State Park, visitors note, "Fairly remote, cell service is dicey but if that is what you are going for, you will be pleased. Beautiful scenery. Fall is a good time to visit."
Weather impacts: Rain can affect camping quality at many sites. A camper at Strouds Run State Park Campground mentioned, "In mid April 2023 I arrived late afternoon and there were TONS of spots available. Happy with the spot I picked. There was some noise from other campsites, but overall not terrible."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Sandy swimming areas available at multiple locations. A camper at Forked Run notes, "The park has a 400-foot sandy beach... There is a beach volley-ball area, and bathrooms."
Playground access: Play areas for children at select campgrounds. At Lone Pine Campground, a family reports, "Our family loves to camp at this local campground, super clean bathrooms and pool with kids area is so much fun."
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to see deer and other animals. A visitor to Hook Lake Campground shared, "We see deer almost every evening. There are a couple hiking trails nearby which have incredible rock formations in the gorges."
Tips for RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. A camper at Forked Run warns, "Camping is deserted pretty much on weekdays and on weekends the same people camp in the same spots a lot, probably because most spots are not level."
Year-round options: Seasonal considerations for glamping close to Waverly, West Virginia. Shadow Lake RV Resort offers accommodations throughout winter. "We came to Shadow Lake in October to camp for the month. To get here, you must drive through the rolling hills of Southern Ohio, which is absolutely gorgeous in October!"
Electric-only sites: Limited full hookups at state parks. At Burr Oak State Park, a visitor notes, "There are some really beautiful sites, but there are only a few with electric. The addition of concrete pads and electric would improve the campground considerably."
