Camping sites near West Milford, West Virginia feature a mix of primitive riverside spots and modern campgrounds across elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,750 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, with higher elevations experiencing cooler overnight conditions even during peak season. Access roads to many campgrounds involve navigating narrow, winding mountain roads that can become challenging during wet conditions.
What to do
River recreation: tubing and fishing: At Audra State Park Campground, campers can enjoy the clear waters of the Middle Fork River. "The most scenic campground I have stayed in to date. The whole things is along a beautiful crystal clear river that runs along large rocks. There is great trout fishing in the area and great hiking trails within the park," notes Joshua E.
Hiking diverse trail systems: Several campgrounds offer trails ranging from easy riverside walks to more challenging mountain routes. A reviewer at Five River Campground explains, "Lots of happy, courteous kids and well-behaved dogs on leashes. Our pups loved it, especially swimming! There are a ton of hikes within 30 minutes, and we checked out Douglas Falls."
Mountain biking access: Camp Ara provides direct trail access for cycling enthusiasts. "Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!" shares Jenn C. Some trails connect to larger regional trail systems across the Monongahela National Forest.
What campers like
River views from campsites: Many campers specifically seek riverside camping options. At Tygart Lake State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "My girlfriend and I stayed at tent site 21 July 26th and 27th and was a good experience overall. We both agreed that we will only camp there if this particular site is open though. It is the tent site with the most privacy and it is the only one on that side of the road which made it nice."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high on camper priorities. A Five River Campground visitor noted, "The grounds are beautiful, staff amazing. Bath houses were spotless. Exercise area for pets is huge. Within five minutes a local grocery store."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access. At Family Fishing N' Camping, a reviewer simply stated, "There is great fishing and the staff and people are very accommodating." Many local waters are stocked with trout and contain smallmouth bass.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds have sites with limited privacy. A visitor to Tygart Lake noted, "The electric sites have no shade or privacy, and they are all on top of each other." Look for sites along the outer edges of loops or in wooded sections for more seclusion.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report active wildlife, particularly after dark. "There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. I wish we were warned ahead of time. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in," reports one Tygart Lake State Park visitor.
Site availability patterns: Most campgrounds near West Milford follow first-come, first-served policies. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, a visitor advised, "Nice weekends from May to October fill up fast and Day Use areas are packed full. The park may start the reservations program in the future, but it's first come-first served presently."
Tips for camping with families
Playground and swimming access: Several area campgrounds offer dedicated recreational spaces for children. At Broken Wheel Campground, a family noted, "The catch and release pond was a wonderful place to take kids to learn and guarantee to catch a fish with worms. We also found newts! Plenty of trash cans around and a nice park to play at."
Pick sites near bathrooms: When camping with young children, bathroom access becomes important. One Tygart Lake visitor recommends, "It's right by the ranger shack and closest to the bath house, nice for night time walking to bathroom."
Bring alternative entertainment: Mountain weather can be unpredictable with sudden rainstorms. At Stonewall Resort State Park Campground, visitors appreciate indoor options: "It has everything from an Arnold Palmer golf course, to hike/bike trails, to any type of water activity possible on a lake, as well as various indoor facilities to enjoy during inclement weather."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many West Virginia campgrounds feature sloped terrain. One Tygart Lake visitor warned, "Almost all sites are on a hill. The pictures do not accurately show this. We had site 33 (probably the worst site). The entire site was on a slant and covered in rocks."
Electric hookup positioning: Some campgrounds have unusual hookup configurations. At Blackwater Falls, a reviewer noted, "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side. The dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing."
Road access considerations: Larger rigs face challenges on mountain roads. An Audra State Park visitor cautioned, "Big/long RV's (driven or pulled) have difficulty navigating this narrow, curvy campground road pocked with rocky outcroppings. Park in the day use parking by the bridge or picnic area and scout it out first to avoid frustration and personal property damage."
