Yurt camping near West Milford, West Virginia offers diverse overnight options in the Monongahela National Forest region at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet. The area receives approximately 52 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions and contributing to the region's network of rivers and streams. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, with most primitive campgrounds closing for the season.
What to do
Hiking at Coopers Rock State Forest: Located about 55 miles north of West Milford, this forest offers 50+ miles of hiking trails through diverse terrain. "I participated and helped teach a leadership camp for middle schoolers. The staff was great and the facilities were exactly what we were looking for... We will be back again!" notes a visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest.
River swimming: The Shavers Fork River provides accessible water activities with areas suitable for families. A camper at Five River Campground shared: "We utilized one of the rv sites with 50 amp service and full hookups. The location is amazingly located right on the Shavers Fork river on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it."
Lake activities at Tygart Lake: Just under an hour from West Milford, this 10-mile lake offers boating, fishing and swimming opportunities. "The lake offers great relaxation and the trails around the lake offer pretty views. Only wish that there were more trails available because it's so beautiful in that area!!!" reports a visitor to Tygart Lake.
Winter sports: The region transforms during winter months with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available. While most campgrounds close, some yurt facilities near West Milford remain accessible year-round, like Bigfoot Ridge, which offers a unique winter camping experience.
What campers like
Privacy and campsite layouts: Campground design varies significantly throughout the region. "Our site #37 was near the bathroom which was a plus with kids but did not have a lot of privacy. People were walking right through our site to get to the bathrooms, so weird!" shared one Blackwater Falls State Park visitor. Look for sites away from common paths if privacy matters.
River access: Direct river frontage is highly valued among campers. "We took our kayaks along but opted to drive to the boat launch instead of carrying our kayaks down the trail. It is an option though," explained a Tygart Lake State Park camper about the 200-yard trail from their site to water access.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance varies widely between campgrounds. A Stonewall Resort State Park visitor noted: "Stonewall is a very nice campground with full hookups. Campsites have blacktop pads to park on. Campsites are level tent sites have platforms. Has bathrooms with showers."
Yurt accommodations: Several campgrounds near West Milford now offer yurt camping options. "This yurt is 100% Bigfoot themed and has all the essentials including a shower house with laundry, a creek, and an amazing bed," shared one visitor about their stay at Bigfoot Ridge, highlighting the growing popularity of yurt camping in West Virginia.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons frequently visit campsites at some parks. "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," cautioned a Tygart Lake camper.
Site selection challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. One Revelle's River Resort visitor advised: "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river."
Limited services: Cell coverage and WiFi availability vary significantly. "Spotty phone service. Boat launch is close to campground. There's also a nearby shooting range," noted a Tygart Lake State Park camper.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water issues. "Make sure you run the water lines to clear them out before hooking up. The water quality is very poor," advised a Flatwoods KOA visitor about their experience.
Tips for camping with families
Look for riverside sites: Water access keeps kids entertained. "We utilized the river on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it. We figured the river would be a crowded place since the campground was nearly full and it was hot but we were pleasantly surprised that most of the week we were the only family on the river!" shared a Five River Campground visitor.
Choose campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer programming specifically for children. "Our family loves to camp at this local campground, super clean bathrooms and pool with kids area is so much fun. We had the best time when we camped at there for the fair, it was right next to the campground," noted a visitor at Lone Pine Campground.
Check bathroom proximity: Facilities can be far from some campsites. "The bathrooms are a very far walk from any of the shaded/non-electric sites, and you are not permitted to drive up to them," warned a Tygart Lake camper.
Consider seasonal events: Time your visit with local festivals. "After years of tent camping, this was our first camping trip with camper our and two youngest kids. When we stayed it was cold outside but we had full hook up and were prepared. The lodge amenities are top notch with a heated pool," shared a Stonewall Resort visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have unlevel sites. "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," cautioned a Tygart Lake visitor.
Electrical hookup issues: At some campgrounds, power connections may be problematic. "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time," reported a Stonewall Resort camper.
Water and dump station access: Not all sites have full hookups. "Electricity at sites but no water or sewer. A new section will be opening later this season that will have elec and water," noted a Coopers Rock State Forest visitor about upcoming improvements.
Consider yurt options for RV alternatives: For those wanting an RV-like experience without towing, yurt camping near West Milford provides solid structures with many amenities. Several campgrounds have added these accommodations in recent years with electric hookups and comfortable furnishings.
