6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Grand Vue Park accommodates tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin seekers with pet-friendly options throughout its facilities. All 40 full-hookup RV sites welcome pets within the gated campground area, featuring paved access roads with gravel pads. Visitors praise the clean bathhouses and note the campground staff delivers firewood directly to sites for $20. Barkcamp State Park Campground in nearby Belmont, Ohio also permits pets throughout its camping areas, though campers report many sites have significant slope issues that can make level setup challenging. Both locations provide picnic tables and fire rings at most campsites, with electric hookups available. The RV sites at Grand Vue include both 30-amp and 50-amp options with water, sewer, and electric connections.
Hiking with dogs proves popular at these pet-friendly campgrounds, with Grand Vue offering shuttle service to various park locations. Guests with pets should be prepared for standard leash requirements, typically 6-foot maximum length when outside designated pet areas. Fernwood State Forest's Hidden Hollow Campground, approximately 30 minutes from Wheeling, provides a free primitive camping alternative where pets are welcome, though reviewers note the nearby gun range creates consistent noise until late evening. The Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA and Raccoon Creek State Park Campground both offer additional pet-friendly options within reasonable driving distance. Most campgrounds in the region maintain typical pet policies requiring proof of current vaccinations, proper waste disposal, and restrictions on leaving pets unattended at campsites.
"Vault type toilets, the pad was narrow so you had to pay attention when exiting the camper, most of the site are on a hill...there are a handful flatter spaces. "
"No issues with the staff or other campers, the park seems nice but the lake is underwhelming. Liked being far away from the main road and it was nice and quiet."
Available next weekend
from $31 - $150 / night
"A cute restaurant is close by along with restrooms and showers that are also brand new. Firewood is for sale at the main office for $20 and they deliver to you."
"so not fiddling around with a Fob or keycard!"
from $15 - $225 / night
"Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."
"The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"
"Had a great spot by the lake right off the back of our camper. Make sure you have a good tow vehicle as there is a steep hill at the entrance/exit of the camp ground."
"There are several ponds around the campground for fishing and bird watching. Be sure to keep an eye our for deer as you come into the park!"
"Tomlinson Run is a nice little state park in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Has a little store, dump station, most sites are 30amp and they have added a few 50 amp sites."
"Pets are welcome. Facilities are older but well kept. Bathhouse is heated with showers that have a fiberglass tub surround, not concrete. Nice hiking trails that connect through the campground. "
from $28 - $40 / night
"Very conveniently located off the interstate. Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads. Staff were super friendly!"
"Easy highway access great for overnight travel"
"Adjacent to the lake. Multiple amenities close by. Plenty of activities for the family. Great family owned campground."
"Kart friendly and great spots all along the main strip, lake side and creek side."
from $70 - $250 / night
"Dog park!! and right on the lake!! Found this by mistake on our way out, and the dogs loved it. Access to lake, a beach, well fenced."
"Saltfork is located about 45 minutes from my house, and makes for the perfect overnight trip. There are tons of things to do, and lots of space in which to do them."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $35 / night
from $25 - $40 / night
"It’s nothing much, there isn’t much in the way of activity save a few trails."
"Gun range nearby."
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
ScoutWe just bought our first RV and couldn’t ask for a better first time experience!!! Lori and Fred were absolutely awesome. Great clean facilities and pool. Lots of new upgrades and updates. Gorgeous creek and pond and an absolutely amazing set of neighbors! I loved it there and will absolutely be going back!
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
ScoutThe park is beautiful, unlevel shade sites; is challenging to get the trailer level. unfortunately, the bathhouses are neglected, dark and full of mildew inside the showers. The park really needs to upgrade the bathhouses. The park itself is very nice and offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor exploration and hiking.
ScoutSpent three nights there in August Mid-week. Was pretty quiet but was clean and nicely taken care of. No mosquitos or bugs at night. Nice walking paths. Pool, hot tub, outdoor showers all very nice.
ScoutVery quiet and private. Beautiful views, fishing, and picnic areas are clean.
ScoutA little too close together for my comfort. But very nice and relaxing area. And definitely more spread a part than commercial campgrounds.
RangerWe were there 3 night. With no kids. More of a tent camping campground. Not two many spots could fit bigger campers.
GuideWe've stayed here annually for 7 years. Getting into the RV sites is a steep climb, then you head down from the top of the hill to the RV sites.
The older portion has back in and pull through sites. They are medium to small in size, and due to their height and proximity to Interstates you hear trucks engine breaking. The newer section is lower (and quieter) and the sites are larger, but the gravel is not compacted so it sinks in when you drive, park or try to level your RV on it.
There were dog walking trails in the woods but they are so overgrown you need a machete to use them. The pool is nice and is clean. The camp store is not small but carries a very limited amount of supplies.
The staff are friendly. We've had RV issues and birds nesting under our slide room covers that they have helped us deal with.
Wheeling, West Virginia sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the Ohio River at approximately 700 feet elevation. The region experiences all four seasons with moderate rainfall throughout the year, creating lush forests and occasionally muddy camping conditions during spring. Most campgrounds maintain typical pet policies requiring current vaccinations, proper waste disposal, and keeping pets leashed when outside designated areas.
Fishing opportunities: Barkcamp State Park Campground offers a dam area for fishing enthusiasts. "There are bathrooms and showers which were recently replaced with brand new facilities. There is even a little store where you can buy snacks, camping gear and even rent corn hole boards," notes Joshua B.
Water recreation: Austin Lake RV Park provides multiple water-based activities with rental options. "Tons of stuff to do here. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," explains Mathew H., who adds that the campground has "Kayaking, inflatables, beach" though "almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge."
Hiking options: Tomlinson Run State Park Campground maintains well-maintained trails throughout the property. "Tomlinson Run is a great state park with trails for hiking and biking. The campground is nice with clean bathrooms and showers," shares Tracy S. The park also features "a quiet little campground. Very pretty area. The hiking trails are very well kept," according to Theodore C.
Stargazing sessions: At certain times of the year, astronomy programs are available at Barkcamp State Park. "Oglebay comes out and has star gazing when it's in season. Clean and quiet," shares Fred R. This adds an educational component to overnight stays.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground offers a peaceful setting about an hour from Wheeling. "I've always had the campground (and most of the park) entirely to myself," notes Brian S. who camps there in fall. Many campers appreciate the less crowded weekday options throughout the region.
Free camping options: Hidden Hollow Campground at Fernwood State Forest provides no-cost camping within 30 minutes of Wheeling. "Self-register with cards located at pit latrine building. 14 days every 30. No problem getting 40' skoolie in and parked in mostly level spots. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites," explains Donald F., who also notes there are "grey water pits and trash cans available."
Convenient shuttle service: Grand Vue Park provides transportation around the property and even into nearby towns. "The park shuttle bus would come around the park and was offering to take you to any where in or outside of the park! The Shuttle driver ended up telling us about this super cute breakfast place called Bob's Lunch," shares Owen I., who adds the shuttle "even took us on a tour of moundsvile!"
Wildlife viewing: Zion Retreat & RV Park offers opportunities to observe local fauna. "Be sure to keep an eye out for deer as you come into the park! We had to stop a few times for them to move out of the driveway," reports Kathryn P., who also appreciated that "the views are amazing" with "several ponds around the campground for fishing and bird watching."
Site conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Barkcamp State Park Campground, Connor M. reports "about 90% of the sites were not level (and....I mean by A LOT)." Bobby C. confirms "most of the site are on a hill...there are a handful flatter spaces."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is unrestricted at some locations but completely absent at others. At Austin Lake RV Park, Mathew H. notes "No phone service at all, no matter the carrier," while Nancy C. reports at Ryerson Station State Park, "There is no cell service for Verizon. I don't take these trips to remain connected, but this spot is quite isolated and if there was ever an emergency, help would be difficult to obtain."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options are limited. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground stays open year-round, while most others close for winter. Connor M. cautions about Barkcamp: "We stayed here November 21, 2020... The campground had no water hookups."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds have unexpected sound issues. At Hidden Hollow, Justin T. mentions "the gun rage is also near (the gunshots don't bother me)," while at Grand Vue Park, sites are quiet but the facilities are adjacent to activities.
Playgrounds availability: Austin Lake RV Park offers extensive family-friendly amenities. "A playground in every section, well equipped cabins, a swimming area with inflatables, kayak, pontoon, and paddle boarding rentals, a bumper boat area, small lake where you can fish and boat," describes Linda R. Tom S. adds that "the kids loved the lake and everything there was to do on it. Kayaks, paddle boards, jumps, slides."
Swimming options: Barkcamp State Park provides water recreation for children. "Great place to take kids for cookout and swimming/boating. Many area's with grills set up, but Holliday, it fills up fast. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes," advises Lindsay W.
Family gathering spaces: Tomlinson Run State Park includes areas for group activities. Shannon G. notes there's a "playground available for kids and a huge shelter house too," making it suitable for family reunions or multi-family camping trips.
Budget considerations: Family activities often include additional costs. At Austin Lake, Terra B. warns "almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge. Need to use the bathhouse? Better take quarters....bc the showers are coin operated."
Gate access codes: Grand Vue Park simplifies RV arrivals with user-friendly entry systems. "The gate just uses a code! so not fiddling around with a Fob or keycard!" reports Owen I., who appreciated this convenient feature.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. For Austin Lake, Mathew H. advises "Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine. Our rig is 39' & 16K. 4wd low helps, not cause you need 4wd just for the lower gears."
Site selection: Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA provides convenient highway access but has site limitations. "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable," warns Kevin D., who suggests it's "ok for an overnight stay but I wouldn't plan a long stay."
Dump station availability: Not all pet-friendly campgrounds near Wheeling offer full sewer connections. Tomlinson Run State Park has a dump station but no sewer hookups at individual sites, while Grand Vue Park provides full hookups at all 40 RV sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wheeling, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wheeling, WV is Barkcamp State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wheeling, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 dog-friendly camping locations near Wheeling, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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