This recreation area is part of Tygart Lake

Tygart Lake State Park

Family Fishing N' Camping

Camp Ara is a beautiful 113-acre property in Fairmont, WV. Located in the Allegheny Mountains about 20 minutes south of Morgantown, WV, and West Virginia University. It is close to major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Columbus, Cincinnati, and many others. The property has been run as a Christian camp for over 60 years, serving and changing the lives of countless youth along the way.​&nbsp;

 There is a large number of foster children in and around the area that are currently in great need of programs that connect them with nature, help them to grow individually, and help teach them life skills to prepare them for transitioning out of the foster care system.

 In addition to running year-round programming, Camp Ara is home to 80+ acres of virtually untouched land. We have created 40 beautiful campsites that require various amounts of hiking to reach. No matter what site you choose, however, you will almost definitely feel as though you are alone with nature.



Camp Ara

As one of the industrial backbones of the country, West Virginia has always been recognized and appreciated for its diverse geography consisting of towering plateaus and endlessly rolling mountain ranges. Located partially between Upshur County and Barbour Country, Audra State Park boasts 355 acres of unspoiled forest, diverse ecosystems, and unique caves and river runs. While much of the surrounding region has suffered the consequences of mining and deforestation, this park preserves 355 regional acres of natural beauty for anyone to enjoy. 

Audra State Park has long served locals as an affordable way to recreate, with a variety of fun activities to partake in. Hiking, cycling, fishing, and even geocaching are all common activities that can be easily enjoyed here on a budget. Furthermore, during the summer months, the Middle Fork River comes alive while families, kids and teenagers enjoy the many natural swimming areas available throughout.

Hidden along 3 miles of groomed trails in the park lies Alum Cave, a natural geological rock feature which hangs over the river below. In the winter, large icicle spires form down the cave canopy making this an ideal spot for Photographers.

For those looking for an experience indoors, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the regional wild-life. Nearby, the town of Buckhannon offers an array of small town attractions, including a movie theatre and local eats. If you’re visiting in May, be sure to check out their annual Strawberry Festival!  

The campsites are spacious and fully functional for those intending to utilize a tent. Open from April through October, there are 67 available with thirteen of them offering electrical hookups. Furthermore, there are two fully-serviced bathhouses with warm-water showers, and coin-operated laundry available. There is also a well stocked camping store, which offers normal conveniences as well as firewood for purchase. All reservations are first come first serve, so be sure to make your plans well in advance. 

Audra State Park

Nestled in the scenic hills of West Virginia near the Monongahela National Forest, Five River Campground is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends or to meet new ones! Located on the beautiful and serene banks of the Shavers Fork River it is a prime area to relax or invigorate your spirit with activities centered on the outdoors.  Five River Campground serves as a base camp for adventure. We are centrally located to many areas that offer exciting and exhilarating outdoor escapades for the novice or expert alike.

Five River Camp Ground has a 84 full service RV/Camper sites with lots of tent sites and a centrally located bath house with unlimited hot showers, modern restrooms, Laundromat, and two dumping stations. Campsite pedestals are 30/50 amp service. The campground is open year round, however the bath house is only available from April 1st  through October 31 annually.
Nightly reservations are accepted for anytime except July 10th - August 7th due to Pickin' In Parsons Bluegrass Festival.

All campsites are natural grassy areas within walking distance to over 2,500 feet of natural shoreline on the Shavers Fork River.


 Furry, Four legged friends are welcome as long as they are well behaved. We also ask that your keep everyones pet safe by leashing, and cleaning up.  


Five River Campground

## Overview

Horseshoe Recreation Area is located in north-central West Virginia, 7 miles from the town of St. George. The campground is tucked in a valley along the Horseshoe Run River, providing excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. 

## Recreation

Day hiking options include the 1.8-mile Losh Trail, the Dorman Ridge Trail at 1.3 miles, and Two Camp, a short 0.3 mile hike. Fishing for trout is a popular pastime and hunting is allowed in an area about a mile beyond the recreation area. 

## Facilities

Each site offers picnic tables, grills, and waste receptacles and standard sites have electric hookups. There are accessible vault toilets and non-accessible flush toilets. Hand pumps and a drinking fountain with faucet are available. The camp store sells firewood and ice. The two group picnic shelters are accessible. The large electric pavilion has an occupancy limit of 75, and the small non-electric pavilion has an occupancy limit of 10.

## Natural Features

Within the recreation area, open fields are mowed and gravel roads are maintained along the river. The Monongahela Forest extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevation ranges from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level.   
  
Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country. 

## Nearby Attractions

Take a scenic drive throughout the forest. Fall brings incredible foliage colors to the region.

Horseshoe Recreation Area

Mylan Park

Named after the state’s official flower, Rhododendron Campground offers 25 primitive campsites that each have a picnic table and fire pit. There is a central bathroom with flushing toilets and running water available for campground guests. The campground is open to only tent/hammock camping. Pets are permitted, so long as your furry friends are kept on a leash.

The campgrounds are spring through fall, weather permitting.

Campsites may be reserved anytime online, by phone, or at the campground office.

Reservations may be made for no less than two consecutive nights on weekends (Friday and Saturday) or one-night Sunday through Thursday.

There is a 14-night maximum stay.

Rhododendron Camping Area

Less than 15 miles from Morgantown, West Virginia, you will find a stunning 12,747-acre protected forest. Coopers Rock State Forest is home to a vibrant stretch of trails and forest that share a border with the canyons of the Cheat River, which is notorious with white water rafters. Besides being a scenic area to pitch a tent, Coopers Rock actually offers a multitude of options for recreation. This includes picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and rock climbing. Visitors who want to use the park for hunting or fishing are asked to obtain the proper licensing prior to arriving. The extra step is worth it though, as the park features a glistening six-acre pond that’s brimming with fresh trout that’s located on the northern side of the forest. 

 Coopers Rock State Forest has been, and continues to be a hugely popular destination with rock climbing enthusiasts. It’s considered one of the best areas for bouldering in the eastern U.S., and there are at least 5 popular climbing sites that are easy to find within the park. Those destinations are Roof Rocks, Upper Rock City, Sunset Wall, Roadside Rocks, and Tilted Tree. 

 If you enjoy winter sports, you’ll be pleased to find that Coopers Rock is also known for its ski terrain in the winter. Be careful, however, as the trails here are known to be best suited for intermediate to experienced skiiers. For those considering trying them out, frequent visitors suggest waiting until the snow is densely packed on, at least half a foot, to avoid injury on the many rocks, branches and roots on the trails below the snow.

 Breathtaking views atop sky-high cliffs make camping at the park almost a given for visitors. The park offers two different campgrounds, each offering the options of comforts like water and electricity hook-ups, or more traditional tent camping. All accommodations here are first come first serve. McCollum Campground serves as the main camping area and accommodates a total of 25 campsites, each equipped with electrical and water hook-ups, a bathhouse and even wireless internet. Pets are welcome visitors as long as they remain on a leash or crate at all times.



Coopers Rock State Forest

## Overview

Stuart Recreation Area is set in a mixed forest along the banks of the Shavers Fork River. The river provides excellent fishing and is regularly stocked with trout. Hiking trails lead to outstanding overlooks, local caves and Blackwater Falls.

## Recreation

River swimming is a lot of fun, and there are plenty of trout to tempt anglers of all skill levels. The 2-mile River Loop Hiking Trail is enjoyed by many visitors, and is a great way to watch for birds and wildlife.

## Facilities

The campground lies on a single loop with long spurs. Drinking water and accessible flush toilets and showers are provided, with a dump station is on-site. Each site comes with a campfire ring, tent pad, lantern post and electric hookups.   
  
The day-use area has three picnic pavilions with maintained fields and a beach on the riverfront.

## Natural Features

The campground is perched along a bend on the Shavers Fork River. Shavers is a tributary of the Cheat River, a popular rafting river with rocky rapids.   
  
Stuart is in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The Monongahela Forest extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations here range from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level. 

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Elkins is a 14-minute drive from the campground. An annual Mountain State Forest Festival takes place here every October.

Stuart Recreation Area

This a traditional site in the heart of the farm next to a small pond with picnic table and fire pit. It is a sloping wooded space, with flat spots to comfortably accommodate 2-3 tents. There are multiple trees perfect for hanging your hammock in the shade. The compost toilet, about 50ft away, is shared with another campsite. Parking is on a gravel lane adjacent to the site. Potable water(from a frost-free hydrant) is available about 80ft from the site. The pond is only for viewing, no swimming or fishing, please. We have nesting birds occasionally and we expect their habitat to be respected. We are 3 miles from Terra Alta, a rural town with a locally owned restaurant and a local craft beer brewery featuring an exciting rotating cast of food trucks. We are 20 minutes from Swallow Falls State Park(MD), featuring Muddy Creek Falls, awesome river swimming and gorgeous hiking in an old growth Hemlock forest. We are also 20 minutes from Herrington Manor State Park(MD) were there is a lake for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Cathedral State Park(WV) a virgin Hemlock forest with 400 year old trees about 45 minutes away. Deep Creek Lake(MD) is 40 minutes away and offers motor boat rentals, Golf, Skiing and swimming. There is skiing, hiking, biking, tubing, rafting, kayaking and much more to explore withing 40 minutes of our farm. The best white water rafting on the east coast is 20-40 minutes away. We welcome campers of all kinds! We began operating our 150 acre farm in 2011 and became the first Certified Naturally Grown Livestock farm in West Virginia in 2013. We raise 100% grass-fed beef, Western and Chinese medicinal herbs. Our family garden supplies more than half of our vegetables and our favorite berries, and our flock of chickens supply eggs and an early morning wake-up call for our campers! There are no GMO's, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides used on our farm. Farm products are available for purchase on-site. Campers can choose to to have a farm to table meal cooked for them as an extra at checkout. We prepare most of our food from scratch using local produce, meat and bulk organic dry goods. We occasionally make yogurts, noodles, simple cheeses, and fermented foods.

Possum Tail Farm Camp 

US Army Corps of Engineers

Tent camping is congested on hilly sites. FACILITIES ARE GREAT! Clean. 

Tent Camping

Trails to lakeside/shore where campers do swim although no swimming from shore is "not" allowed. Just be respectful and clean up after yourselves and usually no drama involved. Trails for campers to hike and great boating and fishing as well as game and fish preserved management with public hunting &amp; fishing all around on state property. I've camped here many many times throughout the year, Great camping although could be totally filled up by a Thursday so you may want to reserve if a holiday weekend 😀. 

Tygart Lake State Park

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2022 Explorer Giveaway

Tent Camping

Great camping area

Love this place! Can't wait for Spring 2022, wish they were open all year round.

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