Best Camping Spots in West Virginia: Top Destinations

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Blackwater Falls State Park

Home to one of West Virginia’s most iconic landmarks, Blackwater Falls State Park offers excellent camping with stunning views of the Blackwater River and its famous 57-foot waterfall. The main campground provides modern amenities like hot showers, electric hookups, and accessible sites. For those seeking solitude, backcountry camping along the park’s rugged trails offers a more primitive experience. Spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit, with milder weather and beautiful foliage that contrasts against the dark waters of the falls.

Dolly Sods Wilderness

Dolly Sods Wilderness offers a unique camping experience that feels otherworldly. Known for its high plateau with open heath fields, wind-carved boulders, and rare plant life, it’s one of the most unique landscapes in the state. Backpackers love the variety of primitive camping spots found along the trails, especially the popular Bear Rocks area. Due to its elevation, Dolly Sods is cooler than most areas in West Virginia, so summer and early fall are the best times to visit. Prepare for unpredictable weather, as Dolly Sods is famous for its sudden changes.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

As America’s newest national park, New River Gorge offers unparalleled camping opportunities. With the New River cutting through steep canyons, the park is perfect for campers who enjoy rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking. Sites like Army Camp and Stone Cliff offer basic amenities and easy access to the river, while backcountry camping spots provide more secluded experiences. Spring and fall are ideal for visiting, as the weather is comfortable and the park’s trails and rivers are most active.

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks is a must-visit for any camping adventurer. Towering above the North Fork River, this site is popular among rock climbers and offers both primitive and developed campsites. Seneca Shadows Campground provides excellent views of the rock formations, along with amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature without straying too far from comforts, Seneca Shadows is perfect. Spring through early fall is the best time to visit, as weather conditions are ideal for climbing and hiking.

Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park, the largest state park in West Virginia, boasts a mix of wooded areas, scenic trails, and lakefront sites. Campers can choose from the Riverside Campground, which offers modern amenities near the Greenbrier River, or the more rustic Beaver Creek Campground nestled deeper in the forest. Watoga is a year-round destination, though spring and fall bring vibrant wildflowers and autumn leaves that enhance the park’s beauty. The park’s lake is ideal for fishing, and the nearby Greenbrier River Trail offers biking opportunities.

Monongahela National Forest

Spanning nearly a million acres, Monongahela National Forest is a paradise for nature lovers, offering diverse ecosystems, dramatic landscapes, and secluded camping areas. Sites like Spruce Knob and Lake Sherwood provide primitive and developed campgrounds with stunning mountain and lake views. Monongahela is ideal for campers who want a deep connection to nature, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and star-gazing. Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit, with mild weather and vibrant foliage.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a perfect spot for those who love both camping and outdoor recreation. The park offers a full-service campground with electric hookups, restrooms, and showers, along with plenty of options for hiking, fishing, and even skiing in the winter months. For a unique experience, visit in winter to enjoy snow-covered trails, or in autumn when the valley is ablaze with fall colors. The park’s blend of natural beauty and amenities makes it ideal for family camping trips.

Cranberry Wilderness

Cranberry Wilderness is a haven for those seeking isolation and untamed nature. Located within Monongahela National Forest, it features more than 75 miles of hiking trails and primitive camping spots for experienced campers. The wilderness area is known for its diverse plant life, wildlife, and bogs that resemble the boreal forests of Canada. Camping here is as rustic as it gets, with no modern amenities. Summer and early fall are the best seasons, but be prepared for unpredictable weather.

Greenbrier River Trail

Greenbrier River Trail offers a unique camping experience along a 78-mile rail-trail that runs parallel to the Greenbrier River. This trail features multiple primitive camping sites along the route, perfect for those who enjoy a multi-day biking or hiking adventure. The trail is well-maintained and ideal for all skill levels, with easy access to fishing and swimming spots. Spring and fall are the best times to camp, with pleasant temperatures and scenic river views.

Holly River State Park

Hidden in the mountains, Holly River State Park is a quiet gem for those seeking a peaceful camping experience. The park offers campsites with modern amenities nestled among old-growth forests, along with scenic hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and overlooks. Holly River is ideal for camping during spring, summer, and fall. The nearby river is great for fishing, and the park’s trails are shaded, making it a perfect escape during hot summer days.

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References

1. West Virginia State Parks. (n.d.). Blackwater Falls State Park. Retrieved from https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/

2. U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.). Dolly Sods Wilderness. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=12366

3. National Park Service. (n.d.). New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm

4. U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.). Seneca Rocks. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053

5. West Virginia State Parks. (n.d.). Watoga State Park. Retrieved from https://wvstateparks.com/park/watoga-state-park/

6. U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.). Monongahela National Forest. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf/

7. West Virginia State Parks. (n.d.). Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Retrieved from https://wvstateparks.com/park/canaan-valley-resort-state-park/

8. U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.). Cranberry Wilderness. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=12366

9. West Virginia State Parks. (n.d.). Holly River State Park. Retrieved from https://wvstateparks.com/park/holly-river-state-park/