22 Best Campgrounds in West Virginia

West Virginia has over 1,500 campsites throughout the state, and while this means there is no shortage of places to camp, it can also be a little overwhelming when trying to decide which spot to choose from! To help narrow down your search, here are 22 of the best campgrounds in West Virginia. 

22 Best Campgrounds in West Virginia

Camping is an extremely popular pastime in West Virginia due to the state’s natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. West Virginia has 35 state parks, nine state forests, and six national parks, making this state an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. 

Pack your car and gather your loved ones because this post goes over 22 of the best campgrounds in West Virginia. This WV Camping Guide covers everything from campsite location, amenities available, months the campground is open, if it’s pet friendly, and more. 

 Audra State Park

Audra State Park is one of the best campgrounds in West Virginia because of its breathtaking wooded forest and location next to the Middle Fork River. This northern West Virginia state park has 335 acres of wooded trails for you to explore. There are 65 campsites available, with 39 sites offering electric hookups. 

Location: Buckhannon, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes
Season and Dates: Open from Spring to Fall 

Amenities: Two bathhouses with modern facilities, a playground, coin-operated washing and drying machines, a dump station nearby, and a store stocked with supplies, snacks, souvenirs, firewood, and ice.  

Related Content: How to Glamp: Essentials to Level up Your Campsite

 Holly River State Park

Ranking as West Virginia’s second largest state park with 8,101 acres, Holly River is known for its diverse vegetation and surrounding forested mountains. The vastness of this state park makes it the perfect, quiet camping getaway. This state park has 88 campsites available all with electric hook-ups. 

There are plenty of outdoor recreation activities for you to choose from at Holly River State Park, including swimming, fishing, geocaching, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Additionally, there are cabin rentals available if you’d rather forgo a tent during your stay! 

Location: Hacker Valley, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes for campsites; Yes in designated cabin rentals
Season and Dates: Open Spring through Fall

Amenities: Wifi, cooking grills, picnic shelters, corrals for campers with horses, a dumping station, four bathrooms, two coin-operated washer and dryer machines, a public pool open in the summertime, and the Holly River State Park restaurant. 

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

This one is for all you outdoor sports lovers out there! Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a year-round mountain destination with a major golf and ski resort. Of course, visitors can also hike, bike, swim, or fish if they’re visiting during the warmer months! 

There are 59 campsites available with full hookups. If you’re going to visit during the wintertime, consider renting a resort cabin or staying at the lodge! 

Location: Davis, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on a leash.
Season and Dates: The Campground is open from Spring through Fall. Resort and Lodge are open year-round.

Amenities: Year-round laundry and shower facilities, dumping station, ice, and firewood available for purchase.  

Tygart Lake State Park

Tygart Lake State Park is perfect for those looking for a quiet camping trip located on the water. This state park is known for its 10-mile-long lake which offers visitors plenty of fun activities such as swimming, scuba diving, boating, water skiing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. 

The lakeside lodging is an ideal place to unwind after a day full of adventures. The surrounding mountain views alone make the trip worth it! Choose between 36 campsites, cabin rentals, or the lodge to stay during your visit. 

Location: Grafton, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes, but dogs must be on a six-foot-long leash.
Season and Dates: Spring through Fall 

Amenities: A dump station, and generally good cell service at campsites. 

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Beech Fork State Park

Traveling from Ohio or Kentucky? Beech Fork State Park is in a prime location for an out-of-state camping trip. Some of the most popular activities in the park are hiking the numerous trails or casting a line in the park’s lake. 

Beech Fork has four campgrounds with a grand total of 275 campsites, 99 of which are lakeside. Unlike many of West Virginia’s state parks, some of Beech Forks’ campsites are open year-round! 

Location: Barboursville, West Virginia 
Pet Friendly: Yes
Season and Dates: Old Orchard Campground is open year-round, the other three campgrounds are open seasonally 

Amenities: Paved parking pad, picnic table, grill, fully-equipped bathhouse facilities, game equipment for rent, and a seasonally operated Campers Corner store. 

Bluestone State Park

Bluestone State Park is another great lakeside retreat in West Virginia, located by the state’s third-largest body of water. Visitors can camp by the water or rent a cabin lakeside. This is a great state park for big social outings, as there are picnic areas available to rent, an event building, and five rustic sites available for group camping. 

There is no shortage of campsites in Bluestone! With four different campgrounds, this state park has a total of 120 campsites, including RV sites, group sites, primitive sites, and more. Choose a campsite that fits your needs, or consider a cabin rental during the colder months. 

Location: Hinton, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes
Season and Dates: Open Spring to Fall 

Amenities: This is based on the campsite, but some amenities include bathhouses and dump stations. 

Lost River State Park

Lost River State Park is one of the best campgrounds in West Virginia for those looking for a quiet and undisturbed vacation getaway. This State Park is known for its Cranny Crow overlook that provides visitors with views of the five surrounding counties. Outdoor recreation activities at Lost River include swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and more. 

The campgrounds at Lost River State Park include both regular and hike-in primitive sites. There is also a primitive cabin, regular cabins, and Tentrr sites available for rent. This state park is more ideal for tent campers than it is for RV campers. 

Location: Mathias, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash. Designated cabin rentals are pet-friendly.
Season and Dates: Open Spring through Fall

Amenities: At regular campsites, there are fire rings, picnic tables, public shelters, bathhouses, and showers that are open seasonally. At primitive sites, there are fire rings, picnic tables, free firewood, public shelters, and latrines. 

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Coopers Rock State Forest

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with some fantastic views, plenty of outdoor recreation activities, and educational opportunities to learn the area’s history, look no further than Coopers Rock State Forest. This forest offers 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, perfect cliffs for climbers, a river nearby with rafting opportunities, and a lake that is great for fishing. This state forest has something for everyone. 

There are two campgrounds available with a total of 50 sites to choose from. The McCollum campground offers all sites with electric hookups, and the Rhododendron campground offers primitive sites. Make sure to check out the bridge to the scenic overlook during your stay! 

Location: Bruceton Mills, West Virginia 
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on a leash.
Season and Dates: Open from early April to November/December (depending on the campground).

Amenities: McCollum campground has a bathhouse with showers, laundry machines, potable water, Wi-Fi available, and a campground store. Rhododendron campground has a fire pit, picnic tables, a bathhouse with flushing toilets and running water, tent pads, and a campground store. 

Blackwater Falls State Park

If you’re a lover of waterfalls, Blackwater Falls State Park is for you. This state park is one of the most photographed in the state due to the dazzling amber-colored waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks. This state park is also open year-round, making it a great park for those who are looking for a vacation during the snowy season! 

Another benefit of Blackwater Falls is that there are plenty of accommodation options, even for those who aren’t a huge fan of tent camping. If you want to visit during the wintertime, the campgrounds are closed, but you can choose to stay in their quaint cabin rentals, a Tentrr site, or at the on-site lodge! 

Location: Davis, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes, with an additional 10 pet-friendly cabin rentals
Season and Dates: Campground is open from April through October 31st. Cabin rentals or the lodge are open year-round. 

Amenities: Bathhouse with hot showers, a laundromat, and a dump station.

Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse

For two years in a row, Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse was voted the best campground in West Virginia, and for good reason! This campground is known for its remarkable scenery, roomy campsites, and its nearness to a ton of local attractions. 

Choose your site based on your personal preference. Whether you’re bringing a tent or parking your RV, there is plenty of space for you! On the other hand, maybe you’d prefer to rent one of their cabins or a tiny vintage camper! 

Location: Mount Nebo, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes
Season and Dates: Year-Round

Amenities: Premium Deluxe sites have a picnic table, fire pit, Adirondack chairs, electric service, water and septic systems, and garbage cans. Standard back-in RV sites have a picnic table, fire pit, electric service, and a bathhouse with showers. 

Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park with over 10,000 acres, making it one of the best campgrounds in the state for a number of reasons. This state park is great for outdoor recreationists who like to hike, fish, swim, and boat. There is a multipurpose building on site that doubles as a museum and observation tower and a circa 1930s vintage swimming pool! 

Location: Marlinton, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes
Season and Dates: Spring through Fall

Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, electric hookups, a bathhouse, coin-operated washer and dryer machines, and coin-operated laundry machines.

Harpers Ferry KOA

Turn your day trip to Harpers Ferry into a historical weekend by staying at the KOA near the Civil War Battlefields! This specific KOA offers RV sites with patios, deluxe cabins, premium tent sites, and more! 

Head back to KOA after a fun day exploring the historic sites and best hiking trails nearby. The campground has a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, mini golf, bike rentals, basketball and volleyball courts, a ball pit, an indoor arcade, a dog park, a playground, and so much more. 

Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 
Pet Friendly: Yes
Season and Dates: Year Round

Amenities: Depends on which campsite or accommodation option you choose. Check the website for more information. 

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Hawk Recreation Area and Campground

Hawk Recreation Area Campground is great for those looking to take in all that nature has to offer, but aren’t focused on all the best amenities a campground usually has. Explore the Tuscarora Trail right from the campground, or take in the changing leaves and warm colors during the fall. For dinner, travel 30 minutes north to Capon Bridge in Hampshire County for the best hamburger in the state.

Hawk Recreation Area is a dispersed campground so no fee is required! 

Location: Wardensville, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes
Season and Dates: Late April through mid-December

Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, and hand-pump drinking water.

Tomlinson Run State Park

Since Tomlinson Run is known as one of the best state parks in West Virginia, the campgrounds there are pretty awesome, too. This park is divided into two sections: a wilderness area with forested mountains, sandstone cliffs, wild plants, and flowers, and a developed area for campers. This state park also offers unique accommodation options as you can rent out a yurt or camper for the night! 

Location: New Manchester, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on a leash.
Season and Dates: Open Spring through Fall

Amenities: Contact station, convenience store, dump station, two bathhouses, showers, and laundry facilities. Four of the campers have electricity. Cabins are furnished and have a picnic table and fire ring. 

Seneca State Forest

Seneca State Forest is West Virginia’s largest and oldest forest, and it has ten campsites for you to choose from. Visitors can enjoy hiking one of the many trails, exploring Seneca Lake or Greenbrier River, or taking a trip to Greenbank’s National Radio Quiet Zone for dark sky stargazing.

Campsites do not have hookups, although the recommended length of an RV for these sites is 28 feet long. There are eight cabin rentals available, or you can book a stay in the Fire Tower for clear nighttime views of the brilliant sky between the months of May and October. Tower reservations fill up quickly, so make sure to book in advance! 

Location: Pocahontas County, West Virginia 
Pet Friendly: Yes, but they must be on a leash.
Season and Dates: Spring through Fall 

Amenities: Level tent and trailer pads, picnic tables, fireplace, coin-operated washer and dryer machines, free showers at the forest office, and firewood for sale. 

North Bend State Park

North Bend State Park is believed to be one of the best campgrounds in West Virginia for families because of its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Follow along the 72-mile trail that follows a railroad corridor with many tunnels along the way! The park is open year-round and is great for wildlife viewing and spending time near the Hughes River.

Location: Cairo, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on a leash.
Season and Dates: Open Spring through Fall 

Amenities: The River Run campground has WiFi, electric and water hookups, and is located near the trail, nature center, swimming pool, and playground. Cokeley Campground has WiFi, electrical hookups, and coin-operated laundry machines.

Cranberry River

Along the Cranberry River, you can expect to find fourteen primitive campsites along a five-mile stretch off of Forest Road 76. These campsites are great for those looking to get some solitude along the river, and it offers campers the ability to enjoy the outdoors without having to pay a fee. Five sites are group sites, which are great for having the space to camp affordably with your loved ones. 

Location: Richwood, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on a leash at all times. 
Season and Dates: Open early April through the end of November

Amenities: Four accessible vault toilets, and two water hand-pumps.

 Big Bend Campground

Big Bend Campground is nestled in the Smoke Hole Canyon, making it a great spot for some peace and quiet. The river is located only 200 feet from the campsites and is popular for fishing and non-motorized boating. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area, including a one-mile loop at the campground and about 60 miles of backcountry trails nearby. 

Location: Cabins, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on a leash.
Season and Dates: Early April through late October

Amenities: Picnic tables, bathhouses, shower facilities, and potable water. 

Babcock State Park

Known as one of West Virginia’s most iconic locations, Babcock State Park is known for its astonishing scenery and the Glade Creek Grist Mill. There are plenty of ways to experience the outdoors at this state park between hiking, fishing, biking, and white water rafting nearby in the New River Gorge. 

Location: Clifftop, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on a leash.
Season and Dates: Open Spring through Fall

Amenities: 28 sites with electric hookups, 4 of which are accessible, and 24 non-electric sites. They all include a bathhouse, coin-operated laundry facilities, two water fill-up stations, two dump stations, firewood, ice available for purchase, and available WiFi. 

Big Bear Lakes Family Campground

Big Bear Lakes Family Campground is a family-owned and operated facility that has been welcoming campers for over fifty years. The property is located in the forested Appalachian Mountains with a back-to-nature atmosphere. They even have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, a waterpark, and plenty more outdoor recreation opportunities!

Location: Bruceton Mills, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes
Season and Dates: Open Year Round

Amenities: Sites with full or partial hookups, country store with supplies and grocery items, bathhouses within walking distance, and access to two lakes.

Spruce Knobb Lake Campground

Spruce Knob is one of the best campgrounds in West Virginia for all you summit lovers out there, since it’s located just west of Spruce Knob – the state’s highest point! This campsite is also great for hikers and fishers as there are plenty of trails nearby as well as Gandy Creek and Spruce Knob Lake for places to cast your net. Check out the wooden pier or the Spruce Knob Tower for some excellent views! 

Location: Whitmer, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on leash in developed areas.
Season and Dates: Open from April to October

Amenities: Ten accessible vault toilets, a solar-powered water pump, picnic tables, and grills. 

Twin Falls State Park 

Last but certainly not least, Twin Falls State Park is among the best campgrounds in West Virginia due to its 25 miles of trails, golf course, nature programs, and fantastic accommodations. Hike to the two waterfalls or visit Pioneer Farm to receive some background knowledge about this great park. Twin Falls also offers cabin rentals or a lodge to stay in if you’re looking for something other than tent camping! 

Location: Mullens, West Virginia
Pet Friendly: Yes but they must be on a leash.
Season and Dates: Open year-round

Amenities: 25 sites with electric hook-ups, grills, picnic tables, laundry facilities, and two bathhouses. 

Best Campgrounds in West Virginia with Water Access 

Now that we’ve covered 22 of the best campgrounds in West Virginia, let’s break down all the different types of campgrounds so you can choose your next adventure based on your personal needs and preferences! 

One of the benefits of camping in West Virginia is that almost every campsite on the list is near a natural water source, whether that be a river or lake. Here are the top five campsites from the list that are great for river and lake access! 

River Access: 

•  Blackwater Falls State Park (+ waterfalls!)
• Coopers Rock State Park
• Harpers Ferry KOA
• North Bend State Park
• Babcock State Park

Lake Access: 

•  Tygart Lake State Park
• Bluestone State Park
• Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse
• Watoga State Park
• Spruce Knob State Campground

Best Campgrounds in West Virginia for Families 

Any campground can be great for a family! However, some campsites provide more of a family-friendly atmosphere than others. Here are five out of the list above that we think are great spots for a family camping trip! 

•  Bluestone State Park
•  Big Bear Lakes Family Campground
•  Harpers Ferry KOA
• Twin Falls State Park
• Babcock State Park

Related Content: Essential Baby Camping Gear

Best Glamping and RV Campgrounds in West Virginia

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the best RV sites from the list above, but serves as a starting point for you to start your search! Luckily, many of the campgrounds listed above do offer RV sites and at least partial hookups, so if one catches your eye in the list above but isn’t listed below, don’t rule it out completely! 

•  Blackwater Falls State Park
•  Holly River State Park
• Audra State Park
•  Bluestone State Park
• Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse

Best Dispersed Campsites in West Virginia

I know that for many people, camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in an affordable way. For all of my campers out there who would rather find a primitive and dispersed campsite rather than pay for a developed one with amenities, here are some that are included in the list above:

• Cranberry River
• Hawk Recreation Area and Campground

Related Content: Primitive Camping in Sky Meadows State Park, VA

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we’ve covered 22 of the best campgrounds in West Virginia, let’s dive deeper into some of the commonly asked questions! 

Is West Virginia good for camping?

West Virginia is a great state for camping due to its luscious forested mountains, abundant natural water access, and unmatched outdoor recreation activities. With over 1,500 campgrounds in the state, you’ll be sure to find a campground that is the perfect fit for you!

How much does it cost to camp in West Virginia?

The cost of camping will depend on which type of campsite you want to visit in West Virginia. You can visit a primitive, dispersed campground for free, or reserve a tent or RV site anywhere from $20 – $40 or more depending on the location. Additionally, it’ll cost more to rent a cabin, stay at a lodge, or in any other unique accommodation.

Do any West Virginia State Parks have full hookups? 

Yes! Plenty of West Virginia State Parks have full hookups for RV, trailers, and van-lifers! Among this list, Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Big Bear Lakes Family Campground are two that offer full hookups.  

Wrapping Up: Best Campgrounds in West Virginia 

There you have it! 22 of the best campgrounds in West Virginia! Hopefully, by now you’re able to decide which campground to visit for your next West Virginia adventure! No matter where you go, you’ll be surrounded by the state’s natural beauty with plenty of fun things to do!

Happy camping!