Best Campgrounds in West Virginia

Best Campgrounds in West Virginia

West Virginia, aptly nicknamed “The Mountain State,” offers some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the Appalachian region. With over 80% of its territory covered in forest, this rugged paradise features dramatic gorges, rushing rivers, and mist-shrouded mountains that create perfect backdrops for unforgettable camping experiences. Whether you’re seeking tranquil seclusion or adventure-packed locations, West Virginia’s diverse campgrounds showcase the wild, wonderful nature that defines this often overlooked outdoor destination.

New River Gorge National Park – Grandview Sandbar Campground

Number of Campsites: 48
Reservations: First-come, first-served
Address: Grandview Sandbar Road, Beaver, WV 25813

Nestled along the banks of the mighty New River within America’s newest national park, Grandview Sandbar Campground offers a riverside camping experience that connects visitors with both the natural power and serene beauty of this ancient waterway. Despite the river’s name, the New River is ironically one of the oldest rivers in North America, having carved this spectacular gorge through layers of Appalachian plateau over millions of years.

The campground occupies a flat, sandy area beside a gentle bend in the river, where sites are scattered among towering sycamores and river birches whose leaves dance in the slightest breeze, creating a constant natural melody that mingles with the sound of flowing water. Most sites sit within view of the river, where morning mist often hovers over the water’s surface before the rising sun burns it away to reveal kayakers and rafters preparing for adventures downstream.

What makes Grandview Sandbar truly special is its location within the heart of the New River Gorge, where sandstone cliffs rise dramatically from the forest, creating a natural amphitheater that amplifies the river’s sounds. The primitive nature of this campground – with vault toilets and no hookups – ensures a back-to-nature experience where starry skies aren’t diminished by artificial light and wildlife sightings are common.

The surrounding park offers endless opportunities for adventure, from world-class whitewater rafting on the river’s challenging rapids to rock climbing on some of the East Coast’s most sought-after routes. Miles of hiking trails wind through the gorge, revealing hidden waterfalls, historic abandoned mining towns, and overlooks where the river appears as a sinuous blue ribbon cutting through the verdant forest far below.

As evening approaches, riverside campfires reflect off the water’s surface while the calls of whip-poor-wills echo through the trees – nature’s perfect lullaby in this wild corner of West Virginia.

Dolly Sods Wilderness – Red Creek Campground

Number of Campsites: 12
Reservations: First-come, first-served
Address: Forest Road 75, Davis, WV 26260

High on the Allegheny Plateau at elevations exceeding 4,000 feet, Dolly Sods Wilderness offers one of the most unique camping experiences east of the Mississippi. This windswept landscape feels more like northern Canada than what most expect from the Mid-Atlantic, with stunted spruce forests, vast meadows of blueberries and huckleberries, and exposed rocky outcroppings that have been sculpted by millennia of harsh weather.

Red Creek Campground provides a perfectly positioned base for exploring this distinctive ecosystem. The small, primitive campground sits along its namesake waterway, where tannins from surrounding vegetation stain the clear waters a tea-like amber color that contrasts beautifully with the white quartz sand of the streambed. Sites are nestled among red spruce and northern hardwoods, offering shelter from the frequent mountain breezes that sweep across the high plateau.

What makes camping at Dolly Sods truly magical is the sense of being in a world apart. Morning often brings a sea of fog filling the valleys below, while the plateau basks in sunshine above the clouds. Sphagnum bogs dot the landscape, harboring carnivorous plants and rare orchids among the cotton grass and cranberry bushes. Rocky outcroppings provide natural platforms for taking in panoramic views that seem to stretch forever across the surrounding mountains.

The wilderness area’s 47 miles of interconnected trails invite exploration, with highlights including Lion’s Head (a dramatic rock formation offering 300-degree views) and the stunning cascade where Red Creek plunges through a boulder-strewn gorge. Fall brings an explosion of color as blueberry bushes turn crimson across the meadows, while spring and summer offer carpets of wildflowers including the delicate white blooms of trailing arbutus and the showy pink of mountain laurel.

Night skies here rank among the darkest on the East Coast, revealing the Milky Way as a brilliant river of stars arching overhead. The plateau’s elevation and distance from major cities create perfect conditions for stargazing, while the surrounding wilderness ensures that the only sounds accompanying this celestial show are the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional call of a barred owl.

Blackwater Falls State Park

Number of Campsites: 65
Reservations: West Virginia State Parks
Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260

Named for the amber-colored waters that plunge 57 feet over sandstone ledges, Blackwater Falls State Park centers around one of the most photographed natural features in West Virginia. The campground here sits perched atop Canaan Mountain, surrounded by a lush forest of red spruce, eastern hemlock, and yellow birch that creates a distinctly northern atmosphere despite its Mid-Atlantic location.

The camping area is thoughtfully designed with two loops offering a variety of site types, from secluded spots nestled among the trees to more open settings suitable for larger RVs. The fragrant evergreen forest provides natural screening between many sites, while creating an aromatic environment where the sharp scent of spruce mingles with the earthy richness of decomposing leaves and mushrooms on the forest floor.

What sets Blackwater Falls apart is its concentration of scenic wonders within a compact area. The namesake falls are accessible via a system of wooden boardwalks that protect the delicate environment while bringing visitors close enough to feel the spray on their faces. Nearby, Elakala Falls cascades through a series of four drops in a moss-covered gorge so photogenic it’s become a favorite of nature photographers from across the country.

The eight-mile Blackwater Canyon Trail follows an old railroad grade along the river, offering spectacular views of the canyon that has been carved through the Allegheny Plateau. Pendleton Point overlook provides a panoramic vista of the canyon, where the river makes a horseshoe bend far below, surrounded by a tapestry of evergreen and deciduous forest that becomes especially stunning during autumn’s color peak.

Winter transforms the park into a wonderland of snow and ice, with the falls often freezing into a curtain of icicles that seem suspended in time. When darkness falls year-round, the elevation and relatively remote location make for excellent stargazing from clearings within and near the campground.

Seneca Shadows Campground

Number of Campsites: 38
Reservations: Recreation.gov
Address: Seneca Shadows Campground Road, Seneca Rocks, WV 26884

For campers seeking a front-row seat to one of Appalachia’s most dramatic geological formations, Seneca Shadows Campground delivers an unforgettable experience. The campground’s name comes from its placement directly across from Seneca Rocks – a spectacular quartzite formation that rises nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River like the fin of some massive prehistoric creature. The jagged crest of these ancient rocks catches the first golden light of sunrise and holds the last rosy glow of sunset, creating a daily light show that captivates campers.

The campground itself spreads across several open meadows and wooded sections on the eastern slopes of the valley, with sites arranged to maximize views of the rocks. The upper meadow loop offers particularly spectacular vistas, with nothing between your tent and the imposing rock formation but open air. Scattered hardwoods provide welcome shade during summer months without obscuring the view, while grassy areas between sites create a park-like atmosphere.

What makes Seneca Shadows truly special beyond the obvious geological wonder is its position within the Monongahela National Forest, where the surrounding mountains harbor diverse ecosystems ranging from riparian zones along the North Fork River to hardwood forests that climb the surrounding slopes. Morning often brings mist clinging to the valley floor, gradually revealing the rocks as the sun burns through the haze.

The area serves as a hub for outdoor adventure, with Seneca Rocks drawing rock climbers from across the country to test their skills on over 375 mapped routes ranging from beginner cracks to expert-only faces. Hikers can take the 1.3-mile trail to the observation platform near the top of the rocks, where panoramic views reveal the surrounding Allegheny Mountains rolling away to the horizon. The nearby North Fork River offers excellent trout fishing, while winding country roads invite scenic drives through pastoral landscapes dotted with farms that seem unchanged by time.

As night falls, the lack of light pollution reveals a celestial dome spangled with stars, while the massive silhouette of the rocks remains visible against the night sky – a presence that seems to connect modern campers with the generations of Native Americans and early settlers who were equally awed by this natural landmark.

Greenbrier State Forest

Number of Campsites: 16
Reservations: West Virginia State Parks
Address: 661 Harts Run Road, Caldwell, WV 24925

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of West Virginia near the Virginia border, Greenbrier State Forest offers a peaceful camping retreat where the rolling Allegheny Mountains create a backdrop of serene beauty. The small campground nestles into a mature forest of oak, hickory, maple, and pine, with sites arranged along a single loop that follows the gentle contours of the mountain terrain.

The intimate size of this campground creates a sense of having discovered a hidden gem, where the sounds of nature dominate and fellow campers quickly become temporary neighbors. Sites are generously spaced among trees that provide dappled shade during summer days and burst into spectacular color come autumn. Small streams meander through the forest, their gentle gurgling providing a constant natural soundtrack.

What makes Greenbrier State Forest special is the way it captures the essence of Appalachian forest in its most pristine form. Over 5,100 acres of woodland remain largely undeveloped, harboring diverse wildlife from black bears and white-tailed deer to wild turkeys that sometimes parade through the campground in the early morning hours. The mixed hardwood forest supports a rich understory of rhododendron and mountain laurel that creates tunnels of pink and white blossoms in late spring.

The forest’s extensive trail system offers over 13 miles of paths ranging from challenging mountain climbs to gentle loops suitable for families. Kate’s Mountain stands as the forest’s highest point, rewarding hikers who reach its summit with panoramic views of the Greenbrier Valley below. Mountain bikers find technical challenges on designated trails, while a small fishing pond near the campground provides a peaceful spot to cast a line for bass and bluegill.

Evening brings the forest to life in different ways, as barred owls call their distinctive “who-cooks-for-you” across the canopy and the star-studded sky peeks through gaps in the trees. The cooling mountain air carries the scent of campfires where stories are shared before campers retreat to tents and RVs, lulled to sleep by the symphony of crickets and tree frogs that rises with nightfall.

Holly River State Park

Number of Campsites: 88
Reservations: West Virginia State Parks
Address: 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222

Nestled in a narrow mountain valley where the Left Fork of the Holly River winds its way through the Allegheny Mountains, Holly River State Park represents one of West Virginia’s hidden treasures. As the second-largest park in the state system, its 8,294 acres of dense forest and rugged terrain remain largely undiscovered by out-of-state visitors, creating an atmosphere of peaceful seclusion that’s becoming increasingly rare in the eastern United States.

The campground occupies a flat area near the valley floor, with sites arranged along several loops that follow the meandering course of the river. Ancient hemlocks and hardwoods tower overhead, creating a protective canopy that filters sunlight into shifting patterns across the forest floor. The rich soil supports a diverse understory of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers that create a lush green tapestry during the growing season.

What makes Holly River truly special is its concentration of natural features within a compact area. Over a dozen waterfalls cascade through the park, ranging from the dramatic 20-foot Upper Falls of the Holly to smaller, more intimate cascades hidden along the network of hiking trails. The park’s location in central West Virginia places it in a biological transition zone where northern and southern species overlap, creating distinctive plant communities that change with elevation and aspect.

The surrounding mountains create a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with 42 miles of trails ranging from challenging ridge routes to gentle paths that follow the river and connect the park’s natural attractions. Fishing for native brook trout in the park’s streams provides both recreation and the possibility of a fresh-caught meal cooked over a campfire, while swimming holes offer refreshing relief during hot summer days.

As darkness falls, the narrow valley creates perfect conditions for observing fireflies that rise from the forest floor in waves of bioluminescent light during early summer evenings. The surrounding mountains block much of the light pollution from distant towns, allowing the Milky Way to emerge as a brilliant band across the night sky, seeming close enough to touch from this secluded mountain hollow.

Babcock State Park

Number of Campsites: 52
Reservations: West Virginia State Parks
Address: 486 Babcock Road, Clifftop, WV 25822

Home to perhaps the most photographed scene in West Virginia, Babcock State Park centers around the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill – a fully functioning replica of the original Cooper’s Mill that once stood nearby. The park’s campground sits nestled into a forested hillside above Glade Creek, where sites are arranged along several loops that follow the natural contours of the land. Massive oaks, hickories, and maples provide welcome shade during summer months and spectacular color in autumn.

The camping area strikes a perfect balance between privacy and community, with enough space between sites to create a sense of seclusion while maintaining easy access to modern amenities including hot showers and laundry facilities. Many sites back up to the surrounding forest, where rhododendron thickets create natural green screens and provide habitat for the numerous songbirds that fill the air with melody from dawn to dusk.

What makes Babcock truly magical is its seamless blend of natural beauty and historical charm. The rushing waters of Glade Creek power the mill’s wooden waterwheel, creating both a visual centerpiece and a soothing acoustic backdrop that carries throughout the lower portions of the park. Early morning fog often clings to the creek, gradually revealing the rustic wooden mill as the sun burns through – a scene so picturesque it has graced countless calendars and postcards.

The park’s 4,127 acres encompass diverse terrain, from rocky gorges where the creek tumbles over boulder-strewn rapids to ridgetop forests where massive trees have stood for centuries. Over 20 miles of trails invite exploration, ranging from the challenging Skyline Trail with its panoramic views to gentle paths that follow the creek past natural swimming holes perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

Wildlife abounds throughout the park, with white-tailed deer often visible at dawn and dusk, and numerous bird species from scarlet tanagers to pileated woodpeckers adding flashes of color to the green forest canopy. As night falls, the sounds of the forest change as diurnal creatures settle and nocturnal ones emerge, creating a natural symphony that lulls campers to sleep beneath star-filled skies.

Audra State Park

Number of Campsites: 65
Reservations: West Virginia State Parks
Address: 8397 Audra Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201

Where the Middle Fork River carves its way through a scenic gorge in the Allegheny Plateau, Audra State Park offers a riverside camping experience that combines natural beauty with the constant soundtrack of rushing water. The park’s relatively small size – just 355 acres – creates an intimate atmosphere where every campsite sits within easy walking distance of the river’s most dramatic features.

The campground occupies a relatively flat area on the river’s southern bank, with sites arranged in a single loop that follows the bend of the waterway. Towering hemlocks and hardwoods provide ample shade, while their roots help stabilize the riverbank and create natural boundaries between neighboring sites. The rich forest soil supports a diverse understory of ferns, mosses, and spring wildflowers that create a lush setting throughout the growing season.

What makes Audra truly special is its section of the Middle Fork River, where the waterway has carved a path through rock layers to create a series of rapids, pools, and small cascades collectively known as the Alum Cave area. Here, the river flows through a narrow channel flanked by dramatic rock walls before spreading out into broader pools perfect for swimming during summer months. The sound of water rushing over rocks provides a constant natural soundtrack throughout the campground.

The park’s compact size means that natural attractions are easily accessible from all campsites. A short hike along the Alum Cave Trail brings visitors to a massive rock overhang where centuries of water seepage have created fascinating patterns in the sandstone. The riverside trail continues past swimming holes where generations of visitors have cooled off in the clear mountain waters, and anglers try their luck for smallmouth bass and various trout species.

As evening approaches, campfires dot the campground while fireflies rise from the forest floor during summer months, adding their intermittent glow to the twilight scene. The river’s constant sound masks minor noises from neighboring sites, creating a sense of privacy even in this relatively developed setting, while the surrounding forest helps block light pollution to reveal star-filled skies after darkness falls.

Final Thoughts About Camping in West Virginia

From the wild high country of Dolly Sods to the rushing waters of the New River Gorge, the mountain state offers camping experiences that connect visitors with some of Appalachia’s most spectacular landscapes. Each location showcases a different facet of West Virginia’s natural beauty, from dramatic rock formations to peaceful forests, rushing rivers to mountain meadows. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep connection with the natural world, these campgrounds provide perfect basecamps for exploring the wild, wonderful landscapes that have drawn humans to these mountains since time immemorial.