West Virginia Camping 101  

While West Virginia is home to so many great outdoor activities, camping is one of the best! From sleeping under the stars in your tent to relaxing in your RV, the camping opportunities are endless here in the Mountain State. As pointed out by Pittsburgh Magazine, camping is a growing activity – especially in Almost Heaven. Whether you are looking to plan your first camping adventure or are looking to camp somewhere new, we have all the info you need right here!

Don’t Forget to Pack these Necessities

  • Tent/Tarp – If you do not plan on bringing your RV or staying in a cabin, this is an important item.
  • Sleeping Bag – For staying warm and cozy during the night.
  • Rain Gear – Nothing is worse than getting caught in the rain without gear!
  • Durable Shoes – Make sure the are comfortable and good for all types of adventure.
  • Food Storage – Best way to protect from unwanted wildlife.
  • Flashlights – Especially one with a head strap, perfect for after dark hikes or adventuring to see the stars!
  • Stove – Not all campsites come with grills!

Where to Camp by Region

New River/ Greenbrier Valley

  • Camp Creek State Park & Forest: Known for beautiful waterfalls and great camping experiences, Camp Creek State Park is the perfect place for your next camping adventure! Choose from 35 different trails to hike during the day or cast your line in part of the 7-miles of seasonally stocked trout streams.

Metro Valley

  • Little Coal River Campground & Cabin: Home to 17 RV sites equipped with water, sewer and power hookups, the Little Coal River Campground is great when you want to get out of the metro cities to enjoy an outdoor getaway!

Hatfield-McCoy Mountains

  • Cabwaylingo State Forest: Choose to set up camp at either the Tick Ridge Campground or the Spruce Creek Campground, both located within the state forest. For a more rustic camping experience, go for Tick Ridge.

Mountain Lakes 

  • Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse : Park your RV, pitch your tent or stay in one of the wonderful cabins Summersville Lake Retreat has to offer today! Not only will you enjoy being so close to the largest lake in the state, you will also have a chance to explore the famous Summersville Lake Lighthouse in Mount Nebo.

Mid-Ohio Valley

  • North Bend State Park: Located near Cairo and Harrisville, North Bend State Park offers a wide array of camping options. Pitch a tent at one of their two campgrounds or choose to spend the night in their lodge.

Mountaineer Country

  • Pine Hill Campground: Home to 50 tent or pop-up sites, Pine Hill Campground is the perfect place to camp in Mountaineer Country! Its location allows campers to explore West Virginia and some parts of Western Maryland. From renting a boat for fishing to hiking to check out some waterfalls, Pine Hill makes camping fun!

Northern Panhandle

  • Tomlinson Run State Park: Located at the very top of the Northern Panhandle, this park is perfect for your next camping adventure! Split up into halves, this park has one half developed with picnic spots, mini golf, campgrounds, and cabins, and the other is left untouched with overhanging cliffs and abundant wildlife, allowing visitors to choose what kind of camping experience they want.

Potomac Highlands

  • Monongahela National Forest: Home to so many great landmarks, including Dolly Sods, Seneca Rocks, and Spruce Knob, this national forest is the perfect place for a camping getaway! With so much to explore, this is great for backpacking, which allows you to stay on the go making sure you see all the wonderful sites.

Eastern Panhandle

  • Cox Camping: Located on 60 acres of wooded land, Cox Camping is also located along the Washington Heritage Trail! This is the perfect place to set up camp after exploring the many landmarks along the Washington Heritage Trail.
Order a Travel Guide

This post was last updated on August 31, 2023