Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in West Virginia (With Travel Guide)

West Virginia, the "Mountain State," is a hidden gem of the Appalachian region, where lush forests, rugged mountains, and winding rivers create a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich coal-mining history, and Southern hospitality, West Virginia offers some of the most authentic and affordable camping experiences in the eastern United States.

This comprehensive guide highlights West Virginia's 10 most exceptional camping destinations, each chosen for its unique natural features, recreational opportunities, and Appalachian charm. We'll explore what makes each location special, the best times to visit, nearby facilities, and essential considerations to ensure your West Virginia camping adventure is both safe and unforgettable.

1. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (Fayetteville) – Adventure Capital
🌄 Key Attractions:
New River Gorge Bridge – Iconic steel arch bridge (world’s 2nd highest)
Bridge Day – Annual event when bridge is open to pedestrians (October)
Kayaking & whitewater rafting – World-class rapids
Hiking trails – Including Endless Wall and Grandview
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
April through October (50-80°F) – Best weather for outdoor activities
Fall (September-October) – Spectacular foliage
Summer (July-August) – Warm for swimming and rafting
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Fayetteville (10 minutes) – Charming town with restaurants and shops
Princeton (45 minutes) – More services available
Campgrounds: Canyon Rim, Sandstone Falls, and more
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Steep cliffs – Stay back from edges
Whitewater safety – Only attempt rapids with experienced guides
Crowds in fall – Especially during Bridge Day

2. Blackwater Falls State Park (Davis) – Waterfall Wonderland
💧 Key Attractions:
Blackwater Falls – Iconic 57-foot amber-colored waterfall
Canaan Valley – Nearby mountain valley
Dolly Sods Wilderness – Alpine-like highlands
Hiking trails – To multiple waterfalls and scenic overlooks
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through October (45-75°F) – Best for hiking and waterfall viewing
Fall (September-October) – Stunning foliage
Summer (July-August) – Warm for exploring
Spring (May-June) – Wildflowers emerging
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Davis (10 minutes) – Small town with basics
Thomas (20 minutes) – More services
Campgrounds: Blackwater Falls State Park
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Steep trails – Proper footwear required
Weather changes quickly – Pack layers
Photography opportunities – Especially at sunrise/sunset

3. Seneca Rocks (Monongahela National Forest) – Climbing & Scenic Views
🗿 Key Attractions:
Seneca Rocks – Dramatic quartzite formation
Seneca Rocks Climbing School – World-renowned climbing destination
Dolly Sods Wilderness – Nearby alpine highlands
Hiking trails – To rocky summits and scenic overlooks
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through October (45-75°F) – Best weather for climbing
Fall (September-October) – Cooler temperatures
Summer (July-August) – Warm for hiking
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Keyser (15 minutes) – Small town with basics
Elkins (30 minutes) – More services
Campgrounds: Seneca Shadows, Bear Rocks
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Climbing safety – Only attempt with proper gear and experience
Steep trails – Proper footwear required
Weather changes quickly – Pack layers

4. Coopers Rock State Forest (Morgantown) – Forest & Cliff Views
🌳 Key Attractions:
Coopers Rock Overlook – Spectacular views of Morgantown
Hiking and mountain biking trails – Through forests and along cliffs
Old Iron Furnace – Historical iron-making site
Wildlife viewing – Deer and turkey
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
April through October (50-80°F) – Best weather for outdoor activities
Fall (September-October) – Stunning foliage
Summer (July-August) – Warm for hiking
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Morgantown (15 minutes) – University town with full services
Campgrounds: Coopers Rock State Forest
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Steep cliffs – Stay back from edges
Crowds on weekends – Arrive early
Wildlife encounters – Keep food secure

5. Cheat Lake (Morgantown) – Lake Recreation
🏞️ Key Attractions:
Cheat Lake – Scenic reservoir
Boating and fishing – Popular water activities
Hiking trails – Around the lake
Sunset views – From lakeside overlooks
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through September (60-85°F) – Best for water activities
Summer (July-August) – Warm for swimming
Fall (September-October) – Pleasant temperatures
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Morgantown (10 minutes) – University town with full services
Campgrounds: Cheat Lake Campground
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Water safety – Check lake conditions
Boating regulations – Life jackets required
Seasonal changes – Weather variable

6. Greenbrier River Trail (Lewisburg) – Rail Trail Adventure
🚴 Key Attractions:
Greenbrier River Trail – 78-mile converted rail trail
Scenic river views – Along the trail
Historic towns – Lewisburg and Ronceverte
Biking and hiking – Flat, family-friendly trail
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
April through October (50-80°F) – Best trail weather
Spring (April-May) – Mild and blooming
Fall (September-October) – Cooler temperatures
Summer (July-August) – Warm but can be humid
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Lewisburg (10 minutes) – Charming town with shops and restaurants
Ronceverte (20 minutes) – More services
Campgrounds: Various along the trail
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Bike safety – Wear helmets
Trail conditions – Check for maintenance
Weather changes – Can vary by season

7. Cranberry Glades Botanical Area (Marlinton) – Highland Bogs
🌿 Key Attractions:
Cranberry Glades – Unique boreal bogs
Boardwalk trails – Through wetlands
Wildlife viewing – Carnivorous plants and birds
Highland scenery – Alpine-like environment
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through October (45-75°F) – Best for exploring
Summer (July-August) – Warm for hiking
Fall (September-October) – Cooler temperatures
Spring (May-June) – Wildflowers emerging
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Marlinton (15 minutes) – Small town with basics
Campgrounds: Cranberry Glades Campground
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Boardwalk only – Stay on designated paths
Wildlife encounters – Keep distance
Weather changes quickly – Pack layers

8. Bluestone National Scenic River (Hinton) – River Canyons
🏞️ Key Attractions:
Bluestone River – Scenic river canyon
Bluestone Gorge Trail – Along the river
Hiking and fishing – Popular activities
Wildlife viewing – Native species
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through October (50-80°F) – Best weather
Summer (July-August) – Warm for hiking
Fall (September-October) – Fewer crowds
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Hinton (10 minutes) – Small town with basics
Campgrounds: Bluestone River Campground
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
River safety – Check water conditions
Hiking trails – Can be steep
Weather changes – Can vary

9. Hawks Nest State Park (Ansted) – Lake & Cliff Views
🏞️ Key Attractions:
Hawks Nest Lake – Scenic reservoir
New River Gorge views – From cliffs
Golf course – Nearby recreation
Hiking trails – Along the lake
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through October (50-80°F) – Best weather
Summer (July-August) – Warm for swimming
Fall (September-October) – Fewer crowds
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Ansted (5 minutes) – Small town with basics
Fayetteville (20 minutes) – More services
Campgrounds: Hawks Nest State Park
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Cliff edges – Stay back from drop-offs
Water safety – Check lake conditions
Crowds in summer – Arrive early

10. Monongahela National Forest (Various) – Appalachian Wilderness
🌲 Key Attractions:
Spruce Knob – Highest point in West Virginia (4,863 ft)
Seneca Rocks – Nearby rock formation
Dolly Sods Wilderness – Alpine-like highlands
Hiking and backpacking – Endless trails
🗓️ Best Travel Period:
May through October (45-75°F) – Best hiking weather
Fall (September-October) – Stunning foliage
Summer (July-August) – Warm for hiking
Spring (May-June) – Mild temperatures
🛒 Facilities & Accessibility:
Elkins (30 minutes) – More services
Davis (45 minutes) – Small town with basics
Campgrounds: Numerous throughout the forest
⚠️ Essential Considerations:
Remote areas – Limited services
Wildlife encounters – Proper food storage
Weather changes quickly – Pack layers

Final West Virginia Camping Essentials
✔ Reservations – Recommended for summer/fall weekends
✔ Layered clothing – Mountain weather changes rapidly
✔ Bear awareness – Proper food storage in forests
✔ Water safety – Always check conditions
✔ Leave No Trace – Protect West Virginia's natural beauty