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West Virginia is full of natural beauty and wonders. This smaller Appalachian state may be easy to overlook as a drive-through state on a visit to more famous destinations on the coast, West Virginia surprises and delights travelers who choose to stay for a night or longer. The Mountain State is home to old-growth forest, magnificent rivers, and dramatic gorges and valleys. It’s a magnet for outdoor adventurers to white-water raft, kayak, mountain bike, off-road, and much more.
Boating, fishing, hiking, birding, and photography are activities for everyone that can be enjoyed throughout the state. Camping is very popular, due to West Virginia’s wealth of state parks and forests, in addition to its federally protected lands. West Virginia’s state park campgrounds highlight some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Campgrounds are rustic, allowing visitors to focus on their natural surroundings. Parks are generally well maintained and well regarded. A 2019 increase in funding has brought additional improvements to the parks.
Many campgrounds are located in thick forests and valleys. Cell service is typically spotty, although up-to-date information is helpfully shared on each park’s website and in the reservation system.
Given the mountainous topography, roads can be narrow, steep, and winding. Be sure to review your route thoroughly in advance, factor in extra time, and contact the park directly for tips on accessibility.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit reservations.wvstateparks.com/ or call 833-WV-PARKS.
Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance. Reservations are recommended but not required. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A minimum of 2 nights applies over weekends.
Campsite sizes
Campsite sizes vary within each campground. In the reservation system, the “Unit Amenities” search filter includes the number of sites with maximum RV length. The maximum length is also shown under specific campsite amenities in the search results.
This information is somewhat hidden on the website, so it is best to use the search filter for your RV size. In general, West Virginia state park campgrounds are big rig friendly.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible sites are designed for customers with disabilities and/or mobility difficulty. Each park’s website details the number of accessible sites per campground. Accessible sites are searchable and bookable online.
Hookups
All campgrounds offer sites with electric hookups, most also offer water hookups. Some sewer hookups are available. Each park’s website gives a description of their campsites. In the reservation system, you can search by “Unit Type” for electric or non-electric. A “Unit Amenities” search includes water or sewer hookups.
Connectivity
WiFi is offered at some West Virginia state parks. WiFi plus general cell service availability is noted under “Campground Amenities” on each park’s website. The reservation system also displays details about cell service per campsite.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay from May 1 through Labor Day is 14 nights. After Labor Day, longer stays are subject to the discretion of the park supervisor.
Additional facilities
Campsites are rustic. Only some campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, and/or concrete pads. Basic campground facilities include restrooms, a dump station, laundry, a store or newsstand, a playground, and marked trails.
Cost
Prices range from $15 to $35, depending on the park, campsite, and date. View prices per site / per date in the reservation system.
Additional Fees:
Cancellations up to 60 days prior to arrival: Full refund.
Cancellations between 59 and 8 days prior to arrival: Credit toward a future stay, less the deposit amount.
Cancellations within 7 days of arrival: No refund.
Pet policies
Dogs and cats are the only pets allowed, as long as they’re kept on a leash. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 2 vehicles. Maximum number of people not specified; check with the campground if traveling with a party larger than 6.
- Check-in time: 12 p.m. Check-out time: 12 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Check with the specific park for any restrictions.
- Generator use: Prohibited during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Permitted with the written permission of the state park superintendent.
Featured Campgrounds
Babcock State Park
486 Babcock Road, Clifftop, WV 25831
Babcock State Park is home to one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia, the Glade Creek Gristmill. Although it is a replica, the fully functioning mill was created out of wood and stone pieces from older mills. The view of the rustic building surrounded by trees and a rocky river is iconic. Get your fill of photos, and explore the rest of this scenic Appalachian Mountain park. More than 20 miles of hiking trails for all levels lead through the lush forest, along streams and past cascades. Boley Lake and Glade Creek provide boating and fishing fun.
Babcock State Park’s campground was originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Just over 50 sites are available, about half with electric hookups. Modern amenities including restrooms, laundry, and a dump station have been added, and the park is well maintained. However, the campground’s age does mean that site sizes are better suited for smaller rigs, and maneuvering may be tight in spots. With its scenic beauty, history, and proximity to the famous New River Gorge, Babcock State Park offers a quintessential West Virginia camping experience.
Holly River State Park
680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222
Located in the rugged Hacker Valley, Holly River’s 8,000-plus acres encompass lush forest, rivers and streams, and six waterfalls. Tecumseh Falls is the most accessible, with an easy hike just over two miles. A 3.5-mile hike rewards views of the 20-foot Tenskwatawa Falls. The park’s website has detailed descriptions of the different trails available. At the park, rangers can provide information on the best hikes for a range of abilities. A playground and seasonal pool will keep the kids occupied when they’re not exploring the forest and streams.
More than 80 campsites are nestled under a dense canopy of old-growth trees, all with electric hookups, picnic tables, and grills. Central restrooms, laundry facilities, and a dump station are available. RVs up to 30 feet long will have more choices in campsites, although a few sites can accommodate big rigs. Holly River State Park has been referred to as the “rain forest of the east,” evident in its lush greenery, moss-covered rocks, and thick ground cover. It’s a magical place to camp and explore West Virginia’s natural beauty.
Watoga State Park
4800 Watoga Park Road, Marlinton, WV 24954
West Virginia’s largest state park can be found in the mountains of Pocahontas County. Covering over 10,000 acres of forested land, Watoga offers many recreational activities including hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. During the summer, a variety of watercraft are available to rent at Watoga Lake. Tubing down the Greenbrier River is a fun and relaxing activity on a hot day. Over 40 miles of hiking trails range from easy to strenuous. Hikers who make it to the Anne Bailey Lookout Tower are rewarded with sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains.
The park has over 80 campsites between two campgrounds, Beaver Creek and Riverside. Riverside is the larger and more desirable campground, with a location right on the Greenbrier River. Some electric hookups are available. Both campgrounds have picnic tables and fire pits at the sites, well-maintained restrooms, laundry, and a camp store. Sites can fit RVs up to 40 feet, and a few sites accommodate larger rigs. If you tire of the lake and river, the park also has a seasonal heated pool.
West Virginia state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
- Audra State Park
- Babcock State Park
- Beek Fork State Park
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- Bluestone State Park
- Cabwaylingo State Park
- Camp Creek State Park and Forest
- Canaan Valley Resort State Park
- Cedar Creek State Park
- Chief Logan State Park
- Coopers Rock State Park
- Greenbrier State Park
- Holly River State Park
- Kumbrabow State Forest
- Little Beaver State Park
- Lost River State Park
- Moncove Lake State Park
- North Bend State Park
- Panther State Forest
- Pipestem Resort State Park
- Seneca State Forest
- Stonewall Resort State Park
- Tomlinson Run State Park
- Twin Falls State Park
- Tygart Lake State Park
- Watoga State Park
For more information on West Virginia state park campgrounds, visit wvstateparks.com
