Camping › West Virginia
Camping in West Virginia
330 places to camp in West Virginia: 61 national forest and federal campgrounds, 3 state park campgrounds, 91 free dispersed and primitive spots, 175 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 81°F and lows near 60°F.
Best areas to camp
- Around Elkins86 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Marlinton72 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Oak Hill48 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Rock Cave24 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Huntington21 camps in the area within 25 miles
Questions
When is the best time to camp in West Virginia?
The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 81°F and lows near 60°F.
Is there free camping in West Virginia?
Yes: 94 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.
Will I have cell signal camping in West Virginia?
At about 59% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.
Where are the darkest skies for camping in West Virginia?
43 camps sit under the darkest skies (class 1–2). See the stargazing page.
Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.
Open West Virginia in Find campsThis week's picks
A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.
Spruce Knob LakeFederal campground · Reservable · No cell signalThe Spruce Knob Lake Campground is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful setting with easy access to boating on…
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Stuart Recreation AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThe Stuart Campground and Recreation Area is set in a mixed forest along the banks of the Shavers Fork River. The river provides excellent fishing and is regularly stocked with trout.…
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Grandview Playground ShelterFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThe Playground Picnic Shelter is the main shelter at Grandview. It is closest to the main playground and ball fields, located just past the amphitheater.
View camp →- Spruce Knob Lake CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · No cell signal
Spruce Knob Lake Campground is located west of Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. Also close by is Spruce Knob - Seneca Creek Backcountry, which holds 60 miles of trails ready…
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Horseshoe Recreation AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalHorseshoe Recreation Area is located in north-central West Virginia, 7 miles from the town of St. George. The campground is tucked in a valley along Horseshoe Run, providing excellent…
View camp →- Laurel Fork CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · No cell signal
Located along the Laurel Fork River between [Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=12367) areas, this primitive campground offers…
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Seneca ShadowsFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThe Seneca Shadows Campground overlooks Seneca Rocks and is surrounded by mountains on both the east and west. Hiking and nature study at Seneca Rocks are just a couple of the popular…
View camp →- Cranberry CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · No cell signal
A popular semi-primitive campground adjacent to the Cranberry River and the "lower-gate" entrance to the Cranberry Backcountry. This campground receives very high use during trout stocking…
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Free camping in West Virginia
94 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.
- Camp Run CampgroundFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
Nestled along a Shenandoah Mountain drainage in Pendleton County, WV, Camp Run provides an opportunity for primitive 1950’s style camping that is popular with hunters.
View camp → - Wolf Gap Recreation AreaFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
Wolf Gap Recreation Area was once the site of a 1930’s African American Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. This recreation area has many hiking opportunities nearby. From here begin your…
View camp → - Williams RiverDispersed / primitive · Free · No cell signal
The Williams River begins on Black Mountain, Pocahontas County, and flows west 33 miles to its confluence with the Gauley River near Cowen, Webster County.
View camp → - Mill Run CampsiteDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal
At mile marker 40.9. 1 tent pitch, no good hammock opportunities. No direct river access, but access to Mill Run.
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