1. Appalachian Trail
If you want a peaceful camping trip where you can really experience nature and wildlife then backpacking along the Appalachian Trail is a worthy trip. The A.T. passes through West Virginia for 2.7 miles but most of it is along the border with Virginia for another 25 miles. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and Visitor Center is actually in Harpers Ferry in West Virginia where many hikers stop for a photo. Some of the shelters along the trail are closed due to Covid, but don’t let that stop you from bringing your own tent and finding a spot along the trail to spend the night. There are no campsites along the A.T. in Harpers Ferry but further up and down the trail there are.
2. New River Gorge National Park
The New River flows through the southeast portion of West Virginia creating a large gorge and canyon area. You can take two of the most popular hikes, Endless Wall and Long Point to see amazing views (keep an eye out for cooper’s hawks and bald eagles). The river is popular for whitewater rafting with several private rafting outfitters offering guided tours. There are miles of trails which also include a single track mountain bike trail. The three most popular waterfalls in the park are the Sandstone Falls (the largest in the park), Big Branch Falls and Turkey Creek Falls. With so much to see and do you can see why the New River Gorge National Park is one of the best places to camp in West Virginia this summer. There are 9 camping areas in the park and all the sites are first come, first served and there is no charge! The sites are primitive but many include a picnic table, fire ring and restroom or privy nearby. The Grandview Sandbar Campground for example has 10 wooded sites suitable for tents or small RV’s and 6 walk-in tent sites, as well as 2 accessible sites by the river. The other sites are similar in accommodations. A great place to stay right in the park!
3. Summersville Lake: Battle Run Campground
Just 20 miles NE of Fayetteville is the largest lake in the state, Summersville Lake. It is in part of the Summersville State Wildlife Area and is a popular fishing spot. Anglers come to fish for crappie, catfish, walleye, large and smallmouth bass and an occasional rainbow trout. On the western edge of the lake is a peninsula where Battle Run Campground is located. Most of the campsites are lakefront so it doesn’t get better than that! There are 110 campsites with electric and 7 hike-in sites that are non-electric. Lakeside camping at Battle Run is one of the best places to camp in West Virginia this summer.
4. Blackwater Falls State Park
In the NE corner of West Virginia is Blackwater Falls State Park in the Allegheny Mountains. The falls get their name from the dark colored water that results from tannic acid of hemlock and red spruce tree needles. There are 20 miles of trails to hike through the mountains and visit breathtaking waterfalls! Keep an eye out for white-tail deer, chipmunks or beavers and muskrats near the falls. For camping in the park there are RV/Tent sites, cabins and unique “Tentrr campsites” which have a canvass tent on a wooden platform that has a memory foam mattress inside (a glamping set up!). There are 65 RV/Tent sites with electric, 39 fully furnished cabins and the Tentrr sites which are right along the river. Many options for an amazing camping trip this summer!
5. Charleston: Kanawha State Forest Campground
If you want to visit the capitol of West Virginia, Charleston, as well as camp nearby, then Kanawha State Forest Campground is a great option. Just 7 miles south of downtown Charleston, the campground has 46 campsites including 26 that have water and electric hookups. While the campsites are roomy they are not recommended for trailers that are more than 26 feet long. Visit the Clay Center for the Arts, the West Virginia State Museum or check out the shops and restaurants in downtown Charleston, then head back to your campsite for a campfire and s’mores. Make a note that you are staying in bear country so be sure to lock up your food and keep it in a secure place. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife and you might be lucky enough to see a bald eagle or eastern coyote (or maybe you will just hear one howling at night). A classic camping experience right in the forest.
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