Discover the best campgrounds in West Virginia with wildlife watching

United States
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West Virginia

96% (2801 reviews)

Popular camping styles for West Virginia

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in West Virginia with wildlife watching

97%

(448)

Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Camp

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Parsons, WV

Welcome to the enchanting Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground, a pristine natural paradise nestled nearby the Monongahela National Forest and graced by the stunning Dry Fork River. Since our grand opening in July 2022, we've been welcoming guests year-round to explore and enjoy our 35 acres of unspoiled wilderness forest, complete with winding trails and a captivating 2100 feet of riverfront. Our diverse accommodations cater to all outdoor enthusiasts. Choose from 15 camping sites, each equipped with fire pits and slabwood benches amidst ample parking. For those seeking a rustic retreat, our 5 primitive shelter cabin sites feature cozy 10x12 lofted barn cabins, securely lockable with your padlock. RV adventurers are welcome too, with 10 picturesque near riverside spots (best suited for towed RVs up to 30 feet). Four of these provide full electric and water hook-ups, while the other six offer a serene boon-docking experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nearly 4 miles of wilderness riverfront, situated on a breathtaking road leading to the charming town of Parsons, WV - the heart of Tucker County and gateway to Thomas, Davis, and Canaan Valley. Your adventure starts here: kayak down the merging Dry Fork and Black Fork Rivers, stroll over to the nearby Hendricks via a charming cable suspension bridge, or explore the Fernow Experimental Forest, just a mile downstream. The surrounding Monongahela National Forest awaits with its vast, unlogged forests. Thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike will find no shortage of activities. From waterfall explorations, creek adventures, and fishing to kayaking, tubing, and hiking, there's something for everyone. Don't forget to bring your bikes, kayaks, tubes, roller blades, snorkels, goggles, and river shoes for an unforgettable outdoor experience! Our camp provides spring water spigots for general use, an office cabin with electric charging access, and clean porta-potties. Wi-Fi is available near the office cabin (password: campground19). The lovely town of Parsons, with all its conveniences, is just a 4-mile drive away. For a seamless experience, we offer online booking and self-check-in, with check-in starting at noon and designated parking spots for each campsite. Join us at Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground for a stay that promises tranquility, adventure, and a connection with nature like no other.

Stoney Creek Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Great Cacapon, WV

Enjoy one of our four large, beautiful sites with friends or family. The South, North and Rocks sites offer great privacy and seclusion. The Bridge site offers unique charm and close proximity to river, creek and bridge, and has the best WiFI access. Plenty of greenery between sites. You should mostly only see neighbors when going to bathhouse. On our property you will find, four large camp sites, Stoney Creek Country Store on the river, Pavillion next to the store, Cacapon River Outfitters behind the store, smallground campground next to pavillion, giant swing, bathhouse closest to riverside/campground, and a few (5) other trailers (mobile homes) further behind the store/bathhouse. The dead-end road that goes through our property leads to another riverside community that is sparsely developed. Kayak, boat or tube (we offer Tubing and Canoes). Fish or watch wildlife. (Fishing licenses available on DNR site for cheap) Nearby attractions if the river is not enough: * C&O Bike Trail, 185mi long from Washington DC to Cumberland MD (~9 miles) * Paw Paw Tunnel, part of C&O park (~9 miles) * Potomac River (~9miles allows gas powered boats) * GreenRidge Forest 47,560 acres (~10 miles, hiking trails and sightseeing) * Sideling Hill Wildlife Management area, 2,507 acres (2 miles) * Eidolon Nature Preserve (~12 miles) * Windmyer Hunting area, 422 acres, along route 9 (14 miles) * Berkeley Springs Spas, Pool, Park and Mineral Waters * Towns of Berkeley Springs, Hancock, Flintstone, Cumberland and Winchester within 40min drive * Cacapon State Park, 6,115 acres.. Hiking and Biking trails.. (~18miles) Day trips Swallow Falls (1h 40m drive) Deep Creek Lake area (90m drive) Black Water Falls (2h drive)

EarthSky Private Camp & Retreat

6 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Philippi, WV

Hello Campers & Glampers! Our property is 16.5 acres, two of which are along the Tygart Valley River and the rest are within forest canopy on the mountainside. We are in the low foothills of the Appalachia. We have 4 riverfront sites and we are continually changing our space around This year we will be adding a tiny house on site 4 and a sweatlodge with soaking pool on Site 1 additional camping spots along the property near outhouse Each site is equipped with a steel fire pit/grill and a picnic table. We have been busy building hiking trails and more primitive campsites on the 14.5 acres on the hillside across the road from the riverfront for all to enjoy. Step outside your tent and enjoy natures bounty —outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching are all at your fingertips and much more. There are 300+ acres of public land less than one mile away with miles of ATV and hiking trails and stocked ponds. If you're a fan of waterfalls just 4 miles down river is Arden Falls, one of our areas best kept secrets. The Tygart Valley River is one of the top kayaking rivers in the country. Audra State Park is less than 20 minutes away with lush forest trails with caves to explore. Well known hiking trails such as Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and the Dolly Sods are all within an hour drive. Go to Nelson Rocks for the ultimate climbing experience on the Via Ferrata. We are the perfect place to come to explore the wild beauty of West Virginia without the crowds. A hidden gem!

99%

(490)

Sacred Roots Herbal Sanctuary

8 sites · Lodging, Tents32 acres · Shepherdstown, WV

Looking for a personal retreat or get away ? Escape to our beautiful, RUSTIC 32 acre wild homestead / farm. What do we mean by "rustic" ? The camping experience we offer is about unplugging from the modern world , getting back to basics, and re-connecting with the land. Our campsites do not have electricity and there is no wifi on the land. Campsites are nestled in the woods. So although your vehicle will be parked within 50 ft or so from site, you cannot pull directly up to the site because of the trees. Feel free to wander through the herb gardens, eat your meals in the garden pavilion (we have picnic tables there and hammocks), get your Zen on in the meditation hut , and stroll through the woodland medicine path where we grow endangered and at at risk plant plants. (Please note that the woodland medicine path goes to seed by the Fall and is usually munched down by the deer by then, but is still a nice short stroll in the woods). We love dogs...but please leave them at home.

MountainTop

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Sugar Grove, WV

Live sustainably, enjoy life. Enjoy our family's 32 acre eco-wonder property that features forested mountain walking trails, two small ponds, seasonal waterfall, and the Potomac River that runs through it. Perfect private retreat for nature enthusiasts, writers, artists, musicians, contemplatives, and small families. MountainTop got its namesake over 30 years ago for the small mountain plateau that resides at the top of the property, just a short hike from the cabins and campsites. One can easily find the soothing voice of water nearby at the seasonal waterfall or alongside the flowing river. Rejuvenate with friends, families, nature lovers, and contemplatives. Mountaintop offers superb stargazing, swimming, fishing, hiking, strenuous mountain biking, camping, serenity, peace, and connective nature immersion. There are currently three sites: the MountainTop Cabin (sleeps up to 4); the Retreat Cabin (sleeps up to 4): and the Fern Grove campsite (sleeps up to 4). You can book a cabin or the campsite for your family, or the whole place for a small group by booking each site--that will ensure privacy. Last year we hosted wellness retreats for small groups at this little oasis tucked in the mountains of gorgeous West Virginia. "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." John Muir Note: All wheel drive or 4-wheel drive needed to cross river. 1 hour from downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. 1 hour 40 minutes from Charlottesville. 3 hours from Washington, D.C.

Down by the River!!!

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acres · Harpers Ferry, WV

Beautiful spot on the Shenandoah River....you will see eagles, deer, ospreys, beaver and numerous other critters. Great fishing, boating and swimming not to mention the views. Lots of local cuisine and pubs. Flea markets and BBQ on the roadside and for those who dare the casino and horse racing!!!... Each site has a picnic table, firepit and pavilion canopies for creature comfort. We do have firewood available along with boat rentals. All boat rentals and firewood are cash only. Please limit glass containers.

98%

(30)

Bear Run Farms

3 sites · Lodging, Tents130 acres · Mount Storm, WV

We recently received a 2024 GLAMPY Award and we're ranked 3rd Best camping and glamping destination in the USA!! Our property features a pristine private blue water lake with a glamping cabin available lakeside, overlooking the water as well as many forested and lakeside tent and RV sites available as well. There is an abundance of local hiking trails, some with waterfalls, scenic train rides, 3 large lakes within 40 min for boating and fishing, horseback riding nearby, or just take in the relaxing natural beauty of our sites and immerse yourself in nature! Farm fresh eggs available! Fresh linens and towels provided in cabins!

96%

(85)

Mountains,Woods,Ponds, Natural

20 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Lewisburg, WV

Learn more about this land: We have 4 ponds on our property we have open areas, wooded areas, we raise cattle, sheep and chickens. All of the acreage has mountainous views. Our town of Lewisburg is 15 minutes away. Lots to do and enjoy. We sell beef, eggs, firewood, and seasonal vegetables. We also have a Porta potty now on the property for use.

100%

(13)

Fourth Moon Camp

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Seneca Rocks, WV

Don't miss our incredibly unique experiences and extras! Fourth Moon Camp is an incredibly unique accommodation located directly behind Seneca Rocks. Your 130 acre camp site is less than a five minute walk to the rocks and features unique, mountain/valley views from the eastern aspect of the iconic rock formations. There are private trails leading directly to both Roy Gap Road as well as the North Peak of Seneca Rocks. Local attractions include Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Monongahela National Forest, Germany Valley, Seneca Caverns, Nelson Rocks, Smoke Hole, North Fork Mountain, North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River, and so many more. The extras and attractions we offer on the property are also incredibly unique. Please feel free to message us with any questions about any of these add-ons and options. Fourth Moon Camp may be accessed by reservation only, via Roy Gap Road. This road is a gravel, state road. It is single-vehicle-width in many places, uphill, and without any easy turnouts. This road is advised for experienced drivers and capable vehicles only.

92%

(88)

Abrams Creek Campground/Retreat

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Mt. Storm, WV

Abrams Creek is like camping in a nature preserve, rather than in a commercial campground. On our campground, there are no generators, loud electronics, or other things that would distract from appreciating the sights and sounds of this pristine natural environment. And this is always a great place to beat the heat! We have a mountain climate; the peak temperature most days in the summer is in the high 70's or very low 80's, and at night, temperatures go down to about 60. You'll be breathing cool, clean, fresh mountain air all day long! Hot showers are included, and all sanitary facilities are *sterilized* between guests. We have taken every measure to safeguard your health! We are located in the mountainous Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia. Our vision is an environmentally conscious, eco-friendly campground developed in harmony with nature. We are not only a business, but also serve as an anchor for others who want to live more simply and close to the earth. The concept of rural revitalization means reinventing rural life so that it is economically sound, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally satisfying. Ask any of our staff if you would like to learn more about this!

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(306)

Mulehalla

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Williamsport, MD

Right off the C&O canal, Mulehalla offers primitive sites that are both beautiful and private with restrooms available. Firewood available for sale as well.

94%

(362)

Buffalo Gap Retreat and Camp

68 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Capon Bridge, WV

Located in the foothills of the Potomac Highlands, Buffalo Gap is a 1950s era former Mountain Kids Camp turned Retreat by a group of individuals who had a vision of creating a space where family and friends can enjoy a relaxing mountain get-away. Situated between two mountains -- Sandy Ridge and Slane's Knob -- Buffalo Gap sits in the gap between the two. Consequently, the 70 acre property is teaming with creeks and streams, along with a 1.5 acre spring fed lake, making it a peaceful and beautiful retreat from the daily stresses of life. Rent a cabin, camp, have a wedding or family reunion, enjoy our lakeview café, swim, hike, kayak, canoe, and so much more. With the nearby town of Capon Bridge just 10 minutes away and the Shenandoah Valley city of Winchester just 35 minutes, so much beauty and convenience with our riverside town and nearby bigger city for additional dining and entertainment as well as conveniences.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

94%

(44)

Monongahela National Forest

Durbin, West Virginia

100%

(4)

Greenbrier State Forest

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Hillsboro, West Virginia

100%

(3)

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Davis, West Virginia

100%

(3)

Coopers Rock State Forest

Cheat Lake, West Virginia

Thurmond, West Virginia

100%

(2)

Moncove Lake State Park

Union, West Virginia

100%

(2)

Twin Falls State Park

Mullens, West Virginia

Camping in West Virginia with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking to immerse yourself in nature and observe wildlife in West Virginia? Look no further than Sacred Roots Herbal Sanctuary (192 reviews), Buffalo Gap Retreat and Camp (167 reviews), and Stoney Creek Campground (151 reviews) to see why they've received rave reviews from fellow campers. Plus, popular amenities like potable water, pet-friendly policies, and campfire pits will ensure your camping trip is both comfortable and enjoyable. And if you're feeling adventurous, popular activities like biking, whitewater paddling, and wind sports are just a stone's throw away. So pack your gear, grab your binoculars, and get ready to experience the wonders of wildlife in West Virginia.