Photo Credits: Photography by 3Spade7Star…read more Five River Campgrounds exceeded my highest expectations and had the most friendly, kindest, and most wonderful staff & owners. The campground is famous for its sold out annual Bluegrass festival yet it is gaining attention for its powwow events. It was very easy to find the campground. We went to the Five River Campgrounds for the Third Annual Powwow in Parsons in June 2025. It was the most meaningful pow wow I ever experienced. The owners of the campground (Joyce & John) gave the sales of the tickets to the powwow to the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) Memorial Grove. The non profit organization is involved in promoting awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Some of the performers gave their earnings to MMIW Memorial Grove as well. The Five Rivers Campgrounds owners welcomed us with open arms and immediately noticed us as photographers. We do a lot of philanthropic work in photography yet we rarely get noticed or thanked by many people for it. The owners of the campground were selling tee shirts and stickers with our photography. We had given permission to have our photography used to the performer we have taken the photo of and we were happy to see that he & the owners of the campground were displaying our photography on tee shirts and stickers in the campground shop. The campgrounds are beautiful with views of the mountain. Immediately staff helped us park and alerted us of the speed limit on the campgrounds. The powwow was held outdoors and there was an open air arena with a roof to provide shade. The stage in the venue had a shelter and a good view. You had to provide your own seating, yet we knew that beforehand. The fee for the pow wow was $10 for two days, and we captured the most memorable and beautiful photos we ever took on those days of performers in regalia against green foliage and the mountains. The powwow was small yet the amazing camaraderie and performers were unforgettable. This was one of the finest powwow venues in ambiance, performance, connections, and professionalism we ever experienced.

Quiet, friendly, respectful park. Easy to get to, just outside of a little town so you have all the…read moreplaces to get supplies. Tucked back up to a river so you feel a million miles away. I'll definitely be going back soon. My dog and I had a great time while we were there.

I will never forget my experience at Tygart Lake State Park. What could have been a frightening and…read moredangerous situation instead became one of the safest and most welcoming places I have ever been in my life. Special, heartfelt thanks to Park Ranger Patrick Miller -- truly a power ranger in every sense of the word. Ranger Miller immediately understood that it would have been far more dangerous to turn me away from an RV site. I was a first-time RV driver, snow was coming in, and I am from Louisiana, with no experience driving in winter conditions. His judgment, compassion, and leadership quite literally kept me safe. He tried to help me reverse the camper himself, assessed the situation carefully, and made sure I was secure -- recognizing that I had a winterized vehicle with its own bathroom and that staying put was the safest option. Under his leadership, his team -- JR, John, JJ, and others -- checked on me repeatedly, helped me make a fire, and even jumped my car when it stalled, despite the fact that roadside assistance never showed up when it should have. When my car stalled again later at The Lodge, they were there for me again. People like Jason from Tygart Lake and everyone associated with this park showed up every single time I needed help -- calmly, professionally, and with genuine care. What stood out most was that they didn't just "do their jobs." They cared. Every person I encountered at Tygart Lake State Park made me feel protected, respected, and welcomed. Under the leadership of Park Ranger Patrick Miller, this team embodies what public service is supposed to be. I truly felt like I was meant to be here, and I have never felt safer anywhere. This park -- and the people who run it -- are a treasure. I am deeply grateful. Update: 12/18/25 Horrible Customer Service at GIFT SHOP I bought a one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass ornament from the lodge gift shop that was supposed to light up. No one tested it at purchase, and when I got back to my room it didn't work. A staff member told me to bring it back for a battery replacement, but when I returned a different staff member was condescending and treated me like I was trying to get away with something over a $2 battery. I've spent close to $1,000 at the lodge in about a week, and this experience left me feeling accused instead of helped. By the time anyone tried to make it right, the tone had already done the damage, and I ended up canceling my New Year's Eve booking and taking my business elsewhere. This wasn't about the battery--it was about how I was treated.

Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton, WV. Mon-Tues, Sept 8-9, 2025. This state park, in the foothills…read moreof the Allegheny mountains in scenic north-central West Virginia, features a 10-mile long, 1,750 acre lake. The lake offers the usual water activities (swimming, boating, scuba diving, fishing (bass!), but also Adventure Lake with inflatables (closed when we visited). There are also trails for family-friendly hiking or biking, as well as options for staying overnight (a lodge and campground). There are also playgrounds for the kiddos. Our activities included: *Stopped at the PARK OFFICE to pick up a map. The ranger was friendly and helpful. The NATURE CENTER in the same building was closed. *Checked out the overlook near the DAM which regulates the waters of the Tygart Valley River. This is a tourist-friendly area with a visitors center/restrooms, informational signs, covered picnic tables, outdoor tables with phone charging stations, a WV photo-op at an "Almost Heaven" swing, free parking, and more. The U.S. Corps of Engineers also offers free tours of the dam every Friday in June, July, and August; pre-registration is required. *HIKED the easy Tygart Dam Trail (1.7 miles out-and-back, 160' elevation gain) that connects the Tygart Lake Dam to the Tygart Lodge. The trail was mostly flat, except for a steep paved section at the very beginning/ending on the dam side. There were limited views of the lake from the trail due to foliage, except near the lodge. Our turn around point was the lodge. We sat on a bench on the stairwell going up to the lodge to drink some water and eat a snack; a minor concern was that wasn't a bench in the shade. *Finally, we CAMPED overnight in our Class-B (van-sized) RV in the campground. There are 36 well-maintained sites, of which 26 are non-electric sites ($29.99/night) and 10 that offer 50-amp electric and water for $39.99. While the office on-site was closed when we arrived (Mon, 3:45 pm), there was a sign outlining ways to pay either by calling or online. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring. The restrooms/showers, about 50 yards from our site, were clean. We were one of only two campers on the night that we visited so it was very peaceful, and we enjoyed being able to see the dark night sky. We noted, however, that the sites are close together and campers wouldn't have much privacy at busier times. Also, wi-fi was unstable at our (but not all) sites. Overall, we had a very peaceful stay. While we encountered occasional people in the park office, on the trails, in the dam area, and in the campground, it was mostly a solitary experience on a Monday-Tuesday in early September. Also, some of the attractions (Adventure Lake, kayak rental, the Nature Center, campground office) were closed. We didn't have any security concerns. We hope to return one day.

This is the cleanest campground I have been to. I traveled to Alaska earlier this year so I stayed…read moremany places. Amber, the hostesses this summer, goes the extra mile to keep the latrines clean and the sites edged. This is a quiet, dark place across from a lake and a few miles from the high point of WV. Sites are large and spaced away from each other. Walk up sites available.

So tidy. So clean. Man, they run a tight ship here. I'm talking this place is like spotless,…read moresterilized, clinically, zestfully clean all up in here. Even the vault toilets. The folks here are friendly and leave you be. Its perfectly isolated up here on the mountain. The road to get here is a pain if you have a city car but if you have anything 4 wheel drive you will love the dirt, the mud splashes, the potholes and the bumps along the *entire stretch of road to get here.

Great campsite on river riding was great camp owner Tony was the best trailer out to all the places…read morewe wanted to go. Short drive to Cass to ride the steam engine train to the top of bald knop. The town of Durbin is a old logging town that you can walk to from camp with a great restaurant. We would highly recommend this campground and will be going back to ride horses again.

what an amazing beautiful very well cared for camp site. VERY QUITE... clean, water,sewer,electric…read morehook up, they have pull through sites. beautiful sites by the creek running through. BREATH TAKEN. Mark was very nice and helpful. will be back.

I have a CDL, and have been driving large vehicles for well over a decade. I have a 45' coach bus…read morewith a tag axel. We got to this park in the middle of the night, and had everything all pre-arranged with the office (including payment). When we got here, the roads were a bit narrow, but, even in the blizzard conditions, we were able to make our way (albeit very slowly) back to our lot. Once we got there, the pad itself is completely paved, and relatively level. The width of the pad is the exact width of our bus, therefore, you need to have a bit of driving skills to maneuver around here. We got one of the 50 amp sites (only 6 on property) and had a great view of the lodge and resort through our main windows. In addition, we have seen a law enforcement officer, plow truck, and one or two park vehicles drive by since we have been here. Oh yeah, we are the only people here now. One thing I will say about the park. The spots are not all that long, and there is really no reason for that. There is plenty of space at the end of the paved pad to continue on for 20-25 additional feet. I am not sure why they do not do that. Anyhow, on to the resort. The resort is a short walk across a beautiful foot bridge that extends over the water that surrounds the campground. When we got over there, we went to go book our spa appointments, and take a look at the indoor pool. You can read my other review on the resort for more information for that resort. Suffice it to say, that NOT ALL AMENITIES at the resort are included with the price of admission to the campground. During the winter months, it is $8 a day for up to four people to use the indoor / outdoor pool and hottubs. This is just a nuisance fee that truly serves no purpose. Just ask before you assume here. The rate during the summer is $15 a day for four people to use the pool or hottubs. The campground has beautiful amenities, and is really a nice place to stay and relax. During the summer months, the trees would be in full bloom, and would allow you to take advantage of the fire ring and nice gravel picnic areas on each site. This is definitely a place we will be coming back to.

My family and I went tent camping, so I can't speak for the RV sites. We had an enjoyable time. The…read moresites were clean, with garbage receptacles located nearby (enclosed to keep wildlife out.) The tent sites are a short walk from the bath house, and are located right on the lake. The sites provide a raised wooden platform for your tent as well as a picnic table and fire pit. The park doesn't allow outside firewood but you can purchase small bundles (6-7 pieces) for a little over $7. Lots of wildlife to see, and the fishing is good. Our family will be back!

Quaint little Creekside park with 17 sites, all full hook up. There are full-time and a few storage…read moreunits, but a few open spots remain for those traveling through. Rustic, rural area; but worth a stay to visit the nearby Centre Market. The owners love and support their community, which is a wonderful trait to have these days. Nearby Girl Scout camp Giscowheco is fascinating!

Amy, the owner was super nice and helpful. Was very quick to respond to our text and questions. The…read moreroad to the campground was not so great, but that's not on them. Just take it slow and be careful. Once you made it to the campground it is very peaceful and quiet. We felt very safe and the surroundings were beautiful! I'd highly recommended you stay there if you are in the area!!

I camped at Kumbrabow State Forest mid April while attending a Ramp Festival in Pickens, WV…read more Kumbrabow is a jewel! Tons of hiking trails, trout fishing, gun and archery range, and home of the Bowers CCC Camp. The staff at Kumbrabow was helpful and attentive from the time I called to get information to while I was there. Kumbrabow has tent/RV camping (no hook ups), and cabins - all along picturesque Mill Creek. The WV Forest Service has positioned split firewood at the entrance of the camping area for sale. There are three pit toilets, but no water at the camping area. There is a bath house, with hot water and laundry, two and a half miles from the camping area. The bath house is in the same area as the Ranger Station. Payment for camping sites, first come first serve, are self pay ($17.00/night) next to the wood shed. Make no mistake, Kumbrabow is remote, but worth the trip.

Very nice campground, would definitely recommend this place. Nice large spaces and pretty…read moresurroundings. The road coming into campground is very narrow and bumpy. Besides the road a very nice campground.

Nice campground, level well laid out spaces, friendly owners. I would definitely recommend this…read morecampground to anyone considering staying here. Easy drive to Morgantown, however the road getting there is very bumpy and is not extremely wide, but not the campgrounds fault. The gravel road in the campground is better than the paved road getting to it. Well maintained, clean and quiet.

Nice place to visit. Mr. Owner is a bit of an over emotional hot head but his wife is a real…read moresweet heart and makes up for her husband's off putting behavior. The grounds are serene. The bath house is very clean! We came for a short visit and was strong armed into staying the night in their converted school bus which was fun! I'm not a camper at all so I'll keep this short. The grounds are perfect for large family gatherings. There's space for kids to run and play and hide and chase. There's a pond for fishing and swings hanging from trees. Like something out of a story book. There are fire pits and worn trails. There's wifi but it's shit. City folk can unplug whether they want to or not.

Great place to camp with friendly staff. Well groomed grass…read moregives this place plenty of room for walks. Pond on sight to fish,

Sept, 2025. Seneca Shadows Campground, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture/ Forest…read moreService, is in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Located just one mile east of Seneca Rocks, the area offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts including hiking, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and cave exploration. The campground offers 25 standard, 13 standard electric, and 40 walk-to-only tent sites, and is generally open from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in October. Reservations can be made through Recreation.com, but we were able to easily secure a "first come" tent site in Loop B (no hookups) on a Tuesday night in September. The "regular" price is $28 (2025), but our price was $14 using the NPS Senior Pass. Our site (#5) featured a smooth tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and a paved driveway that was sufficiently long and flat for our 20' class B RV. The site was wooded, so we didn't have a view of Seneca Rocks from our site although other sites (especially from the group sites in loop F) are reported to have views. While separated by trees, the sites are relatively close together and loud voices from our neighbors carried up to our site but they did respect the 10 pm quiet time. Our site was across from a clean, gender-differentiated, wheelchair-accessible restroom with flush toilets and showers, and was in close proximity to a large trash bin. The campground also had an amphitheater (no program on the night that we were there) and a dump station. Firewood was available for purchase from the camp host. Note that there is zero connectivity in the campground. We were able to get wi-fi at Yokum's Grill and General Store about a mile from the campground. A highlight of our overnight stay was the short easy walk on the Sunlight Trail, which is in the campground, which took us to an observation area with a view of the Seneca Rocks. The walk is only about 1/8 mile each way, but you'll need to add the distance from your site or parking spot.

We stayed at the wooded area in loop A. So this is a review for the wooded area, but not the open…read morearea where the view is open and amazing. We LOVE the experience - for its cleanness, its quietness, and the privacy you get. We did hear that the open area can be quite "eventful" at night, but our choice of staying at the wooded area suits us well. We enjoyed the elevated tent area, the elevated fire ring, and the paved drive way. The camping weekend is very pleasant because of this campground. Choose the wooded area if you want privacy and peaceful nights.