West Virginia Camping Offers Magnificent Mountains and White Water Adventure

By RA Manseau

West Virginia, “The Mountain State”, is an exciting and beautiful place to visit. West Virginia camping offers white water rafting and paddling, hiking, biking and swimming in some of the most beautiful mountains in the United States along with a rich history and an abundance of historical landmarks and museums.

Blackwater Falls, West Virginia Camping

RV West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle Region

RV West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle region and you will find that it is rich in history and natural beauty. The Gateway Town to the Panhandle region is Wheeling. In Wheeling, you can visit the West Virginia Independence Hall, which was built before the Civil War began and was the site of many heated political discussions and constitutional conventions. Drive across the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, originally constructed in 1849 this is the oldest suspension bridge in use today. The bridge is on both the National Historic Landmark and Historic Civil Engineering Landmark lists. While in Wheeling, take a tour of the splendid Victorian Homes. The Oglebay’s Good Zoo at the Oglebay Resort is a wonderful outing for the family. Admission is reasonable. This is a relatively small and friendly zoo that will delight the youngsters in your party. Wheeling has lots to offer the visitor and would make a great stop on your West Virginia camping vacation.

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Five Tips & Hints to RV West Virginia

Plan ahead and book your West Virginia campsite online!
75% of West Virginia is forested, making a lovely backdrop for West Virginia campgrounds. The terrain of the state is rugged, ranging from hilly to mountainous.
West Virginia experiences four distinct seasons. January temperatures range from 24 to 41 degrees and July temperatures range from 65 to 86 degrees.
Although small, this state has quite a bit to offer the outdoor enthusiast with 2,000 miles of mountain streams, perfect for fishing, kayaking, rafting and canoeing. Throw in Civil War reenactments and Appalachian music and festivals and you have a well rounded state that will suit you well as you RV West Virginia.
Here's a fun place to visit on your next West Virginia camping trip: Coal House is the only residence in the world built entirely of coal, and is located in White Sulfur Springs.

RV West Virginia’s Mid-Ohio Region

This splendid section of West Virginia takes its name from the Ohio River which winds its way through the region. Parkersburg is situated amid the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, making this a premier location for water recreation. But, that is far from all this city has to offer. Parkersburg is one of the largest cities in West Virginia and has much to see and do. The restored 1926 vaudeville house, Smoot Theatre, in the old downtown area is a site to see if only for the beautiful 1926 chandeliers. While in Parkersburg, take the time to visit one or more of the city's fine museums, and take a tour of the Fenton Art Glass Factory. You can actually watch the craftsmen at work as they transform molten glass into beautiful works of art. Admission is free. While there, you can visit the Fenton Art Glass Gift Shop and pick up a fine souvenir.

Dolly Sods, West Virginia Campgrounds

The Julia-Ann Square Historic District, in Parkersburg, is the largest and oldest historic district in West Virginia. The Julia-Ann Square contains approximately 125 homes built between the mid-1800’s and 1915 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. For information on tours consult the Julia-Ann Square website.

The Mid-Ohio Region has plenty of hospitable West Virginia campgrounds to park your RV or pitch your tent as you explore all this region has to offer.

RV West Virginia’s Lakes Region

Mountain lakes are peaceful and beautiful, and no where is that any truer than in West Virginia. However, the mountain lakes of West Virginia were not so peaceful during the Civil War. The area is full of historic sites to remind us of the tragedy of war.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is located on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon near Summersville. As the name suggests, this was the location of an important Civil War battle on September 10, 1861. The Confederates were forced to evacuate the Henry Patterson Farm and pull back across the Gauley River all the way to Meadow Bluff near Lewisburg. The Patterson House was literally on the battlefield and received many stray shots. The battle-scarred home was restored to house Civil War relics in approximately 1950 and is now called the Patterson House Museum. The park is very educational and each September hosts a reenactment of the historic battle. There are hospitable West Virginia campgrounds nearby to help you enjoy your visit.

Stonewall Jackson’s boyhood home outside of Weston is a now a recognized historical area. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was raised by his uncle at the homestead built by his grandfather Colonel Edward Jackson, a Revolutionary War veteran. All that remains from the Jackson homestead is the grist mill. However, there is a log cabin on the site that once belonged to Henry McWhorter, who was born in 1760 and fought as a Minuteman in the Revolutionary War. This cabin was moved to this location in 1927 and while it is not the same cabin that Stonewall Jackson grew up in, it is typical of the period.

RV West Virginia camping near Weston also offers great outdoor recreation. The Stonewall Jackson Lake offers fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. There is also golfing nearby.

RV West Virginia’s Metro Region

This region contains the highly populated Capital City of West Virginia, Charleston. The greater Charleston area is one enormous playground. Whether you are looking at the sites, exploring museums, playing golf, paddling on the river or looking for nightlife this is a great place to pull into a West Virginia campground.

The Governor’s Mansion is breathtaking. Tours are available with an appointment. If you love beautiful mansions and antiques, then do not miss the chance to take this tour. To learn more about the Governor’s Mansion or make reservations for the tour consult the West Virginia Governor’s Mansion website.

The Capitol Building is incredible. This gorgeous building on the banks of the Kanawha River was dedicated just two years before its architect, D.C. Gilbert, died. Construction on this fabulous building started in 1924 and was completed in 1932 at a cost of just fewer than $10 million. Comparing then to now, a loaf of bread in 1925 was only nine cents. The 293 foot dome of the Capitol is 14 karat gold leaf applied to the copper and lead roof in 3 3/8 inch squares. The interior of the building is exquisite also. Tours of this massive and beautiful building are available daily. For current tour times call toll free 1-800-225-5982.

New River Bridge, RV West Virginia

RV West Virginia’s Potomac and New River Region

The eastern side of West Virginia is beautiful mountains, rushing rivers, sparkling streams and an abundance of wildlife. If you love the great outdoors then don’t forget your camera. This is truly God’s country. Rock climbers, hikers, bikers, fisherman and white water enthusiasts flock to this area every year for an unbeatable experience. There are historical sites and cities scattered through the area and plenty of hospitable West Virginia campgrounds to park your RV or pitch your tent.

West Virginia is a friendly and beautiful state. As you RV from one side of West Virginia to the other, you will find plenty of educational and fun things to do. And, there is always a beautiful West Virginia campground near by.