West Virginia might not be at the top of your list when it comes to states to visit, but it really should be up pretty high. The state is full of beautiful rivers, hills, mountains, forests, and vibrant cities. It’s the home Monongahela National Forest and is a fantastic place to be if you love mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting, or just being outdoors.
The next time you’re planning an RV trip make sure to stop in the wonderful state of West Virginia to take in all that it has to offer. While you’re there, you should really consider visiting all or at least one of the following five destinations.
1. Dolly Sods Wilderness
The Dolly Sods Wilderness area is located in the Monongahela National Forest. It consists of 17,371 acres of some of the most beautiful land in the whole state of West Virginia. The photo opportunities are endless. If you’re a hiker, specifically someone who loves to take photos, this is the perfect place to go.
There are several campgrounds close to the Dolly Sods Wilderness area. Two of the closest are the Canaan Valley Resort or the Red Creek Campground. Both of them offer plenty of amenities and campsites to choose from.
2. Blackwater Falls State Park
Located near the northern-most part of the Monongahela National Forest, the Blackwater Falls State Park is a sight to behold. It’s a beautiful cascade of water that falls 57 feet. This is another great spot for hikers and anyone who wants to find some good photo opportunities.
You can camp right in the state park. If you’re looking for something with more amenities, once again, the Canaan Valley Resort is a short drive away. Another good option is the Five River Campground, which is a relatively short drive west of the park and has over 100 full hookup campsites.
3. Summersville Lake
If you want to live the lake life in West Virginia, you should head to Summersville Lake. The reservoir has over 60 miles of shoreline for you to take in and offers all kinds of watersports. The lake is the largest in the entire state of West Virginia and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.
When it comes to camping at Summersville Lake, I suggest checking out Battle Run campground. The campground offers 110 campsites with electric hookups, bathroom facilities, laundry, a dump station, and much more. It’s located on the southern end of the lake and puts you right where you’ll want to be.
4. Spruce Knob
If you want to climb a mountain, Spruce Knob is the place to go. It’s the highest peak in the state at 4,863 feet. It’s the peak of Spruce Mountain, and offers you some of the best views you’ll see anywhere in the state of West Virginia.
Located in the Monongahela National Forest, Spruce peak is a must-visit destination if you’re in the state. The peak is a short hike from the parking area. Camping at or near Spruce Knob is easy, you should be able to find a space at the Spruce Knob Lake Campground. There are over 40 spaces available, but it’s always smart to call ahead and make a reservation.
5. Hawks Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park offers a rugged landscape with lush vegetation and plenty of wildlife. This is a perfect destination for the white water rafting lover, and it’s also great for beautiful panoramic views of the area. Hikers will love all of the trails this state park has to offer.
There’s camping right in the park. I suggest you reserve a spot, though, because the spaces are limited, especially for RV campsites. If you want another option, the New River Campground is just a short drive away from the park and offers full hook-up sites and more amenities.
Where in West Virginia would you like to go? Leave a comment below!
