Summer Camping in West Virginia

Discover the best summer camping across West Virginia. Experience the best of outdoor camping during the warmest months. Long days, starry nights, and endless adventure await.

20+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: June through August

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Trout Pond Recreation Area

Lost City · George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Two pristine mountain lakes await swimmers, anglers, and paddlers throughout the long, sunny days of summer. The sandy beach on West Virginia's only natural lake stays comfortably busy without feeling crowded, while boat ramps provide easy access to dawn fishing sessions and afternoon...

4.7(242 reviews)

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Spruce Knob Lake

Riverton · Monongahela National Forest

Summer brings warm days for fishing and paddling the pristine mountain lake, surrounded by forest trails that wind through wildflower meadows and cool shade.

4.7(203 reviews)

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Big Bend (Wv)

Petersburg, WV · Monongahela National Forest

The South Branch Potomac River wraps around these campsites like a natural playground, where summer days unfold with tubing down gentle currents and kayaking through Smoke Hole Canyon's dramatic limestone walls.

4.5(354 reviews)

About Summer Camping in West Virginia

Summer camping in West Virginia unveils the Mountain State's most spectacular natural treasures, from the cool heights of Spruce Knob Lake near the state's highest peak to the crystal waters of Trout Pond Recreation Area, West Virginia's only natural lake. The Appalachian highlands transform into a verdant paradise during summer months, offering relief from lowland heat while providing endless opportunities for water recreation, mountain exploration, and family adventures.

Best Time

The prime summer camping season in West Virginia runs from late May through early September, with peak conditions occurring in June and early July before the hottest and most humid weather arrives in August. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer camping, when most facilities open for the season and water temperatures become comfortable for swimming.

Season Highlights

Warm weather and long days
Swimming and water activities
Full amenities and services
Family-friendly activities

More Summer Camping in West Virginia

Discover 17 additional top-rated summer camping in West Virginia

Lake Sherwood

White Sulphur Spring · Monongahela National Forest

Spend summer days swimming off the sandy beach, paddling across the 156-acre lake, and fishing from the shore while surrounded by towering forest. Four distinct camping loops give families options, whether you want lakefront sunrise views or shaded spots tucked into the woods.

4.4(163)

Glade Creek Campground

Prince, WV · New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

The New River flows right past camp, inviting you to kayak through ancient gorges, fish for smallmouth bass, or simply cool off in its gentle currents after a day exploring trails.

4.5(84)

Gerald Freeman Campground

Sutton · Sutton Lake

Sutton Lake's crystal-clear waters lap at your campsite door, inviting endless days of boating, swimming, and fishing beneath the West Virginia sun. The on-site marina launches your morning adventures while playgrounds and basketball courts keep the whole family entertained through long...

4.4(356)

Spruce Knob Lake Campground

Riverton · Monongahela National Forest

Summer brings long days to explore the 10-acre mountain lake by kayak and cast for trout beneath West Virginia's highest peak. The high elevation delivers cool relief from valley heat, while dark skies transform nightly into a brilliant planetarium far from city lights.

4.7(130)

Tea Creek Campground

. · Monongahela National Forest

Summer brings prime trout fishing in the Williams River and warm afternoons wading where two mountain streams converge right at your campsite. Four major trails depart directly from the campground, letting you hike deep into the Monongahela backcountry each morning and return to riverside...

4.6(80)

Red Creek Campground

Monongahela National Forest

Summer transforms the high plateau into a hiker's paradise, where endless trails wind through rare tundra-like terrain and wildflower meadows under brilliant blue skies.

4.6(80)

Riffle Run Campground

Burnsville · Burnsville Lake

Summer brings Burnsville Lake to life with marina access for boating and jet skiing, while 54 full-hookup sites keep you comfortable between water adventures. Spacious campsites nestle under mature hardwoods, offering cool shade when you return from the lake to relax and recharge.

4.6(81)

Bakers Run Campground

Sutton · Sutton Lake

Summer brings Sutton Lake to life with boating, fishing, and swimming right from your campsite, while the forest canopy keeps everything cool even on the hottest days.

4.2(169)

Stuart Recreation Area

Parsons · Monongahela National Forest

The Shavers Fork River curves right through camp, delivering a sandy beach where kids splash in gentle currents while adults lounge streamside under forest shade. Hot summer afternoons mean volleyball games in open fields, then cooling off with a river swim before gathering around evening campfires.

4.2(154)

Explore Summer Camping in West Virginia

Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

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Popular Activities

Swimming in natural lakes and designated beachesLake and river fishing for trout and bassKayaking and canoeing on calm mountain lakesWhitewater rafting and tubing on wild riversHiking mountain trails to waterfalls and overlooksMountain biking on forest service roads

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve popular campgrounds like Spruce Knob Lake, Big Bend, and Gerald Freeman at least 30 days in advance through Recreation.gov, especially for weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
2Bring layers even in July—mountain evenings regularly drop into the 50s, and afternoon thunderstorms can arrive suddenly with dramatic temperature drops.
3Pack rain gear and a tarp for your picnic table, as summer storms are frequent and can be intense.
4For lake camping, bring water shoes for rocky entries and consider inflatable kayaks or paddleboards, which are easier to transport on mountain roads than hard-shell boats.

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Summer Camping in West Virginia FAQ

We've ranked 20+ summer campgrounds in West Virginia based on weather, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds with shade, water access, and good summer conditions.

June through August is prime summer camping season in West Virginia. June and September offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, while July and August are peak season.

For summer camping in West Virginia, bring sun protection, plenty of water, cooling gear, and light layers for cooler evenings. Bug spray is essential in many areas.

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