The best camping near Blackwater Falls State Park

Elakala Falls and Lindy Point are among the headline acts at Blackwater Falls, but the real star of the show is the namesake waterfall. Hemmed in by dense forests of hemlock and red spruce, whose fallen needles give the river its famous amber tint, it’s an Insta-feed must. Outdoor adventurers don’t just come for the views, though. There are also 20 miles of hiking trails, 10 miles of cross-country ski trails, and a quarter-mile-long sled run, plus seasonal trout fishing and Pendleton Lake, where you can swim, paddle, and cruise. Campers have options, too, including fully furnished cabins, glamping sites, and a lodge. 

1. You can reserve one of the 65 tent and trailer campsites, along with the 39 cabins, online.
2. Campsite reservations open 12 months in advance. There is a maximum stay of 14 days and a minimum 2-day for weekend bookings (Friday and Saturday).
3. Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Nature’s playground is open year-round at Blackwater Falls State Park. Come in spring to admire the wildflowers and see the waterfalls at their most powerful, or in fall when the hills are a rainbow of red, orange, and yellow foliage. Summer weekends draw crowds to the lake, while winter visitors can see the frozen falls and hit the slopes. The campground opens from late April through October, while primitive camping and other accommodations stay open year-round.  

• Blackwater Falls State Park is in the Allegheny Mountains, close to the Maryland border. It’s a 5-minute drive southwest of Davis.
• West Virginia state parks are free to enter, but camping reservation fees apply. 
• Facilities include a lodge and restaurant; a camp store selling ice, firewood, and basic supplies; restrooms; and picnic areas. Grocery stores and restaurants can be found in the nearby towns of Davis and Thomas, both just a short drive from the park. 
• Cell phone service is patchy throughout the park, but free wifi is available at the campgrounds and lodge.
• Boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent at Pendleton Lake from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• There are accessible campsites, cabins, restrooms, picnic areas, and trails at Blackwater Falls State Park.