Big Bend Campground

The Big Bend Campground is one of many campgrounds within the Monongahela National Forest. It’s also one of the best campgrounds within the park, mostly because of its location. The Big Bend sits on a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the South Branch Potomac River. All this water makes it a popular place for fishing, but there are also nearby trails. This area is called the Smoke Hole Canyon by locals because the mist rising from the gorge looks like smoke. It’s beautiful to see, and reason enough to pick this spot as your camping destination.

Location: 200 Sycamore St., Elkins, West Virginia, 26241
Phone: 304-636-1800
Rates: $11 to $13 per night
Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov

Seneca Shadows Campground

If you’re looking for a great view, camp at Seneca Shadows Campground. One of the newer campgrounds in the Monongahela National Forest, this one sits high on a hill with a breathtaking view of Seneca Rocks. The sites closest to the edge of the hill are reserved for walk-in tent campers, so you may have to sacrifice a little comfort to wake up to something beautiful. RV sites with electric hook-ups are available. This campground has nearby fishing, hiking and climbing if you need to keep busy.

Location: 200 Sycamore St., Elkins, West Virginia, 26241
Phone: 877-444-6777
Rates: $6 to $11 per night
Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation

Sleepy Creek Campground

You have to be a very devoted camper to appreciate this place, but it’s worth it. It’s definitely off the grid -- no water, no electricity and only pit toilets. The roads are steep, rocky and pitted, so you won’t get most RVs back here. The view, however, is breathtaking. The campground sits in a tight valley, on the edge of Sleepy Creek Lake. This place has great fishing, and miles and miles of trails.

Location: 1910 Sleepy Creek Road, Hedgesville, West Virginia, 25427
Phone: 304-754-3855
Rates: $5 per night
Website: http://www.wvdnr.gov/fishing

Bulltown Campground

Bulltown Campground is the perfect campground for the camper who isn’t ready to be one with nature. Though the campgrounds do offer breathtaking mountain views, the sites themselves are out in the open, on cleared lots, all with electric hookups. The campgrounds sit next to a historic Civil War battleground, and the Bulltown Historical Area is full of touristy activities to keep you busy.

Location: 2550 S. Main St., Burnsville, West Virginia, 26335
Phone: 304-452-8006
Rates: $20 to $26 per night
Website: http://www.recreation.gov/camping

Watoga State Park

This is as fine as it gets when it comes to camping. Watoga State Park offers spots for tents and RVs, with electricity available at some sites. Campers have close access to a bath house with hot water, dishwashing stations, coin-operated laundry facilities and a pool. You'll find tons of outdoor activities to keep you busy, but if you really want to have fun, rent a paddle or row boat for the day.

Location: HC 82, Marlinton, West Virginia, 24954
Phone: 304-799-4087
Rates: $20 to $23 per night
Website: http://www.watoga.com/camping.html

Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls State Park is named for its five-story waterfalls, which do, in fact, appear to be black. The black color of the water is simply a reflection from fallen pine needles, but it is definitely something to behold. The campsites are available with and without electricity, and bath houses are on-site. The kids love this campground, mostly because of the huge playground area.

Location: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, West Virginia, 26260
Phone: 304-259-5216
Rates: $20 to $23
Website: http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/