Visit West Virginia
Known as the „Mountain State,“ West Virginia is a state that offers stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and friendly people. One of the most popular destinations for RVers in West Virginia is the New River Gorge National River. Another must-see attraction in West Virginia is the Greenbrier Resort, located in the Allegheny Mountains.
For those interested in history, West Virginia played a crucial role in the Civil War, and visitors can explore many historic sites related to this conflict.
West Virginia also has a rich cultural heritage, with strong ties to Appalachian music and crafts. Visitors can explore the state’s many museums, art galleries, and music venues to get a taste of this unique culture.
When it comes to climate, West Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate in the southern lowlands and a humid continental climate in the northern and higher elevation areas. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. Spring and fall are generally mild and pleasant, making them great times to visit.
West Virginia National Parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Located in the southern part of the state, the park covers over 70,000 acres of land and protects a stunning section of the New River Gorge, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and rugged river valleys in the eastern United States. The New River Gorge is known for its dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and waterfalls, as well as its wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors to the park can enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing on the river, as well as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping in the surrounding hills and forests.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is the New River Gorge Bridge, which spans over 3,000 feet across the gorge and is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world.
West Virginia State Parks
Babcock State Park: Located in the southeastern part of the state, Babcock State Park covers more than 4000 acres of land and features the stunning Glade Creek Grist Mill, a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities at Babcock State Park, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park also offers scenic views of the New River Gorge, which is a popular spot for whitewater rafting.
Beartown State Park: Located in southeastern West Virginia, Beartown State Park covers over 100 acres of land and is known for its unique rock formations and ancient hemlock trees. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Beartown State Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and birds of prey.
Blackwater Falls State Park: Located in the Allegheny Mountains, the park is named after the stunning Blackwater Falls, which cascade 60 feet into the Blackwater River below. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Blackwater Falls State Park, including hiking, fishing, and skiing in the winter months. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Located in the mountains of the eastern part of the state, the park is home to the Cass Scenic Railroad, which is a heritage railway that offers scenic rides through the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can ride the train to the third highest point in West Virginia, Bald Knob. They can also explore the park’s hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
West Virginia Campgrounds
Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse: Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this unique campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and water sports on the nearby Summersville Lake. The retreat also features a lighthouse that offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is available for tours.
Pipestem RV Park & Campground: Located in the southern part of the state, this family-friendly campground is only a mile away from Pipestem State Park. Visitors can enjoy exploring nearby rivers, waterfalls, caves, caverns, and forests. The campground offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and golfing. The park also features a swimming pool, playground, and picnic areas.
Pegasus Farm Campground: Located in Elkins, this campground offers a rustic camping experience that offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins for rent. The campground is situated on a working farm, so guests can experience farm life firsthand, including meeting the animals and collecting eggs. Visitors can enjoy unique amenities such as a grass maze and a vegetable garden, wireless internet, and full hookups.
Chestnut Ridge Park: Located in Morgantown, this campground is surrounded by over 16,000 acres of the outdoor recreation area. The park features over 16 miles of hiking trails, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a disc golf course. The park also offers camping facilities, including tent sites and RV hookups.
Things to do while you’re in your RV Rental in West Virginia
West Virginia offers many great experiences and attractions for RV travelers. During your RV vacation, don’t forget to visit some of them.
Popular destinations in West Virginia
Charleston: The capital and largest city of West Virginia, Charleston is located in the central part of the state. The city has a rich history and culture and is known for its architecture, outdoor activities, and local cuisine. One of the most popular attractions in Charleston is the State Capitol building, which was completed in 1932 and features a 292-foot gold dome. Charleston is also home to many parks and outdoor recreation areas. Kanawha State Forest is located just outside the city and offers hiking trails, camping, and fishing. The Elk River, which flows through the city, is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is a historic town that played a significant role in the Civil War. Visitors can take guided tours of the town, visit the museums and exhibits, and explore the hiking trails and natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Seneca Rocks: Located in the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Rocks is a towering rock formation that has become a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and scenic views. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, or take part in rock climbing, which is permitted in designated areas.
Huntington: Located in the western part of the state, Huntington is the second-largest city in West Virginia. The city is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the Huntington Museum of Art or the Heritage Farm Museum and Village. Nature lovers can visit nearby Ritter Park for hiking and biking trails, or take part in fishing and boating on the Ohio River.
Top Attractions and Activities in West Virginia
Charles Town: Located in the eastern part of the state, this historic town was founded in 1786 and was named after George Washington’s youngest brother. The town is home to many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Jefferson County Courthouse and the Charles Washington Hall. Visitors can also explore the wilds of the nearby Shannondale Springs Wildlife Management Area.
Snowshoe: Located on Cheat Mountain in the eastern part of the state, this popular ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, as well as summer activities like mountain biking, hiking, and golfing. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and dining at the resort’s village.
Berkeley Springs: Located in the eastern part of the state, this historic spa town is home to many natural springs that are said to have healing properties. Visitors can enjoy the mineral baths at the Berkeley Springs State Park, as well as shopping and dining in the town’s historic district.
Harpers Ferry: The most popular tourist attraction in the state, this small town is located at the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, surrounded by forests and mountains. The town played a significant role in the Civil War, and visitors can explore the town’s history and take part in outdoor activities like hiking along the scenic Appalachian Trail and kayaking.
RV Dump Stations in West Virginia
Albans Road Side Park: The dump station is free to use and the location is open year-round. The site also features potable and non-potable rinse water. The dump station is big rig friendly.
Canaan Valley Resort Park: The dump station is free for registered guests and the facility is open all year. The site offers both potable and non-potable rinse water.
Pipestem State Park: The dump station is free to use and the site is open year-round during regular business hours. They also provide water.
Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground: The dump station is free for registered guests and the site is open during regular business hours all year. Water is also available.
Storage RV Rentals West Virginia
West Side Mini Storage: Located in the Edgewood Historic District in Charleston, the facility offers outside RV storage. The site also offers 24/7 video surveillance and an electronic gate/fence system.
Appalachian Mini Storage: This locally-owned facility offers outdoor RV storage in Charleston. The site is fenced and protected with an electronic gate and surveillance cameras.
Store-It: Located in the town of Winfield, the facility offers outdoor parking for RVs. The site is clean, paved, and regularly maintained. It is protected by 24/7 video surveillance and a security fence with an electronic gate.
Convenient Storage Downtown: Located along the Ohio River, the facility offers RV storage in Huntington. The site is also gated, and fenced and features 24-hour camera surveillance, stadium lighting, and steel-insulated storage units.
Conclusion
Discovering West Virginia in an RV can be a truly unforgettable experience. With its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and friendly locals, this state offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty and charm of Appalachia.
Whether it’s exploring the state’s many national parks and forests, touring quaint towns and historic sites, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the comfort of your RV, West Virginia has something to offer everyone.