West Virginia Campground Reviews
Of course you're welcome to look around. But the campground reviews on these pages are not highly refined. It's a rough collection of notes primarily intended for my own future reference. You'll notice I like pet-friendly activities, pinball and trains. By 2020 we had transitioned almost exclusively to state parks. The parks rarely have full-hookups, but the space, seclusion and quiet are so worth it. Click any link within the text for corresponding picture.
Harpers Ferry Campground. Last visited June 2016 (third consecutive year). The campground is run by River Riders off Rt. 340 which is where you check in before proceeding to the campground. The main parking lot at River Riders is a dead end. Not an easy place to turn the trailer. There's a grass lot across the road where it's possible to turn around. There's also a gravel bus lot on the far side of the building, but it may be clogged with buses. As of 2014 all RV sites have water and electric, but no sewer. As of 2015 there's a dump station on site. Also new for 2015 were some cabins which, unfortunately, reduced the number of RV sites. But new for 2016 were more water and electric sites on the far side of the boat ramp. Most sites are riverfront. In 2016 we had site 35 which is probably the best. In 2015 we had site 30 which had a lesser river view because of a small overgrown peninsula. Backing into the site from the narrow bridge was also a bit tricky. In 2014 we had site 32 and would take it again. I'd pick sites 35-30 in that order. But they don't guarantee specific sites so you might get what they give you. Riverfront sites numbered in the twenties are okay, but wedged between the new cabins. 2014 pre-cabin site map. 2015 post-cabin site map. Generally there's not much room to maneuver. Our 24' trailer and full-size truck were doable. Anything bigger might struggle. The campground is also an adventure park. Most riverfront sites have an overhead zip-line. There will be screaming people flying over your RV. Also new for 2015 was a 10' height restriction (we're 9'6") for RV sites 30-35 under the zip line. I wasn't concerned. Even at 10' there seems to be a large margin of error. There's also a heavily traveled rail line right next door. But the rail noise pales in comparison to the non-stop tunnel-related horn honking. Right by the campground entrance is a tiny one-lane tunnel that's blind from both directions. Everyone honks on the way through to warn oncoming traffic. For me this was the only negative aspect of our stay. It quiets down at night, but is otherwise nearly non-stop. The tunnel is not recommended for RVs. Detour directions are provided from River Riders. For the detour I'd pick Engle Switch Road over Kidwiler Road. Engle switch might have more twists and hills. But Kidwiler is longer and is relentlessly all patches and potholes. The whole check in process is pretty stressful. There's the offsite check in located on a road without an obvious turn around. Then there's the long detour over roads that barely qualify as roads. Then there's the tight maneuvering at the campground itself. Note that many of the guard wires and posts are removable which can simplify maneuvering in and out of the sites. I like this campground enough to put up with the horn honking and odd check in. It's kinda quirky and rough around the edges, but way more interesting than the local KOA. There's a gravel access road connecting the campground directly to Harpers Ferry. It's bikeable with off-road tires. Otherwise it's a nice walk. If we're going to drive to Harpers Ferry, we go early in the morning and park at the Harpers Ferry Amtrak station. Parking is otherwise fairly impossible. We stopped at the Town's Inn for breakfast which was dog friendly and had great food and a great view. The Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum and Joy Line Miniature Railroad is worth a visit. Neat place to spend an hour. And it's pet friendly. Belle even went for a train ride. Doesn't look like they have a website, but here's the brochure. It's along Bakerton Road between Rt. 340 and the infamous horn honking tunnel.
Harpers Ferry KOA. Last visited June 2013. Nice place with all the amenities one would expect to find at a KOA. Specific sites are not reserved so there's no point in having a favorite. I made reservations in the 50 amp pull-through section (28-55) and ended up in site 40. These sites are flat and well-manicured, but have little shade. The 30 amp full-hookup sites (131-168) were smaller and less level, but had old-growth trees and lots of shade. On the other hand, the 30 amp sections filled up by Friday night whereas we had no immediate neighbors around our 50 amp site. It's a toss-up. The campground has a good sized arcade with a playable FunHouse. The campground is only two or so blocks from the National Park Service visitor center with their shuttle buses to historic Harpers Ferry. But no dogs on the buses so that was of no value to us. We did our exploring early in the morning and parked at the Harpers Ferry Amtrak station. Parking is otherwise fairly impossible. A good hot weather walk is up river from the train station along an access road paralleling the railroad tracks. It's flat and well shaded. And there's good train action. At the end of this road we found some river-side camp sites run by River Riders. We may try that next time. By accident we discovered the Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum and Joy Line Miniature Railroad. Neat place to spend an hour. And it's pet friendly. Belle even went for a train ride. Doesn't look like they have a website, but here's the brochure.
