Nestled in the scenic Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, the 25,000-acre Canaan Valley is home to a wide array of outdoor adventures and camping opportunities. Situated above 3,000-feet, Canaan Valley is the largest high-elevation mountain valley east of the Mississippi. Whether you want to enjoy a multiple-day backpacking trek and camp in the wilderness or retire to an idyllic mountain cabin after a long day of mountain biking, Canaan Valley offers camping accommodations to fit your needs.
Primitive Camping
Beyond the beautiful surroundings, Canaan Valley offers hikers who venture into the backcountry many treats. In summer months, blueberries and huckleberries are abundant along the many trails that run through the nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. To enjoy the many miles of trails in and around Canaan Valley, hikers are should plan ahead for potential emergencies, pay attention to the weather and employ "leave no trace" camping practices to minimize the impact on the fragile ecosystem. Canaan Valley is home to a diverse range of wildlife that includes black bears, so campers in the backcountry should always keep a clean camp and take preventative measures to minimize the arrival of any unwanted wildlife to your campsite (see Resources for specific techniques).
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Developed as a ski resort in the 1950s, today the Canaan Valley Resort State Park offers year-round accommodation to fit the needs of any camper. The state park offers a 250-room lodge with an indoor pool, spa and other luxuries. There are 23 secluded cabins and cottages of varying sizes tucked into the surrounding forests that are available for rent. The park also has a well-developed campground with RV hookups and single-space tent sites that include access to laundry and shower facilities. The Canaan Valley Resort State Park is also home to a world-class golf course and 39 ski-trails open in winter.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park surrounds the namesake 62-foot cascade formed by the Blackwater River. The state park has multiple camping options available to visitors to unwind at after long days of exploring the multiple outdoor adventures offered in the park. There are 65 campsites—30 of which have electrical hookups for RV’s—26 cabins available for rental as well as a park lodge with 54 guest rooms. There are numerous trails to explore the Blackwater River area by foot, bike or horse. Mountain bike and cross-country ski rentals are offered by the state park, according to the season.
RV Camping
There are several privately owned and operated RV campgrounds near Canaan Valley, around the town of Elkins and nearby Seneca Rocks. Many RV campgrounds offer similar peaceful settings of state parks, but usually have additional amenities tailored to RV campers. Most private RV campgrounds in the Canaan Valley have a general store, bathing and laundry facilities and full RV services. They also offer horseback riding, guided tours, equipment rentals and group camping for additional fees.
Local Adventure Sports
West Virginia touts itself as being the land of all things "wild and wonderful." At Canaan Valley, the opportunities abound for you to experience the wild and judge the wonderful for yourself. Check out Blackwater Outdoor Adventures for kayak and canoe rentals for leisurely paddles along the Blackwater River, or sign up for guided whitewater rafting tours of the nearby Cheat River. Many local outfitters also offer mountain bike rental for those looking to grind up the surrounding mountains and soak in the views of the Canaan Valley. World class climbing is a short drive away at Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and there are multiple caves and caverns open to visitors year-round. When the snow starts to fall there is no shortage of winter-sports available in the area. With some of the best downhill skiing trails in the east as well as several cross-country trails along the valley floor, Canaan Valley has something for every outdoor enthusiast.
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