West Virginia offers several National Parks, and a few of them allow camping within their borders. Some offer a rich history--particularly Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park--providing interpretive and educational opportunities in addition to the camping and other outdoor activities planned for the trip.
Types
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park offers both primitive campgrounds (no services or amenities) and hiker-biker campsites (chemical toilet, water). Backcountry camping is available while hiking the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and New River Gorge National River offers primitive sites along the river.
Some are drive-in sites, which means you can park a vehicle next to the tent or camper. Others require you park vehicles in a parking area and walk in, hike in or use other means to get to the site.
Conveniences
Conveniences are scarce, although at the developed campgrounds and primitive sites of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park most camp areas are equipped with a grill, chemical toilet, picnic table and water.
Backcountry camping along the Appalachian Trail is more rustic; you may not have the convenience of a toilet or water. Sites and shelters are scattered and cannot be reserved in advance. New River Gorge sites do not have drinking water and campers may have a considerable walk to a restroom. Water purification tablets are recommended.
Appeal
These national parks allow you to get close to nature and the many geographical and natural features surrounding the campsite. At New River Gorge, the campsites may be primitive but they are located along the river. The hiker-biker campsites at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal are located along the historic canal. The Appalachian Trail offers rugged, mountainous terrain, and you are often forced to sleep along the trail in your tent when the nearest of 250 shelters is occupied.
Activities
Hiking is the primary activity while camping in the national parks of West Virginia, but it is not the only one. Campers at New River Gorge can go whitewater rafting during their visit. This is not an activity for the inexperienced, however. The lower (northern) section of the river has rapids up to Class V (the most challenging), several boulder-strewn sections and strong currents. Climbing is available at New River Gorge; it also is not for the inexperienced. Canoeing and kayaking are popular among visitors at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park, which features several areas of uninterrupted placid water with multiple entry and exit points.
Miles of trails attract hikers, bikers or horseback riders to all of the parks. New River Gorge offers trails, ranging from 1/4-mile to 7-miles in length, that lead through forests, past historic scenery and to scenic overlooks. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers interpretive trails along with other hiking trails. Biking is allowed along the towpath. Trail maps can be picked up at several visitors' centers throughout the park.
Warning
Due to the primitive nature of the camping throughout West Virginia's national parks, campers need to pack and prepare for the area's wildlife. Black bears may be present throughout several of the camping areas and will raid food supplies. Timber rattlesnakes and northern copperheads call the state home; each can produce a painful and dangerous--although seldom fatal--bite. Snakebite victims should get treatment as soon as possible to avert a more life-threatening situation. Each of these species are rather secretive and are unlikely to strike unless cornered, handled or stepped on. Exercise caution when placing your next step, these snakes both blend in very well to their surroundings.
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