Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

Blackwater Falls Campground has 65 spots split between two main loops. Sites 1 through 30 in the right loop have electricity and so are mainly taken by large RVs. Sites 31 through 65 in the left loop are more suited to tents and small trailers. If you prefer quiet, head toward sites 31 through 65.

Both loops have a bathhouse with showers in the center. The bathhouses are showing their age, but they are kept clean and are completely serviceable. Oddly, the dump station is in the non-electric loop, forcing the RVs to drive through the smaller loop to dump their tanks. Also oddly, the dump station is more or less right in the middle of the road, so if a trailer is dumping its tanks, it can be difficult to get past.   

Loop A (right hand) is a bit more open, with Loop B (left hand) more shaded. Many of the site’s are pull-through, which makes it easy to park. Water faucets are conveniently placed throughout both loops.  There is a somewhat run-down playground for the children.  

The campground is open from the last weekend in April through the end of October. Technically one can get reservations between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, the “reservation” system is a form that is mailed in! Then you wait to hear whether you have a spot. Expect it to fill most weekends, especially if the weather is nice. The best sites in A loop are 11, 19 21 and 23. Avoid any of the inner sites in loop A if you can. Loop B’s best sites are 43, 44 and 45.

There is a small camp store at the entrance station. Wood is available for purchase along with ice and basic camping supplies. Although the main attraction here are the falls, there are many short trails at the park. Lake Pendleton had boats available for rental during the summer. They also have a disc golf course and a nature center.  

The closest towns are Davis and Thomas, West Virginia. Both communities have small grocery stores where you can pick up anything you might have forgotten – the store in Davis is probably a bit bigger. Both towns also have several restaurants should you get tired of cooking over a campground. The Purple Fiddle on a Friday or Saturday night is highly recommended for it’s music; they book small bands from around the country – get tickets early for a discount!