West Virginia is an absolutely stunning place and it is chock full of amazing West Virginia landmarks for you to discover. From dazzling waterfalls to famous trails, you’ll find plenty to do and see in this state.
Below we dive into 10 of the best West Virginia landmarks to see on your RV trip.
Top Landmarks in West Virginia
West Virginia Landmarks
New River Gorge National Park
One of the newer National Parks, New River Gorge National Park has tons of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy – both on land and in the water! From visiting the New River Gorge Bridge which is the 2nd largest single span steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere to hiking the many trails, you’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There are many small towns to discover around New River Gorge National Park. We recommend guided rafting excursions and the TreeTops Canopy tour. Babcock State Park is also pretty nearby and is worth a visit.
As far as RV camping goes, ACE Adventure Resort has got your covered.
The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier is a luxury resort near White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Visitors have been coming to this area since 1778 for the natural mineral springs, and it’s still a resort today. Not only is it a National Historic Landmark, but it was also a top secret fallout shelter and bunker for Congress during the Cold War. The Greenbrier offers tours of the massive underground bunker where you can learn about its history.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The Blue Ridge Parkway is nearby along with Shenandoah National Park. And Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not too far away to the south.
RV camping can be found at West Virginia State Fairgrounds.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park is home to the iconic Blackwater Falls, a 62-foot waterfall where the water often looks amber from the fallen leaves of hemlock and red spruce needles that surround it. There are 20 miles of trails that visitors can hike and bike to explore the park. In summer you can also swim, fish, and boat in Pendleton Lake and Blackwater River.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The towns of Davis, Elkins, and Morgantown are nearby. These offer all sorts of fun shopping, dining, and entertainment activities. We recommend the WV Highlands Artisan Gallery and Stumptown Ales.
When it comes time to sleep, we recommend setting up camp in the state park itself.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Right where the Shenandoah River and Potomac River meet sits Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. This park covers 4,000 acres and includes the historic town of Harper’s Ferry, the site of John Brown’s abolitionist uprising in 1859 and a strategic area during the Civil War. Visitors can hike the trails through the park and visit the historical museums.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There are many historic battlefields and national park sites nearby, including the Antietam National Battlefield. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is also nearby for those who love to hike.
Camping can be found at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday.
Appalachian Trail
Outdoor enthusiasts will be familiar with the Appalachian Trail, and part of it runs along the Virginia-West Virginia border near Harpers Ferry. The Appalachian Trail is a hiking path that runs for over 2100 miles from Maine to Georgia. Even if you’re not planning on thru-hiking the trail (hiking the entire thing) you can explore a bit of it in West Virginia and experience the beauty of nature that appeals to so many hikers.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The trail just hits the south eastern part of the state, and it’s very close to the aforementioned Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, so make sure to hit up both attractions while in the area.
As far as lodging goes, we recommend Brunswick Family Campground.
Seneca Caverns
Explore these underground caverns and see how the Seneca tribe used the caves in the 1400s. Head underground to learn more about these caves and the local history and geology. Seneca Caverns offer cave tours, gemstone mining for kids, and picnic areas to enjoy the outdoors.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Monongahela National Forest is nearby with plenty of camping, skiing, and hiking options for nature lovers. You’ll also find some shopping and dining in the nearby town of Riverton.
When you’re ready to rest, head to Seneca Shadows for a nice place to park the RV.
West Virginia Penitentiary
If you’re looking for a paranormal adventure, look no farther than the West Virginia Penitentiary. Built in the mid-late 1800s, the gothic style building is no longer a prison today. Instead, they offer all sorts of tours for visitors – from the spooky paranormal to the grizzly history of the prison.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The prison is located in Moundsville, WV which is near the Grave Creek Mound Historical Site (more on that site under landmark number 9). The town also offers a number of other adventures.
Camping is available nearby at Grand Vue Park.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a must see for train and railroad fans. This state park has an 11 mile long heritage railroad, a historic company town, and museums and a theater that tell the history of the railroad. Nearby there is hiking, boating, fishing, and biking for outdoor enthusiasts, and in the park itself they offer scenic train rides to the Bald Knob overlook, the third highest point in West Virginia.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
If you’re visiting in winter, Snowshoe Mountain Resort is nearby for skiing. There are also multiple other state parks within an easy drive such as Watoga State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, and Beartown State Park.
When it comes to camping, we recommend staying at Whittaker Campground.
Grave Creek Mound Historical Site
Located in the Ohio River Valley in West Virginia, Grave Creek Mound is one of the largest conical shaped burial mounds in America. Made by the native Adena between 250 and 150 B.C, this earthen mound required the movement of over 60,000 tons of earth.
The Delf Norona Museum nearby has artifacts and exhibits about the prehistoric Adena people who lived in the area and created the mounds. It’s cared for by the National Park Service and is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Grave Creek Mound Historical Site is located in Moundsville, West Virginia, along the Ohio River. It’s also nearby the West Virginia Penitentiary.
Camping is available at Creekside Camping LLC.
Monongahela National Forest
Monongahela National Forest is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States. located in the Allegheny Mountain Range, this national forest offers visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities. You can spend the day hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through the hundreds of miles of trails. The national forest also contains six major river systems as well as several lakes, making it a wonderful place to fish, canoe, boat, and kayak.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The national forest is in the eastern part of the state, and close to the Seneca Caves, Watoga State Park, and other natural attractions.
You’ll also find campsites nearby at Boyer Station Motel and Campground.
Planning an RV Trip to West Virginia
A West Virginia RV trip is an excellent way to tour the amazing natural and popular landmarks in West Virginia. You’ll also want to see some of the best state parks in West Virginia, as well as all the national parks in the state.
Why not start planning now?
