West Virginia is located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. It’s a state filled with charming small towns, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Here, you’ll find six national parks as well as 36 state parks. If you’re planning to visit in your RV rental, you’ll love following this itinerary during your two days in West Virginia.
An RV rental provides you with the flexibility to see everything West Virginia has to offer. You’ll be able to take advantage of campgrounds that allow you to get up close to nature in a way you never will when staying in a hotel. You won’t be wasting time packing and unpacking at each stop, either. Instead, you’ll have all the convenience of home throughout your two days in West Virginia.
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Preparing for Your West Virginia RV Trip
The first part of planning your two days in West Virginia is picking out the perfect RV. A Class A or C motorhome will provide you with amenities like a full kitchen, a private bedroom, and a cozy living area. Towable options like fifth wheels and travel trailers offer many of these same features, but they allow you to bring along your vehicle. A toy hauler will be best if you want to have your ATV with you to explore the state’s scenic trails.
Book your RV rental and plan your West Virginia itinerary with confidence with RVshare’s resources.
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Renting an RV
• How to Choose the Best RV Size for Your Trip
• Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an RV
• What Happens After I Book My RV?
Next, you need to find a campground. West Virginia has many great RV parks, like Kanawha State Forest Campground near Charleston, which has dense woods, streams, and a stocked pond. Lazy K’s Campground and Canoe Livery is another great choice with swimming and fishing opportunities. On the northern border of the state, you’ll find Coopers Rock State Forest McCollum Campground with scenic views, a playground, and electric hookups.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in West Virginia.
Day 1: Hit the Road and Start Your Adventure
Morning: Tour the Countryside
Start your West Virginia adventure with a ride on The Potomac Eagle Scenic Excursion Train in Romney. This three-hour round trip takes you along the South Branch Potomac River to Sycamore Creek. One of the main attractions is an American bald eagle nesting area.
Lunch: Experience a Local Diner
Before moving on, stop for lunch at the Main Street Grill in Romney. Their menu features American fare like fried chicken, sandwiches, and salads. Get yourself a treat from their soda shop before getting back on the road.
Afternoon: Explore a Beautiful State Park
After lunch, head over to Audra State Park. Here, you’ll find heavily wooded areas surrounding the Middle Fork River. Swimming is allowed in the river, as well as in the Olympic-sized pool. There are several hiking trails in the park and stunning views found on the boardwalk.
Setting Up Camp
As evening approaches, you can head to your campground to set up your RV rental. The host checks you in so that you can go to your campsite, get parked, and connect all hookups. Does this sound overwhelming? You do have the option of having the RV owner deliver your rental to your campground and set it up for you.
Dinner: Dine Under the Stars
You can cook a meal in your RV kitchen or enjoy a quiet picnic at Audra State Park’s upper lot. They have a playground, restrooms, and several picnic tables and grills in this area. You may also want to consider ordering takeout from a local restaurant, like Peggy’s Home Cooking.
Day 2: Discover West Virginia’s Natural Beauty
Morning: A Dip in the Lake
Summersville Lake State Park features the state’s largest lake. You can rent a pontoon boat, go for a swim, or climb the 122 steps to the top of Summersville Lighthouse to see a stunning 360-degree view of Gauley Ridge National Recreation Area.
Lunch: Experience a Hidden Gem
Fran’s Family Restaurant on Main Street in Summersville is a favorite of locals. They have a full lunch menu with burgers, hot dogs, and salads. The sides include traditional items like fries and onion rings. Little ones will appreciate the kid’s menu with options like chicken nuggets and grilled cheese.
Afternoon: The State’s Newest National Park
New River Gorge National Park encompasses 70,000 acres along the New River, which has carved out the Appalachian Mountains’ largest and deepest river gorge. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rafting, biking, and wildlife viewing during their stay. This is also where you’ll find some of the state’s most beautiful scenery.
Evening: Drinks and Music
Charlie’s Pub in Fayetteville is a favorite of locals and visitors to New River Gorge National Park. Here, you can enjoy a game of pool or pinball or watch sports on one of the three big-screen TVs. There’s a covered outdoor patio where you can sit and relax, and on select evenings, they have live music.
Day 3 and Beyond in West Virginia
Do you have a few more days to spend in West Virginia? Check out all of these other attractions.
• Explore the museums and exhibits of Harpers Ferry National Historic Park that depict the history of this area and its role in the fight for freedom. There are several buildings and shops to tour.
• Blackwater Falls State Park in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County features a 57-foot waterfall that has an unusual tint due to the tannic acid from fallen red spruce and hemlock needles. This park has 20 miles of hiking trails, several overlooks, and a second waterfall called Elakala Falls.
• Take a scenic self-guided tour through Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg. Above ground, they have several picnic tables, and their Natural History Museum features dinosaur exhibits.
Seasonal Activities
The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival is held in Clarksburg each Labor Day weekend. It features entertainment, street food, and a carnival midway. Then, in the fall, Martinsburg hosts the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival with apple pie contests, a parade, square dancing, and a ball.
Indoor Activities
West Virginia has many exciting things to do indoors too, such as a guided tour of the historic West Virginia Penitentiary, complete with inmate uprising stories, cell experiences, and an escape room challenge. The West Virginia State Museum traces the state’s history and has the telescope George Washington used to survey the state’s land.
With everything from scenic parks to historical museums, this state has something for everyone. After your two days in West Virginia, you’ll want to start planning a longer visit in your RV rental.
