Blackwater Falls State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Deep in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia (WV), there is a 57-foot cascade of amber water known as Blackwater Falls. These falls are the namesake of Blackwater Falls State Park.
The park has 39 classic and vacation-style cabins to rent for guests looking to explore the area. Vacation cabins have modern amenities, including a flat-screen television, dishwasher, and washer-dryer combo. In addition to the cabins, the park also has a 54-room lodge, Tentrr campsites, and a seasonal campground with 65 sites.
Nearby Cities:
Davis, WV
Thomas, WV
Elkins, WV
Kingwood, WV
Spring 27-67 F
Summer 56-76 F
Fall 31-70 F
Winter 17-38 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Blackwater Falls State Park
Campground Accommodations
Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 70 feet
Other amenities: Bathhouse, laundromat, playground, and dumping station
Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
Take in the fresh mountain air and spectacular sights by staying on-site at Blackwater Falls State Park. Open from late April through October, the campground has 65 camping sites in an idyllic, peaceful area with easy access to the rest of the park. Rates are $26 per night with electrical hookup.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes (limited)
Sewer hookup: No
Wifi: No
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bathhouse, hot showers, laundromat, playground, sports fields, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, restaurant on-site, snack bar, ice and firewood for sale, dumping station
Rest Rite Campground
Located just outside Blackwater Falls State Park, this campground offers a mix of shaded and sunny camping spots with full hookups available. While close to town and local attractions, this campground is quiet and secluded, allowing visitors the chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Call for rates at 304-259-5579.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: No
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bathhouse, hot showers, picnic tables, fire pits, free shuttle to park
What to Do at
Blackwater Falls State Park
In addition to the camping, boating, and fishing here, there are other unique opportunities to explore the park. For example, employees at the park offer skiing and snowshoe lessons. In the winter months, the family-friendly sled run is open. This sled run is the longest on the East Coast at over a quarter mile. Guests here ride the Magic Carpet conveyor belt to the top of the hill and then sled down. Sled run sessions are two hours each, and ticket pricing is $28-$33.
Hiking to the waterfalls is the top activity at this park. Aside from Blackwater Falls, visitors can also walk to two other falls within the park, Elakala Falls and Pendleton Falls. There are plenty of other adventurous activities as well.
Inside Blackwater Falls State Park
While Blackwater Falls are the main attraction for visitors, there’s more to discover over the 2,300 acres of Blackwater Falls State Park. The Allegheny Mountains are known for their forests of eastern hemlock, red spruce, balsam fir, and mountain ash and the park’s many trails pass under their verdant canopies, punctuated by viewing platforms of the deep clefts of Blackwater Canyon and the cascading waterfalls of Blackwater River.
Diverse flora and fauna find their home in the area, and the park’s Nature Center hosts many programs where visitors can learn more about them including bird walks, guided hikes, and nature presentations.
Here are more details on the park’s most popular activities:
Bird Watching - Known as a top place for bird watching, birding enthusiasts can observe and listen to birds that live in and migrate to the park including wood thrush, eagles, osprey, and owls.
Hiking and Mountain Biking - Explore over 20 miles of multi-use trails varying in length and intensity. Check out Blackwater Falls by hiking the steep Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail or taking Gentle Trail for an easier path. The Lindy Point Trail leads to Lindy Point overlook for excellent views into Blackwater Canyon.
Swimming and Boating - During the hot summer months, take a refreshing swim in Pendleton Lake or head out onto the lake in a boat. Equipment rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats.
Fishing - Fishing opportunities abound in Pendleton Lake, where you can catch bass, catfish and trout, and Blackwater River, which is stocked with trout in the spring and summer. You must have a valid West Virginia fishing license.
Sledding and Skiing - Snow turns the park into a winter wonderland each year. Rent toboggans and sled down Blackwater Falls Sled Run or check out skis and snowshoes for cross-country skiing. Thaw out at the Warming Hut with hot drinks and hearty stews after playing in the snow.
Fishing
Fishing at the park is available in Pendleton Lake and the Blackwater River. Commonly caught fish here are bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. The WV Department of Natural Resources has a trout stocking program, so the fish are available all year.
Geocaching
The park has hidden cache sites for geocaching enthusiasts. Visitors are welcome to place a cache in the park but must first submit an application and obtain a permit.
Nature Watching
Birders can see and listen to birds in mountain habitats. Guests can see beavers in Pendleton Lake. Visitors may see black bears or wild turkeys who call the park home. Park naturalists schedule guided nature walks throughout the year.
Stargazing
With some of the darkest night skies in the state of WV, this park offers impressive views of starry skies. It is also home to an annual Perseids Meteor Watching Party, where participants can view one of the brightest meteor showers of the year.
Flora and Fauna
Hemlock and Spruce trees form the dense forests surrounding the falls, and various wildflowers bloom in spring, including dandelions, violets, bluets, and ragwort. Butterflies, salamanders, dragonflies, turtles, frogs, and toads are just some of the animals that call this area home. Guided nature walks are led by park naturalists. Information and schedules for these walks are available in the nature center.
Hiking
With over 20 miles of trails, plenty of hiking opportunities are available at Blackwater Falls. In addition to the park's trails, a section of the 311-mile Allegheny Trail also passes through this state park. Several public lands connect to this park, including the Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Valley State Park, and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Many of the hiking trails connect through the parks, giving hikers access to longer hikes. Hikers can grab a hiking guide from the park office.
Boating
Park visitors wanting to boat should go to Pendleton Lake. There, they can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats as well as stand-up paddleboards. There is also a canoe and kayak boat launch on the Blackwater River.
Swimming
Swimming enthusiasts will have a few options to choose from here. There is an indoor pool at the lodge and families can enjoy Pendleton Lake for swimming in summer.
Biking
Mountain biking on the trails in the park is another available activity. Along the paths of these scenic trails, you'll see the popular waterfalls, a stone archway, and beehive coke ovens.
How to Get to
Blackwater Falls State Park
Travelers from the north can take WV's route 50 to WV-24 and US-219. Travelers from the south can use I-79 to get to US-219. After reaching US-219, drivers should turn off onto WV-32 and follow the signs to the state park
Entering Blackwater Falls State Park
There is no entry fee to visit the park. Visitors can park at the nature center and take the steps or the easy-to-navigate trail to view the falls.
We’re excited for you to start your adventure! Whether you hike to Blackwater Falls or catch a fish in Pendleton Lake, take us along for the fun by tagging us on social media or sending your photos and stories to [email protected]. You might just end up on our blog or social media. Happy (RV) camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackwater Falls State Park
The best time to visit is in early fall when the weather is cool but not uncomfortable and the fall foliage is at its peak.
Campers can find whitetail deer, black bears, and wild turkeys within Blackwater Falls State Park.
Yes, the Blackwater Falls State Park Campground is open from spring through fall and has 65 sites with electricity.
Yes, you must make a reservation. The average rate is $50 per night.
Yes, in addition to being welcome in the park and campground, they are also welcome in the lodge for an additional fee or can stay at one of the 10 pet-friendly cabins.