Why winter camping at WV state parks is awesome

Take in some of the prettiest scenery when you go winter camping at a West Virginia State Park.

When it’s cold outside, one of the last things you’re probably thinking about is camping in the snow. But winter camping at a West Virginia state park or forest offers a unique experience you just can’t get any other time of the year.

While playing in the snow certainly is fun, many people prefer to sit by a warm fire with a cup of hot cocoa. If that’s you, don’t worry! West Virginia state parks and forests have several cozy lodge rooms and cabins you can rent for your winter retreat.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, give winter camping a try! Here are a few reasons why you should take a winter camping trip to a West Virginia state park or forest, even if you don’t like being out in the cold.

Winter camping offers peace and quiet

Camping is one of the most popular activities at West Virginia’s state parks and forests. Because of this, campgrounds can get crowded during peak season. With more than 1,500 campsites at 27 different state parks and forests, there’s a camping experience for everyone. There’s traditional tent camping. You can hookup the RV for a week-long getaway. One state park even has yurts!

But, during the winter, campers can spend a few nights in the frozen woods, often with the area all to themselves. Talk about a real getaway! If you’re looking for a chance to escape the hustle-and-bustle and find true peace and quiet, winter camping may be for you. Give it a try!

Winter scenery is breathtaking

More than 7 million people visit West Virginia’s state parks and forests each year. While spring, summer and fall are when most people visit, camping in the winter gives you a chance to experience state parks in a new way.

During the winter, you can see magnificent frozen waterfalls, delicate icicles clinging to rock ledges and miles of beautiful, snow-covered mountains. Each park and forest shines brightly with a new color during the winter. There’s something truly calming about winter in a state park. Come see for yourself!

Winter camping is fun

Snow makes everything fun. If you haven’t experienced it, there’s nothing like stepping out of your tent (or RV) in the morning, hearing the crunch of snow beneath your feet and feeling the crisp winter air on your face.

In addition to the novelty of camping in the snow, outdoor activities offer new challenges in the winter. Do you have a favorite trail you like to hike? Try it in the winter — with snow shoes! Do you like sitting by a fire, roasting marshmallows for s’mores? Winter might be the perfect time to do it!

And when the mountains become a winter wonderland, state parks and forests offer some of the best snow sports on the East Coast. There’s sledding, cross-country skiing, tubing and all other kinds of snow sports for you and your family to enjoy.

Plan your winter camping trip today

What are you waiting for? Start planning your winter camping trip today! While most West Virginia state park and forest campgrounds are closed for the winter, Beech Fork, Camp Creek, Canaan Valley, Pipestem and Twin Falls state parks, and Cabwaylingo State Forest are all open during the winter. And before you go on your winter camping trip, make sure you plan and prepare accordingly.