By Dakota Baker, RealWV

Looking for outdoor recreation but on a budget this summer? I know I am. 

Fortunately for us, our wild and wonderful West Virginia offers a wide range of recreational activities.

West Virginia Waterfall Trail

If you’re more of a hiker and enjoy taking in the beautiful views our mountains have to offer, it may be time to start chasing waterfalls. West Virginia Tourism offers a free West Virginia Waterfall Trail pass that shows you a list of waterfalls across the state. When you visit a waterfall, you check in using the pass and earn waterfall-themed prizes as you go!

Paddleboarding

How about the open water and a sunset? Mountain Surf Paddle Sports offers various guided paddle boarding tours, including sunset paddleboarding. Tickets are $53.50 each for adults,  making this a perfect group activity. 

In addition to sunset paddle boarding, two- and four-hour guided trips are available and suitable for adults and children. Prices vary, making these trips a good option for a family outing. 
Check out their website for more information and booking here!

Camping

As a West Virginia native, I grew up camping. My family spent one week every summer out by the river, sleeping in tents, tubing down the river, and spending evenings by the campfire. One of my favorite things about West Virginia is its abundance of camping areas. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few recommendations.

Lake Sherwood

The Lake Sherwood Recreation Area is a family-friendly getaway featuring a wide range of outdoor activities and camping experiences. Standard, tent-only, and group campsites are situated along Lake Sherwood, the largest lake in the Monongahela National Forest. 

You must stay at least two nights to book a visit, with a maximum stay of 14 days. Individual campsites at this campground are available on a six-month rolling basis, with reservations currently open for stays from Monday, May 18, 2026, through Monday, September 7, 2026. 

From Tuesday, May 12, 2026, through Monday, May 18, 2026, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept advance reservations during that time.

For more information, booking, and rates, visit the campground’s website here.

Moncove Lake

The campground is open from spring through fall, depending on weather conditions. Campsites can be reserved at any time online, by phone, or through the campground office. Reservations require a minimum stay of two consecutive nights on weekends — Friday and Saturday — and at least one night during the week — Sunday through Thursday. 

Guests may stay for a maximum of 14 nights. The campground includes 48 tent and trailer sites, 34 of which offer electric hookups. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings with grill surfaces, access to drinking water, a dump station, and a centrally located bathhouse with showers. Firewood is also available for purchase.

For more information, visit the campground’s website here. 

Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River, whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories before twisting and tumbling through an 8-mile-long gorge. The river’s distinctive “black” appearance comes from tannic acid released by fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. 

Known as one of the most photographed locations in West Virginia, the park offers visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. The campground offers 65 tent and trailer sites, all equipped with electric hookups, as well as a centrally located bathhouse with hot showers, a laundromat, and a dump station. 
Campsites 1–30 are open year-round, although some facilities are limited from Nov. 1 through March 31, while sites 31–65 are open from April 1 through Oct. 31. Reservations can be made online, by phone, or at the campground office, with a two-night minimum stay required on weekends and a one-night minimum during the week. Visitors may reserve campsites for up to 14 consecutive nights.

Contact and booking information can be found on the park’s website here.

Kanawha State Forest

Located just 7 miles south of Charleston, Kanawha State Forest is an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest is well known for its extensive network of hiking and biking trails, as well as some of the state’s most popular picnic areas. In addition to the on-site amenities, visitors can enjoy playgrounds, fishing, hunting, and a variety of other outdoor activities.

The campground is open from April through December, weather permitting. Campsites can be reserved online, by phone, or at the campground office. Reservations require a minimum stay of two consecutive nights on weekends — Friday and Saturday — and one night from Sunday through Thursday. The campground also has a maximum stay limit of 14 nights.

Of the 46 campsites available, 25 include electricity and water hookups. Each campsite is equipped with a fireplace and picnic table for visitor convenience. Additional amenities include two bathhouses and a coin-operated laundry facility.

For more information, visit the campground’s website here. 

Let us know your favorite outdoor activities and happy exploring!