Campgrounds and RV parks near Brookhaven, WV

Coopers Rock State Forest is the headline attraction. Bands of rock cliffs line the Cheat River Gorge and provide numerous overlooks, with the main overlook furnishing a panorama of the gorge, and trails that are especially lovely in June when the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom. The forest also offers rock climbing on sandstone cliffs and trout fishing on cold-water streams. On the water, Cheat Lake offers boating, paddling, and fishing, and the Cheat Canyon downstream draws whitewater rafters in spring. The Mon River and Caperton rail-trails run through Morgantown for cycling and jogging, and West Virginia University adds college sports, restaurants, and museums. Families staying at Sand Springs Campground can reach Coopers Rock, Cheat Lake, and area trails within a short drive, making it a practical hub for day trips.

Peak camping runs late spring through early fall. Many campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, with limited winter options at lower elevations. Summer weekends fill quickly, and fall brings a second surge tied to foliage and West Virginia University football weekends in Morgantown, which push demand well beyond game days. State-forest seasons are firm. Coopers Rock campgrounds open by the first weekend in April, with Rhododendron Campground closing on the first Saturday in November and McCollum Campground remaining open until the first Saturday of December, weather permitting. Some private parks stay open year-round for RVs willing to camp in cold weather; confirm winter status directly with the operator. Spring is wet and muddy but brings wildflowers and strong river flows for paddlers. Summer is warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Fall delivers the most reliable weather and the strongest color, typically peaking in mid to late October. Winter can bring snow and ice, especially at higher elevations near Coopers Rock, where road access may be limited during storms.

Terrain is hilly and wooded. Sites range from dense forest to lakeside settings within the northern Alleghenies, with elevations rising from around 800 feet near the rivers to over 2,000 feet at Coopers Rock. Expect gravel pads, some sloped sites, and access roads that narrow as they climb, which can complicate arrival for larger rigs. Hookups vary. Private parks typically offer water, electric, and sewer. New sites at McCollum Campground include 50-amp electric and water at the site, with a dump station on the grounds; primitive sites at Rhododendron Campground have no hookups. Cell service is spotty in the gorge and on ridgetops, so download maps ahead of arrival. Wildlife includes deer, black bear, and turkey, and tick and poison ivy exposure is common in warm months. Leashed pets are permitted at both Coopers Rock campgrounds and at most private parks in the area.