Bordered by five states — Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio — West Virginia has a population of just under 2 million people. West Virginia is the 10th-smallest state by size and has a total area of only about 24,000 square miles. West Virginia is the only state to result from separating from a Confederate state, and it joined the Union on June 20, 1863.Â
West Virginia has historically played a key role in the logging and coal mining industries, and today it is known for its mountains and hills that allow for an array of outdoor recreational activities, including skiing, hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Aside from its numerous recreational offerings, West Virginia also has other attractions, such as its museums, numerous annual events, and numerous college sports games.
Some of the top attractions in the state include Blackwater Falls State Park, Snowshoe Basin, and Harpers Ferry, where abolitionist John Brown raided a U.S. military arsenal. Those into the supernatural can visit the Mothman Museum, and those interested in art or history can explore sites such as the Huntington Museum of Art and the West Virginia State Capitol building, among other places.Â
West Virginia Strawberry Festival – This upcoming week-long event takes place every May in Buckhannon, West Virginia. This festival consists of multiple fun activities, including strawberry auctions, car shows, parades, street parties, and band competitions.Â
Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting – This upcoming event takes place every February at The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs. This is the largest international water tasting, and it’s been going strong for more than thirty years.
State Fair of West Virginia – This upcoming event takes place in mid-August annually in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Top activities that take place at this state fair include concerts, carnival rides, and livestock shows. Past performers at this state fair include Johnny Cash, Britney Spears, Little Big Town, and Loretta Lynn.
Mountain State Art & Craft Fair – This upcoming event takes place annually in July on the grounds of the Cedar Lakes Conference Center near Ripley, West Virginia. The purpose of this fair is to celebrate Appalachian culture, including its art, music, and food.
New River Gorge National Park encompasses 70,000 acres in an area located about an hour’s drive from Charleston. Because of its location in the Appalachian Mountains, the weather at New River Gorge National Park can be erratic. Temperatures in the winter typically range from the 20s to the 40s, while this park’s summer temperatures can range from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall can see temps between the 30s and 70s, and precipitation is possible year-round, with July typically seeing the most rainfall. A popular activity at this national park is hiking one of its five trails. The shortest trail is 0.6 miles long, while the longest trail is more than three miles long.
Shenandoah National Park is 300 square miles and has peaks that reach above 4,000 feet high. The weather at this park is varied both between seasons and depending on where you are within the national park. Storms can break out suddenly, so while visiting the park, it’s important to stay weather aware. Popular activities to do at this park include hiking, biking, and fishing. Horseback riding and rock climbing are popular here as well.Â
Cuyahoga Valley National Park has 100 waterfalls and over 125 miles of hiking trails. Cuyahoga Valley National Park has four distinct seasons, and the weather is more consistent within each season. Golfing, picnicking, and stargazing are common things to do here. Kayaking, canoeing, bird-watching, horseback riding, and biking are also popular.Â
North Bend State Park features a number of lakes and streams for fishing and boating. This park is 2,459 acres, and other things to do here include hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Kumbrabow State Forest covers over 9,000 acres, and it has multiple hiking trails and mountain slopes. Aside from hiking, fishing is another popular activity to do at this state forest.
Established in 1990, Stonewall Jackson State Park is a 1,736-acre park that features three restaurants and a driving range. Along with golfing, fishing is a popular thing to do here, and so is boating, tubing, and water skiing.
West Virginia is home to numerous famous landmarks and monuments. Guests have been going to The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia since 1778 to enjoy its natural mineral springs.Â
Those looking for a darker history can stop by West Virginia Penitentiary, a former prison that dates back to the late 19th century. It is located in Moundsville, West Virginia, and you can enjoy one of the various tours of the penitentiary.Â
Train and railroad fans can’t miss seeing Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Aside from the 11-mile-long railroad that you can see in this state park located in Cass, West Virginia, other things you can do here include hiking, boating, and fishing.
Top picks for RV camping in West Virginia include Sand Springs Campground, Statts Mills RV Park, and Pipestem RV Park & Campground. Sand Springs Campground features a swimming pool and a little store that sells firewood and ice. Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, this campground also has an on-site laundromat and bathroom. Statts Mills RV Park is located in Ripley, West Virginia, and it has antique shops and hunting areas nearby. The daily rate of this campground, which has full hookups, is $40. Pipestem RV Park & Campground costs $30 daily, and it is located in Pipestem, West Virginia about one mile from Pipestem State Park. This RV park and campground’s convenient location means you can enjoy a number of outdoor adventures while camping here, including whitewater rafting and rock climbing.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in West Virginia?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in West Virginia from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in West Virginia?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.