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Blackwater Falls
Overview
Blackwater Falls State Park is one of West Virginia’s most iconic natural landmarks. Named for its amber-colored waterfall, the park offers a rugged mountain experience in the heart of the Alleghenies. RV travelers are drawn here for the cool mountain temperatures and the dramatic 57-foot drop of the Blackwater River, where the water is uniquely tinted by tannic acid from fallen hemlock and spruce needles.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside the charming town of Davis, WV, the park sits at a high elevation, providing a refreshing escape from summer heat. The surrounding landscape is dominated by dense forests of red spruce and eastern hemlock. Being located within the Monongahela National Forest region, the park serves as a primary gateway to some of the most scenic and rugged highlands in the eastern United States.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features 65 total sites, with 30 of those providing electric hookups suitable for RVs. Travelers have access to essential facilities including a central bathhouse with hot showers, laundry services, and a convenient dump station for waste management. While the park maintains a rustic, natural feel, it provides paved pads at many sites, ensuring a stable setup for various rig sizes during the peak camping season.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the main falls, visitors should prioritize a trip to the Lindy Point Overlook for breathtaking views of the deep Blackwater Canyon. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, including the scenic path to the delicate Elakala Falls. For those visiting during the winter months, the park is home to the longest sled run on the East Coast, while summer guests enjoy trout fishing and lakeside recreation.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize natural beauty over resort-style luxuries. It is a perfect fit for families looking for a classic state park experience where the focus remains on hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring. RVers who enjoy a quiet, forest-enclosed atmosphere will find the serene environment of these West Virginia highlands truly rejuvenating.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Adriana Franco
This stop was our two-day “play and reset” window between Acadia NP and New River Gorge NP — a quiet breather in the beautiful WV mountains. We stayed at the lodge and had breakfast there both mornings, mostly because options nearby are… well, nonexistent. Luckily the buffet was generous, the food was decent enough to fuel the day, and the views helped everything go down a little easier. Service, however, could definitely benefit from a hospitality tune-up — a smile and a bit of warmth go a long way before coffee! That said, the park itself is lovely. We enjoyed peaceful trails surrounded by lush forest, and the falls are truly worth the trip — dramatic and grounding. I got in a few good hikes, while my husband happily took in the waterfall views from the accessible paths, which are thoughtfully laid out and easy to navigate. In short: Beautiful park ✔️ Scenic lodge views ✔️ Buffet that gets the job done ✔️ Service that could caffeinate their cheerfulness ✔️😉 Perfect little nature pause before hitting our next national park. 🌲💧✨
Yalonda Maneval
A beautiful park with fantastic views! There are various hiking trails that are not overly strenuous but high reward on the scenery, as well as some accessible trails too
Carol Schwab
This is a beautiful park! We went to the Blackwater Falls overlook. It is handicapped accessible and a beautiful view of the falls. If you can do steps, there are 2 trails to the falls, one has 1/3 fewer steps than the other. The friendly staff in the visitor center are more than helpful and can tell you where each begins. We ran out of time, so that was all we could there.
James Mills
Falls were nice. Water level in the river was low due to low rain this summer. Well maintained path and stairs to access the falls. The Lodge was clean and the staff was friendly. Smokehouse restaurant was adequate. Park is beautiful with well maintained roads. Stayed 3 days so was able to walk several trails. Well marked trails that are challenging for people who enjoy hiking.
Ian Mitchell
Came here with my wife and we stayed in the lodge while her parents camped in an RV on the campground. This place is really great and beautiful scenery abounds. The hiking is great too, and even a bit more challenging than I had expected. Make sure you do the Dobbin House loop, it’s a good 5 mile hike.