Tucked away about 12 miles east of Parkersburg, West Virginia, on US Route 50 is a county park that might just be one of the Mountain State’s best kept secrets. With its large campground, shaded picnic areas, a large lake, over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, and frequent events, Mountwood Park is the perfect place to spend the day (or night) in West Virginia.
In the late 1800s, oil was discovered in West Virginia, including the state's third oilfield in the tiny town of Volcano. The town boomed for a time, and then burned to the ground, never to be revived. It faded into history; now, Mountwood Park encompasses the area where the town of Volcano once stood.
And what a park it is. Featuring a 50-acre lake, miles of trails, a small history museum, and a large campground, Mountwood Park offers something for everyone.
Come in summer or fall, winter or spring. Each season provides new views and activities. Hike, bike, birdwatch, fish, boat, picnic. Bring the dog (there's a dog park!). Bring the frisbee (there's disc golf!).
Note that the campground is open from April 1 to October 31. The museum is open May 1 to October 31.
The campground has 16 full hookup sites, 64 sites with just electric and water, and 7 primitive sites. Each site comes furnished with a picnic table and a fire ring, as well as access to multiple bathhouses with hot showers and clean restroom facilities.
Full hook-up sites are $30 per day. Sites with just electric and water are $30 per day. The primitive cabin is $40 per day. The primitive tent sites, including lakeside, are $23 per day. The lake house starts at $88 per day.
Beautiful, educational, affordable – all this and more make Mountwood Park a great option for your next camping trip. And don’t miss the Volcano Days festival held here on the last week of September each year! For more information, visit Mountwood Park’s website or Facebook page. For another great campground near Morgantown that’s open year-round, try Chestnut Ridge Park.
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