Audra State Park Campground: A Wild and Wonderful Escape in West Virginia

82 reviews

8063 Audra Park Rd, Belington, WV 26250, USA
+1 304-457-1162
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Audra State Park Campground Introduce

Audra State Park Campground, located in southwestern Barbour County and extending into Upshur County, West Virginia, is a cherished destination within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category. This 355-acre state park is renowned for its unique blend of rugged natural beauty and essential camping amenities, making it a popular choice for families, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking a peaceful escape along the Middle Fork River. Open annually from April through mid-October, Audra State Park provides a quintessential "Wild and Wonderful" West Virginia experience.

The environment of Audra State Park is truly captivating. The campground is situated in a heavily wooded area, offering ample shade and a sense of immersion in nature. A defining feature of the park is the Middle Fork River, which bisects the terrain. This clear, clean river is not only visually stunning but also offers unique recreational opportunities, including a popular natural swimming area with large, flat rocks and a riverside beach. The park's topography is hilly, characterized by secondary forests and thickets of rhododendron, contributing to its picturesque landscape. A standout natural wonder is Alum Cave, an impressive overhanging sandstone ledge accessible via a scenic boardwalk along the Alum Cave Trail. The combination of lush forest, clear river waters, and unique geological formations creates a serene and inviting atmosphere for campers to relax and explore. While some campsites are directly along the river, providing soothing sounds and picturesque views, others are nestled further back in the woods, offering a sense of privacy.

Audra State Park Campground provides a comprehensive range of services and features designed for both tent and RV campers. The campground offers a total of 67 campsites. For RVs and trailers, 39 of these sites are equipped with electrical hookups (primarily 30-amp, with some sources mentioning 50-amp availability at select sites), which is a key convenience for modern RV camping. However, it's important to note that full hookups (including water and sewer at individual sites) are generally not available; potable water spigots are located throughout the campground for filling tanks, and a centrally located dump station is provided for waste disposal. Each campsite, whether for tent or RV, features a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring, facilitating traditional camping activities. The campground boasts two bathhouses with modern facilities, offering flush toilets and hot showers, which are consistently praised for their cleanliness by visitors. For added convenience, coin-operated washing machines and dryers are available on-site. A campground store is also present, stocking essential camping supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and importantly, bagged ice and firewood, minimizing the need for campers to leave the park for basic necessities. The park is handicapped accessible, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Beyond the fundamental camping amenities, Audra State Park offers a rich array of recreational features that cater to diverse interests. The Middle Fork River is a focal point for water-based activities, including swimming in its designated areas (lifeguards are not provided, and life jackets are suggested for younger children). Whitewater enthusiasts also enjoy boating on the Middle Fork River, with an easy put-in spot at the park's bridge leading to exciting rapids. Fishing is a popular pastime in both the Middle Fork River and nearby Teter Creek Lake, where anglers can expect to catch trout, bass, and bluegill (a West Virginia fishing license is required). The park's trail system is extensive, offering opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The 1.5-mile Alum Cave Trail is a highlight, featuring the boardwalk under the impressive Alum Cave overhang. Other recreational facilities include a centrally located playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits, providing options for family fun and group activities. Wildlife viewing is also a common activity, with opportunities to spot various animals and bird species native to the West Virginia forests. For those interested in more modern outdoor pursuits, geocaching is permitted within the park.

Promotional information for Audra State Park Campground emphasizes its unique natural beauty and the array of activities available. The park is often highlighted as a "hidden gem" or a "dream" destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The promise of "creekside camping" and "secluded" wooded sites appeals to those seeking peace and quiet amidst nature. The "crystal clear Middle Fork River" and its unique swimming area are significant selling points, especially during warmer months. The Alum Cave Trail, with its impressive rock formation, is consistently promoted as a must-see feature. The park's commitment to providing clean facilities, including "spotless" bathrooms and "plenty of hot water," as noted in numerous reviews, builds confidence in the quality of the camping experience. The availability of amenities like a camp store, laundry facilities, and a dump station addresses practical needs, making the stay more comfortable. Promotional efforts also highlight its family-friendly nature, with playgrounds and diverse activities for all ages. Veterans are also offered a discount, demonstrating an inclusive approach. While cell service can be spotty, this is sometimes framed as an advantage, encouraging visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The park's proximity to other attractions like the West Virginia State Wildlife Center and historic towns such as Philippi (with its covered bridge) allows for extended exploration beyond the campground itself.

In summary, Audra State Park Campground is a highly appealing option within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category, offering a beautiful and engaging natural environment in West Virginia. Its strengths lie in its wooded setting, the unique Middle Fork River with its swimming and boating opportunities, and the captivating Alum Cave. While not all RV sites offer full hookups, the presence of electrical connections, modern bathhouses with hot showers, a dump station, and a convenient camp store ensures a comfortable stay. Its diverse recreational features, from hiking and fishing to a playground, make it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers seeking an active yet peaceful outdoor experience.

Location

West Virginia Barbour County Belington Audra Park Road

Customer Reviews

4.0

82 reviews

James Gibbons

Jun 23, 2025

“So what’s the deal with Audra State Park? It’s small, it’s scenic, and if you show up during peak season, it doubles as a live-action simulation of tailgate party survival.” Let’s start with the high points—because Audra’s got ‘em. The staff? Incredibly friendly. We’re talking “actually enjoy their job” energy. Smiling, helpful, and probably the only thing keeping the bathhouse from turning into a crypt. If you’re camping—Sites 8 and 10 are the spots. Right down on the water, shaded, pretty, and close enough to the river to lull you to sleep… or possibly flood your sleeping bag if it’s just rained. (More on that in a minute.) Swimming here? Oh yeah. There are plenty of places to splash around if the water's high enough. It’s not a water park—it’s more of a “natural plunge into brisk Appalachian river” kind of vibe. And if you're into whitewater kayaking, this place becomes prime real estate right after a big rain. Bring your helmet, your GoPro, and maybe your chiropractor. Audra isn’t a huge park, which is kind of nice. Everything's walkable, easy to navigate, and there's none of that "Did we take a wrong turn and end up in Ohio?" confusion you get at bigger state parks. One of the best features is the Alum Cave boardwalk trail. It’s like walking through the set of a fantasy movie… if it’s open. Word to the wise: check ahead. If you’re coming just for the cave and it’s closed? That’s the nature equivalent of showing up to a birthday party and the cake’s been eaten. In spring and early summer, when the rhododendron are in bloom, it’s a full-blown Instagram moment. You half expect a woodland fairy to pop out and offer you herbal tea. It’s that magical. Now for the, uh… quirks. This place can get crowded during peak season. And not your peaceful-people-in-hammocks kind of crowded. No, it’s “tailgate training ground meets pop-up festival.” Folding chairs, coolers, cornhole—every square foot in use. If you’re camping in one of the more compact sites, prepare to know your neighbor's playlist whether you want to or not. Big RVs and trailers? Bold move. The road in and out is tight. Like, “you-might-leave-with-an-entire-tree-as-a-hood-ornament” tight. Maneuvering a large rig through this park takes the skill of a retired stunt driver. If you’re not confident backing up a trailer, you may end up reversing halfway to Buckhannon. The bathhouse… listen, it’s not haunted, but it’s seen some things. It’s old. It’s got charm in the same way your grandpa’s hunting shack has charm. BUT—and this is important—it’s kept clean. So don’t judge a book by its flickering overhead light. Laundry? Two machines. For the whole campground. Better get in line behind every family trying to rinse the river out of their socks. Now, about that rain. When it pours, some campsites transform into scenic, babbling creeks. Sounds lovely—until you realize the creek is running through your tent. Particularly sites in the middle, firepit becomes a koi pond, and your flip-flops become life rafts for woodland creatures. And if you go swimming after that heavy rain? That water is cold. Like “makes you reevaluate your life choices” cold. You’ll wade in, and suddenly you’re singing falsetto whether you wanted to or not. Let’s also talk about the playground. It gets used. It’s like a child-powered turbine. Constant motion, screaming, laughter, plastic squeaking—nonstop. If you’re in a site near it? Good luck achieving peace. You’re not meditating—you’re surviving recess. But here’s the deal—if you plan it right, snag one of the better riverfront sites, dodge the rainy weeks, and embrace the quirks—Audra State Park is a fantastic little off-the-beaten-path gem. Great for swimming, hiking, kayaking, or a scenic day trip. It’s the kind of park that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a locals-only spot… as long as you’re cool with a little chaos, cold water, and the occasional rogue river.

Trina Wall

Jun 04, 2025

This was our first time there. What can I say, it's beautiful. It's wooded like we like and easy access to the water to swim, float or fish.

Nick Robbins

Sep 10, 2023

We camped here for about 4 days and had a wonderful experience! There is a playground for the little ones.... and you're so close to the river and the mountains/rocks/forest regardless of what site you're at. Electric hook up 30amp worked great, and the water fill station next to the camp store worked as well. The bath houses are slightly dated in design but very clean all the time.

Yehieli O. Kaftanic

Jun 03, 2024

This campground and park are lovely. The gift shop employees/hosts are all incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful. They have wood, ice, snacks, and some basic necessities for sale, as well as tshirts, sweatshirts, etc. I think I saw they have life jackets and "pool" floaties for rent, but as we didn't go swimming, I'm not 100% certain. There is a coin-operated laundry, which is also very clean. We had no cell signal at all (Boost mobile). The park offers wifi in some areas - perfect, IMO, for helping one "disconnect" while having the reassurance that one could still communicate with the outside world if anything happened or plans changed. The river is absolutely gorgeous. It's clean. We saw no litter lying around, though we didn't get close to the points where most groups were hanging out. There are several access points to the river along the campground and the Alum Cave trail. That's the longer of the two nearby trails at 2.7 miles; it's well maintained and a very fun hike with a footbridge that goes below the cave overhang. We didn't hike the shorter trail, which is closer to the campground, but if the trailheads are any indication, it, too, is well maintained. We can't wait to return and go for a swim!

Nathan Rohrbaugh

Jul 19, 2024

Nice, kid-friendly campground. No alcohol permitted. Several places to get in the water. I was there during a drought so fishing was nonexistent, but the state does stock it with trout. Close enough to Buckhannon where you can drive to Walmart and pick up any last minute items you forgot. A couple nice, easy trails to enjoy the local geology. Several picnic areas.