River Run Campground

Hello, West Virginia adventurers! Are you seeking a fantastic camping destination that offers both tranquil natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor fun? Look no further than River Run Campground, nestled within the expansive and activity-rich North Bend State Park in Harrisville. This campground is a true gem for locals, providing a comfortable and scenic base camp for exploring some of the Mountain State's most beloved attractions, especially the renowned North Bend Rail Trail.

River Run Campground has quickly become a family favorite for many, praised for its perfectly flat spots, beautiful pondside settings, and the welcoming atmosphere created by the park staff. It’s a place where the good truly outweighs any minor inconveniences, offering a genuine West Virginia outdoor experience. Whether you're an avid hiker or biker, a keen angler, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax and reconnect with nature, River Run Campground provides an excellent setting. The proximity to the legendary North Bend Rail Trail means adventure is always just steps away, inviting you to explore tunnels, bridges, and stunning landscapes.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything that makes River Run Campground at North Bend State Park a top choice for West Virginia residents. We'll cover its strategic location and accessibility, the range of services and accommodations available, its standout features and highlights (including those spooky tunnels!), any potential promotions, and all the essential contact information you’ll need to plan your next memorable family camping trip. Get ready to discover your new favorite West Virginia getaway!

River Run Campground is ideally located within North Bend State Park at N Bend St Pk-Cabin Area Loop, Harrisville, WV 26362, USA. This placement in Ritchie County, West Virginia, makes it highly accessible for residents across the state, particularly those in the western and central regions. The campground's address places it directly within the larger state park system, allowing easy access to all the park's amenities and the famous North Bend Rail Trail.

North Bend State Park is situated conveniently near major routes, ensuring a straightforward journey for most visitors. While specific driving directions to the campground itself are best confirmed by calling the park office directly (as GPS can sometimes lead to tricky routes, as noted by a reviewer), the general park access is well-marked. Harrisville, a small town with basic amenities, is nearby, providing convenient access to supplies should you need them during your stay. The park itself is a hub for outdoor activity, and River Run Campground serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the extensive trail system and natural beauty of the region.

River Run Campground at North Bend State Park is designed to accommodate various camping preferences, offering a good range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

• Campsites with Hookups: The campground offers a total of 49 camping sites. Of these, 26 sites are equipped with electric hookups, suitable for RVs and trailers. Each site includes a picnic table and a campfire ring, providing essential amenities for outdoor living.
• Tent Camping: For those who prefer a more traditional experience, sites are available for tent camping. Many spots, particularly by the pond, are noted to be "perfectly flat" and "gorgeous and comfortable," enhancing the tent camping experience.
• ADA Accessible Sites: The campground includes four ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant sites, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
• Modern Bathhouse: A modern bathhouse is available within the campground. While specific details on showers were not provided in reviews for River Run, modern bathhouses typically include hot showers for convenience.
• Picnic Tables and Campfire Rings: Every campsite is furnished with a picnic table and a campfire ring, ideal for outdoor meals and evening gatherings around a crackling fire.
• Access to Park Amenities: As part of North Bend State Park, campers at River Run have full access to the broader park's facilities, which include a lodge, a full-service restaurant, a swimming pool (seasonal), gift shop, and meeting rooms.
• Pet-Friendly: While not explicitly stated for River Run, North Bend State Park is generally pet-friendly, allowing well-behaved pets on leashes in many areas. It's always best to confirm specific pet policies for the campground directly with the park.

River Run Campground’s prime location within North Bend State Park means campers have access to an impressive array of features and highlights that promise an adventure-filled stay.

• North Bend Rail Trail Access: This is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws. The 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, a converted rail-trail, stretches across West Virginia, featuring 36 bridges and 10 tunnels. Campers can directly access this trail from the park via connector trails, making it perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding (with a carriage fee for wagons).
• Silver Tunnel: A particular highlight for trail users is the "Silver Tunnel," noted by a reviewer as "by far the creepiest tunnel even with a flashlight you still couldn't see in front of you." This adds an exciting, adventurous, and slightly spooky element to trail explorations, requiring a flashlight or headlamp for safe navigation.
• Beautiful Pond Setting: Reviewers have specifically praised the "perfectly flat spot by the pond" as "so gorgeous and comfortable," offering a serene and picturesque environment for camping.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting of North Bend State Park and the campground provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, from abundant deer to various bird species.
• Fishing Opportunities: North Bend State Park features a 305-acre lake (North Bend Lake) and access to the North Fork of the Hughes River, offering excellent fishing opportunities for species like crappie, musky, catfish, and bass. An accessible fishing pier is also available.
• Over 26 Miles of Hiking Trails: Beyond the Rail Trail, the park boasts over 26 miles of diverse hiking trails winding through forests, around the lake, and past interesting rock formations.
• Seasonal Swimming Pool: During warmer months, a large outdoor swimming pool at North Bend State Park Lodge is open to all park guests, providing a refreshing way to cool off.
• Interpretive Nature Programs: During spring and summer, the park offers various interpretive nature programs daily, allowing visitors of all ages to learn about the park's history, wildlife, and survival skills.
• Outdoor Court Games: Facilities for basketball and volleyball are available within the park.
• Geocaching: For those who enjoy modern-day treasure hunts, North Bend State Park offers geocaching opportunities with multiple caches hidden throughout the park and on the Rail Trail.

As a West Virginia State Park campground, River Run Campground at North Bend State Park participates in state-wide initiatives and offers general affordability. While specific, short-term "promotions" aren't typically as numerous as private campgrounds, the state park system often provides consistent value.

• Affordable Rates: West Virginia State Parks are generally known for their affordable camping rates. For example, electric sites can range from $28 to $50 per night for residents (effective January 1, 2022), with non-electric (tent) sites ranging from $20. These rates offer excellent value for the amenities and access to the park's extensive features.
• Off-Season Camping: The campground is open from mid-April through October 31. Camping during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can often provide a more peaceful experience and potentially lower demand for sites.
• Group Rates: North Bend State Park offers group camping options, and larger groups may inquire about specific rates for collective stays.
• Veterans Discount: West Virginia State Parks generally offer a 10% discount for veterans (e.g., using a code like VETS10 when applicable online or presenting ID at check-in). This is a consistent offer across the state park system.
• Special Events/Weekends: The park hosts various special events throughout the year, such as the Campground Trick-or-Treat (e.g., October 25, 2025, at River Run Campground, featuring costume contests and cookie decorating), which enhance the camping experience without necessarily being a direct discount on the site fee. These themed weekends provide added value and entertainment.

For the most accurate and current information on rates, availability, and any specific promotions, it is always recommended to check the official West Virginia State Parks website for North Bend State Park or to call the park directly.

To plan your camping trip, make reservations, or get more specific details about River Run Campground at North Bend State Park, please use the following contact information:

• Address: N Bend St Pk-Cabin Area Loop, Harrisville, WV 26362, USA
• Phone: (304) 643-2931 (This is the main phone number for North Bend State Park, which manages River Run Campground. It is the best contact for camping inquiries and reservations.)
• No separate Mobile Phone number is typically provided; use the main park number.
• Website: For comprehensive information, online reservations, and up-to-date event schedules, visit the official West Virginia State Parks website for North Bend State Park (wvstateparks.com/park/north-bend-state-park/).
• Email: northbendsp@wv.gov (General park email for inquiries).

As advised by a previous camper, it's a good idea to "Call the park office directly" for directions, as GPS can sometimes be unreliable for navigating to specific campground areas within the park.

River Run Campground at North Bend State Park is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for West Virginia locals, offering a blend of natural beauty, diverse activities, and convenient accessibility. For residents of the Mountain State, it represents a fantastic opportunity to experience the very best of West Virginia's renowned outdoor recreation without having to travel far from home.

The core appeal lies in its seamless integration with North Bend State Park and, critically, the North Bend Rail Trail. This means campers have direct, immediate access to miles of scenic pathways perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding through tunnels and over bridges – an experience that truly embodies the adventurous spirit of West Virginia. The "creepy" Silver Tunnel, as one reviewer put it, adds a fun, unique challenge. The beautiful pondside spots within the campground provide a serene setting for relaxation, while the abundance of wildlife ensures a genuine connection with nature.

Furthermore, the affordability of West Virginia State Parks makes River Run an excellent value for families and individuals alike, encouraging frequent visits. The range of accommodations, from tent sites to RV hookups and cabins, caters to different comfort levels and budgets, ensuring that virtually any local camper can find their ideal setup. The friendly park staff, as noted by visitors, contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere, making every stay welcoming and enjoyable. River Run Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to active adventure and peaceful relaxation, making it a perfect, recurring choice for West Virginians looking to embrace their state's incredible outdoors.

River Run Campground

N Bend St Pk-Cabin Area Loop, Harrisville, WV 26362, USA