Audra State Park — Attraction in Philippi

Nestled in the heart of WV is this little piece of heaven we call Audra. Been this beautiful way before the Indians arrived in from the Barring Straights and will stay this way long after all the humans shoot off into space looking for new frontiers to conquer. Audra holds a special place in my heart because as high school sweethearts me and my wife would enjoy our hot lazy summer days just chilling out on the beaches or hop scotching on the river boulders just hoping to fall into its cool, clear mountain waters. We'd then take our wet clothes and lay them across the rocks or on a low nearby tree branch to dry in the sun as we done river aerobics and come out feeling refreshingly satisfied like you've never known. Even though there's other things that's factored into it, well of course, I would contribute this special place as having something to do with fatherhood at the tender age of sixteen. So then, there's fun and then there's really really fun. So please be careful with all the breathtaking beauty and keep a sane mind. Remember, this is a public park. After the river aerobics we would decide rather to go upriver and met up with friends at hippie rock or refreshments at the nearby consession stand. Walk out though a hiking trail and see the wonders of hanging rock over the boardwalk and be convinced there truely is a God. This is nature at its best as you learn of different plants, scrubs, trees or fugue. Especially as night falls and see the glowing mosslike substance inwhich the name of escapes me at the moment. (Probably because my memories took place in the mid to late 70's and they really knew how to grow it back then. 😉) Back then of course we could have a small controlled fire for light or roasting hotdogs or marshmallows while playing our guitars and singing folk songs and being responsible young adults and not burning the forest down. Please do not have any fires outside the designated area's nowadays. How the actions of a selected few ruined it for the majority of us is sad. But funds from the state and private organizations made Audra a safer place from fires today. They have areas for barbequeing and pavilions for lounging out in or just reading a book under. Several picnic tables to choose from though out the park. You can get caught up in finding the best site. Take it from me, their all so beautiful and hard to choose between. Idea child's park with slides and swings nearby. What wonderful memories I have of pushing my children on those swings, there's nothing more precious but seeing them push my grandkids on the same. One visit to this little piece of heaven brings a lifetime of memories and makes you say; "if only we could stay" how often do you ever say this. At my age, I could probably count them on both hands with room for a few more times. But not to worry because within walking distance or a brief bike ride is the camping area. With most amenities and with this I will let your minds wonder so your come and turn my childhood memories into your own. But I will say it's wonderful and I Hope to...

First the good:

This park offers free admission and free parking. The natural beauty is evident everywhere you look. Waterfalls, rock formations, mountain laurel, fresh air...what more could you want? Well stocked, newly renovated camp store with very good pricing. Friendly, helpful staff Beautiful, clean campground with waterfront sites. Newly renovated laundry area in the campground. Campground can now be reserved online. Campground is designed for tents or small RVs.

Some observations: Bathhouses are clean, but dated. Road into campground is very narrow AND one way. There isn’t wiggle room. Big rigs and RVs over 30ft should avoid this campground. Campsites are narrow with trees and other obstacles present. While your RV may fit a site in length, trees may interfere with your slides or awning. Midsized RVs (

The best camp grounds in West Virginia. We had site 36 which was right on the water. We had electric, but did not have Wifi. It was close enough to the bath house (which was newly remodeled) but pretty far from the camp store. The store had ice and firewood, ice cream, drinks, a gift shop, and a bookshelf of some gear you may have forgotten at home. They had free coffee and were open during convenient hours. Our camp site was perfectly clean when we arrived. They provide a wooden picnic table (bring a table cloth...), a sitting bench, and a firepit with a metal swivel grill attached to it (see photo). Although we had a site against ours, the neighbors were far away enough to where we still felt some privacy. The water is so low that there were not many areas to fish at. Some boys found a deep spot and caught a few, but we had no luck. The "caves" were a pretty good hike up the mountain. We are out of shape so it was a good challenge but the reward was great. Again, wonderfully kept and there were bathroom facilities at the beginning of the hike (where the watering hole/public swim area was). You will not have any signal whatsoever. I would recommend to download the surrounding maps for offline use because for your entire stay here, you will not have any signal. We drove about 45 minutes until we found some bars. It is a great place to come and relax, unwind, and escape the daily routine. I...