Audra State Park Campground — Hotel in Philippi

“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...

I have mixed feelings about the campground experience. On the one hand, it's one of the most beautiful camping areas that I've visited. It's just gorgeous, the Middle Fork River is great fun, and the place offers good campsite amenities (laundry, water, bathrooms, showers, etc) that are kept clean. On the other hand, I've had sad experiences with the staff. The first time we visited, in the summer of 2019, we went with friends who took the lot next to us. The manager approached us just after dusk and yelled at us because our tents, on separate lots, were too close to each other. He said it would make people think we were violating some tent rule, even though he admitted we were not violating any rules. So, in the dark, we had to move a tent a few feet back after already having put it up. He didn't approach us in a calm manner. Just starting yelling at us. And he had a side arm, which was weird, especially because, since it was dark, we weren't even sure at first that he worked there. After getting in my face (really!), he then got in my friend's wife's face, who is about 5'3" and weighs like 105 pounds. He was probably 6'3" and 250 pounds, and tried to intimidate her. Then he spent the rest of the weekend watching us. It was weird and threatening and gross.

We went again recently. I was reluctant to go because of the 2019 experience, but things went smoothly enough and the staff were nice. The person from 2019 wasn't there, at least while we were. Unfortunately, things went south as we were leaving. My youngest had some strong digestive issues the morning of our departure, which set us back in getting packed and out by noon. At 12:06pm, one of the staff pulls up and, again, just started yelling at us because we were not out by 12pm. (We got out at 12:25pm.) I apologized, and tried to say what was happening, but she just kept yelling and yelling. Why would an adult do that automatically? It was just awful, and it was an awful way to end our trip there.

I'm sure my experience is singular and most people have a great time there and great interactions with the staff. But I won't...

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...