FIRST TRIP IN THE RV EXPLORING BLACKWATER FALLS
Ready or not, here we come! Our first RV is a 2020 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS. After picking up our rig in January of 2020, we left straight from the dealership and headed for our first trip in our RV. Because we had never been RVing before (we were just winging it, to be honest), we decided to choose somewhere that wasn’t too far away from home but was still a desirable destination. Blackwater Falls it is!
Grand Design 2020 Reflection 337 RLS
THE AREA SURROUNDING BLACKWATER FALLS
This state park in Davis, West Virginia is loved by natives and out-of-towners alike. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, the biggest draw of all is the park’s namesake waterfall, Blackwater Falls. Standing at a height of 57 feet, the falls are known for their reddish brown waters which are colored by the natural materials found in hemlock and red spruce needles that fall into the water. The park offers plenty of activities such as hiking, fishing, boating and snow sports.
Though the towns of Davis, and nearby Thomas, are small, what they lack in size they make up for in quaintness and charm. They are home to some of the state’s most well known breweries (Think- Mountain State Brewing and Stumptown Ales) and have an excellent selection of locally owned restaurants. You can also find plenty of live music, art exhibits, historic areas and shopping.
Just a few miles down the road is Canaan Valley Resort, one of the most popular winter resorts in West Virginia, and Canaan Valley State Park which is where we stayed for our trip.
THE CAMPGROUND AT CANAAN VALLEY STATE PARK NEAR BLACKWATER FALLS
The campground is pet-friendly, offers full hookup sites and has access to hiking trails and playgrounds. Though the water and sewer services are not available in the winter, the comfort station offers clean water where you can fill your tanks as well as shower and laundry facilities. The sites are level, well maintained and spaced decently apart from one another. The campground is just a few miles from Blackwater Falls and downtown Davis and Thomas. It also within close proximity to other destinations such as Dolly Sods Wilderness and Seneca Rocks.
OUR STAY
Because we were mostly trying to learn the ins and outs of our new RV, our trip was short, sweet and pretty laid back. We arrived on a Friday night and got settled in.
On Saturday, we explored Blackwater Falls, grabbed a bite to eat at Hellbender Burritos and picked up a six pack from Mountain State Brewing before heading back to the campground.
Sunday, we spent the morning playing in the snow and then packed up and headed home.
Though our stay was short, it left a big impression on our family and would become a destination we return to time and time again (at least once a year, to be exact!).
On our return trip, we spent more time exploring the quaint downtown area in Thomas, WV. We had dinner at a farm to table concept restaurant called Farm Up Table which we highly recommend. After dinner, we walked a few doors down to Macy Lou’s Gourmet Apple shop and grabbed an enormous s’mores covered apple for dessert. We visited the falls again, of course, and took advantage of the playground at the campground, even though it was pretty cold!
Since we visit Blackwater Falls frequently and have a lot of recommendations, we have put together a Quick Trip Tips to give you all the information you need to plan a quick trip. Check it out here!
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