Audra State Park Campground Allegheny Lunatic Asylum West Virginia

Months ago, I watched a YouTube video on the Audra State Park Campground.  It was beautiful and the trail leading to the Cave didn’t seem too difficult.  Only 4 hours from home, I thought it would be a perfect long weekend trip.  The most beautiful site was 129!  It’s right on the river surrounded by trees.  I had to wait over 6 months to get the site, but it was worth it.  Site 126 was another great site. 

Audra State Park is a heavily wooded area by the Middle Fork River located in the southwestern Barbour County and a portion of Upshur County.  It hosts 65 campsites.  39 have electricity.  The campground is equipped with two bathhouses and a centrally located playground.  The campground store has supplies, souvenirs, ice, and firewood.  The campground is open spring through fall, weather permitting.  The water and dump station were easy to access.  I’ve been to campgrounds that were not user-friendly. 

The staff is wonderful.  I felt like I had known them for years.  If you happen to camp there tell Donna, Vickie says hello!

The campground is beautiful, full of trees, and the sound of the water flowing, seemed relax me.  Even if you don’t get a site by the river, it’s okay because all the sites are beautiful.  The huge rocks covered in moss looked as if someone had purposely painted them a beautiful shade of green. 

Instead of the usual squirrels you would expect to see in the woods, the cutest little chipmunks were running around.  They seemed to know every time I had my camera facing them because they took off!  

Across from the campground, you’ll find a playground, a beach area with a nice swimming hole, and a trail leading to the Alum Cave.  Don’t take the stairs at the beginning of the trail.  They are steep and only lead to a parking lot.  Ask me how I know.  Midway you can decide whether to take the upper or lower trail.  Lower was the easiest.  When you get to the end of the Cave there is a beautiful lookout spot to take photos and a nice bench to rest. 

Audra State Park Campground is a place I felt safe, as a solo female camper.

13 miles away is the town of Buckhannon.  Everything you may need, from restaurants, fast food, and a Walmart can be found there. 

27 miles away in the town of Weston, is the Allegany Lunatic Asylum.  They offer historical tours as well as nighttime “scary” ones.  We arrived just before closing but were able to take the historical tour through the south wing.  It gives a history of the facility.  You will understand how far the mental health field has come in the study and practice of medicine.   

During the time it was open there were a variety of treatments used on patients.  Some included shock therapy, solitary confinement in chains, boxes or closed rooms, lobotomies, ice baths, and many more.  Due to the numerous deaths at the facility, it is believed the building and surroundings are haunted.  Many ghost experts have come to experience this, reporting screams and shadow figures.  It wouldn’t surprise me a bit!!  The experience was interesting, heartbreaking, and creepy.  Well worth the visit.