West Point Lake spans 525 miles of shoreline with water levels typically maintained between 628-635 feet above sea level throughout the camping season. The lake's recreational areas feature a mix of hardwood forests and open shorelines with most Corps of Engineers campgrounds positioned to maximize water access. Several camping areas remain open from March through September or October, while others like Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park operate year-round.
What to do
Hiking on nearby trails: At Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, visitors can explore multiple hiking trails directly from the camping areas. "They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing," notes Joshua H. The park features well-marked trails suitable for various skill levels.
Kayaking from shoreline sites: Many waterfront campsites allow direct water access without needing a boat ramp. At Holiday Campground, "Our whole family camped out there and enjoyed the close proximity to each other's site. They're right across from a larger shower house on one side and the waters edge on the other. All of the kids really liked being able to kayak and fish from the campsites."
Fishing in coves and inlets: The lake's numerous coves provide shelter for fishing away from the main boating channels. Fishing opportunities range from shoreline fishing to deep water access. "We stayed at site 96 and we tent camped. The spot was recommended in another review and it was wonderful. Right beside the water so the kids were able to play in the water most of the time," shares Justin W. about R. Shaefer Heard Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, well-separated sites: Whitetail Ridge Campground receives consistent praise for site spacing. "I stayed in site 52 and there was only one person next to me. Sites were spread out nicely and taken care of," reports Des L. This layout provides privacy even during busier periods.
Direct water access: Most campers value the ability to access the water directly from their sites. "Our site was right on the lake, as many of them are at this campground. We have an RV and even though they say they are 50 amp, they must have recently updated them and added 30 amp. We were able to launch our kayaks right from our campsite and saw several others launch boats from theirs," shares Kara C.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural areas around West Point Lake support diverse wildlife. At Amity Campground, "There is a nature trail within the campground that leads to a marsh where there are duck, owl, and bluebird nest boxes. There are two long boardwalks where you can walk over the marsh. There's a good chance you'll see turtles and frogs. There are also benches for birding."
What you should know
Gate closure times: Several campgrounds implement strict gate closures overnight. "Beware: the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy. Installing a simple keypad would save everyone time and dignity," warns Denis P. about R. Shaefer Heard Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Bathroom quality differs significantly between campgrounds. "Bathhouses are something out of a post-apocalyptic travel journal— rusted fixtures, broken tiles, and enough cockroaches and spiders to start a nature documentary. Yes, they are 'cleaned' occasionally, but whatever's happening isn't winning the war," notes one camper about certain facilities.
Late checkout options: Some campgrounds offer extended checkout times. "Late checkout (3pm) was so nice. Overall, a great campground. Will definitely return in the future," mentions Dianna B., which allows for more relaxed departure days.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites near playgrounds: Campground layout can impact children's enjoyment. "We camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground and also let our kids ride there bikes around the circle that the camp sites where on," shares Joshua H. about Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park.
Check for recreational facilities: Blanton Creek Campground offers additional amenities for families. "The camp site is beautiful! It's a fairly small camp site compared to others. It is very well kept up and clean," notes Ella E. The lakefront setting provides natural entertainment for children.
Water access safety varies: Water entry points differ in quality and safety. Some sites have gradual, sandy entries while others feature rocky shorelines. "We stayed at site 19 it was a pull thru site, like most here. Last day we walked to the water from our site and had a great time," reports Daniel R. about Pyne Road Park.
Tips from RVers
Cell signal varies by location: Remote work capabilities depend on specific campsite location. "We have Verizon and got two bars at our site, which allowed us to stream Netflix with no buffering," notes a camper at Amity Campground. Satellite users should note: "Starlink users: take note— if the lake is high, the shoreline disappears, and with it, any chance of a clear shot to the sky. Reception through the trees was very poor."
Level sites can be limited: "The sites below the pool area are a little tighter and un-level and our lot was covered in ants. Since we arrived late at night we didn't realize the amount of ants until we woke up to them crawling all over our camper," warns a visitor to Pine Mountain RV Resort about site selection importance.
Electric service limitations: Power needs should be considered when selecting campsites. "30 amp circuit was not adequate. The breaker continually tripped while using small kitchen appliances," reports one RVer. Most waterfront sites provide 30-50 amp service but usage limitations may apply.
