Camping spots near Lesage, West Virginia offer access to the Ohio River watershed and rolling Appalachian foothills with elevations ranging from 550-700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions. Many campsites sit among hardwood forests that provide natural shade during warmer months.
What to do
Disc golf course: Beech Fork State Park features a dedicated disc golf course that provides recreation beyond water activities. According to a visitor at Moxley Branch Campground, "There is a disc golf course at the campgrounds as well. If swimming in the lake isn't your thing then the beech fork pool is not even a min away, nice big pool with 2 diving boards and also a kiddie pool for the wee little ones."
Banana bikes and inflatables: The Huntington / Fox Fire KOA offers unique recreational equipment for visitors. A camper notes, "Make sure you rent a banana bike! Super fun," while another mentions, "They had so much for kids to do: a swimming pond with inflatables, gem mining, banana bikes, and more. They showed a movie at 9pm on a big inflatable movie screen outside."
Kayaking opportunities: The lake system provides ideal conditions for paddling. A visitor to Four Coves Campground shared their experience: "This was such a fun area to do a little nice easy kayaking float down the river it was also a great place to go fishing there are many bluegill and bass in the waters."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the natural setting and animal encounters. One camper at Four Coves Campground noted, "Monday - Wednesday we had our loop all to ourselves. We were visited by geese, ducks and deer." The lakeside locations create natural habitats for observing birds and other wildlife.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, midweek stays offer less crowded experiences. A visitor to Lake View Campground shared, "We canoed through the lake and found an amazing site with a beach several miles from the campground only accessible by boat." This remote access point allows campers to find additional seclusion.
Fall camping atmosphere: The region transforms during autumn with colorful foliage. A camper at Lake View Campground remarked, "We visited in the end of October 2021. The colors and the views were spectacular." Many campgrounds remain open through fall, providing opportunities to experience seasonal changes.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have poor or nonexistent mobile coverage. A visitor to Beach Fork Lake Lower Bowen noted, "Verizon service is non-existent. The WiFi only works when you get within a few feet of the office." Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Site drainage issues: Heavy rain can affect campsite conditions at some locations. At Huntington / Fox Fire KOA, a camper observed, "The site while somewhat level was gravel and wet from day's storm (poor drainage)!" Another camper at Robert Newlon Airpark RV Park mentioned, "The sites did hold a bit of water after a strong rain, be prepared if bad weather is expected."
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Campsite costs have increased substantially in recent years. A visitor to Moxley Branch Campground commented, "TENT camping with a simple firepit…… $63 PER NIGHT!!! it used to be $15." Comparing prices across different campgrounds may help find more affordable options.
Tips for camping with families
Ranger-led activities: Several campgrounds offer organized programs for children. A visitor to Huntington / Fox Fire KOA shared, "Super cool programs too! Can't complain about a movie out by the lake." These structured activities provide entertainment options beyond self-directed recreation.
Water recreation options: Families appreciate the multiple swimming options. A reviewer at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius shared, "The lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming (there's a beach), kayaking, and fishing. They have plenty of crappie, bass, and catfish stocked in the lake and there are bait shops close by."
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds feature sites with room for families to spread out. A camper at Moxley Branch Campground noted, "The campsites are large, each with a fire pit and picnic table. Many are shaded." These larger sites accommodate multiple tents or provide play space.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility arrangements. A visitor to Huntington / Fox Fire KOA observed, "The hookups are a little strange. You share pedestals in many of the sites. And the arrangement is a little strange but it works." Understanding site layouts helps with positioning RVs properly.
Water pressure concerns: RV campers should monitor water connections at certain campgrounds. A camper at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius warned, "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others. We stayed at site 6 which wasn't too difficult to park but the water pressure was extremely high."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the hilly region have uneven terrain. A visitor to Lake View Campground mentioned, "Some sites are sloped from slight to more severe. We did have to take our camper off our truck (truck camper) in order to get level."
