Cabin camping near Parkersburg, West Virginia offers overnight accommodations in state parks and private campgrounds within a 60-minute drive radius. Located where the Ohio River Valley meets the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the area sits at elevations ranging from 600-1,200 feet. Most cabin rentals remain open from April through October, with several locations offering winter accommodations featuring central heating systems.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Forked Run State Park Campground, visitors can fish in a lake containing uncommon freshwater wildlife. "What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish. These type aren't able to sting you," notes Andrew S. The lake allows electric motors only, creating a quieter fishing environment.
Hiking trail access: Multiple cabins connect directly to trail systems of varying difficulty levels. "We hiked the lake view trail, poorly maintained. The upper loop from the beach end is very hard to find and not marked at all," reports Bob L. about the Forked Run trails, providing a realistic expectation for hikers.
Disc golf courses: Several parks feature disc golf layouts near cabin areas. Benjamin C. observed at Forked Run State Park: "site: wooded. scenic. some sites more private than others... attractions: rural area. lake. disc golf. fishing. swimming. hiking." Disc golf rentals typically cost $5-10 per set at park offices.
Rail trail biking: Cabin rentals at River Run Campground provide access to converted railway paths. "North Bend State Park is located at the halfway point of the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, so it's a great camping spot for hikers, bikers and horseback riders who want to explore this scenic trail which crosses 35-bridges and cuts through 11-tunnels where the B&O Railroad used to travel," shares Jennifer B.
What campers like
River views: Waterfront cabin sites receive consistently high ratings for their positioning. "We stayed at site 13, right on the water. Check-in was easy and the staff was very friendly," reports Julie C. about her River Run Campground experience. Riverside cabins typically cost $10-15 more per night than standard cabins.
Historical attractions: The region's industrial heritage provides educational opportunities near cabin areas. At Mountwood Park Family Campground, visitors appreciate the nearby exhibits. Dave V. noted: "Being a bit of a history buff, I was fascinated by the museum...how the local town was created during the oil boon and then destroyed by fire...of an enormous wilderness mansion that sat where the campground now sits."
Lake activities: Most cabins offer proximity to swimming areas, boat rentals, and beach access. "The lake was nice but I am not sure if they recently had some weather that caused it to be pretty brown/muddy, or if that's normal," writes Shane T. about Forked Run State Park, providing a realistic assessment of water conditions that vary seasonally.
Diverse accommodation types: Burr Oak State Park Campground provides multiple cabin styles and sizes. "Great cabin with a lot of room for family. Easy access to the water for a fun-filled day off boating," reports Lauri C. Larger family cabins typically include multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and screened porches.
What you should know
Variable bathroom facilities: Older cabin areas often have basic restroom options. Sandra S. observed at Forked Run: "This park campground is nice, but lost in time. Outhouses are gross. Usable, but gross. No water hook ups, but a place to fill your tank behind water fountains."
Seasonal store operations: Camp stores near cabins operate on limited schedules. "Camp store wasn't open yet for the season no other staff was seen except one guy cleaning on loop A," notes Shane T. about his May visit to Forked Run State Park.
Remote locations: Most cabins require advance planning for supplies. "Nothing close for supplies beyond the standard camp store stuff, bring anything you may need or you will need to drive a while," advises Megan M. about her stay at Lake Snowden Campground.
Cabin conditions vary: Maintenance standards differ between properties. "Our tent was right on the river and Kelli was the best host ever! On our last day she brought us warm cinnamon rolls and coffee," reports Eric S. about the personal touches at Riversedge Campground, highlighting how management practices differ between facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Small cabin rentals provide economical alternatives to larger units. "You can rent the tiny cabins ($40 nightly) up on the top of the hill if you desire," explains Dave V. about Mountwood Park's compact accommodations, which sleep 2-4 people on basic platforms.
Beach amenities: Lake Hope State Park Campground offers designated swimming areas with family-oriented facilities. "At lake hope you can enjoy camping in many ways rather if it's by tent (the way I prefer) or by camper. It's a very nice place to have some family fun. Very nice beach and swimming area," confirms Jonathan W.
Playground accessibility: Multiple cabin areas include play equipment for children. "Strouds is a great alternative to camping at Lake Snowden. The lake is large and clean, with an awesome new 'water park' opened during the summer," notes Ruby W., highlighting recreational options for younger visitors.
Wildlife viewing: Cabin stays offer opportunities to observe local animals. "Winding down to River Run, deer in abundance were lining the roadway, so use care," cautions Dave V. about North Bend State Park, where white-tailed deer are commonly seen at dawn and dusk.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Cabin areas with RV sites often require leveling equipment. "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level. Site around is sloped in all directions," reports Daniel about Lake Hope State Park Campground.
Seasonal crowds: Occupancy patterns influence the cabin camping experience. "The campground was pretty much empty. There are a few permanents there but we had it all to ourselves. Covid still has every other site coned off," observes Bryan R. about Mountwood Park, highlighting how timing affects privacy.
Hookup locations: Electric connections may require extra extension cords at cabin sites. "Only stayed for a night but it was very quiet and only a handful of other campers. All the sites seemed relatively level. Some of the electric hookups had damage but being able to choose your spot upon arrival helped," notes Seána B. about Mountwood Park's electrical infrastructure.
