Tatiana I.
Guide
GuideRippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds
Great campground
Full hookup. $55 per night. Possibly to enter after office working hours. Bathrooms. Very friendly staff
Camping near Charleston, WV
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Charleston, West Virginia and the surrounding Kanawha Valley provide diverse camping options within a short drive of the city. Kanawha State Forest, located just minutes from downtown Charleston, offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups and water access at many sites. Several campgrounds in the region accommodate multiple camping styles, including Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds in Kenna and Little Coal River Campground, both supporting tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations. The proximity of these mixed-use campgrounds to urban areas makes them convenient for weekend getaways while still providing forest immersion.
Camping seasons vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through early December. Kanawha State Forest has limitations on RV length, with 27 feet being the maximum recommended size due to narrow, winding mountain roads. Cell phone reception is limited or non-existent at several camping areas, particularly those nestled in the forest hollows. Campground access can be challenging for larger vehicles, and some visitors report navigation difficulties. A review mentioned, "The GPS led us up a gravel road with no signs for miles. Internet and cell service cut out within a mile up that road and we were not sure we were going the right way."
Campers report high satisfaction with the natural surroundings and proximity to hiking trails throughout the region. Kanawha State Forest features over 60 different trails for hiking and mountain biking, with a creek running through the campground that provides recreational opportunities for children. The forest setting creates a peaceful atmosphere despite being close to urban areas. Several visitors appreciate the disconnect from technology that these camping areas provide. One camper shared that Kanawha State Forest is "a great place close enough to town if you need something but situated in a nice quiet country setting surrounded by a beautiful forest." Sites with electric hookups tend to be in higher demand, and early reservations are recommended during peak summer months.
Best Campgrounds near Charleston (88)
1. Kanawha State Forest
"Kanawha state forest is nestled in the mountainous Hills of West by God Virginia right on the outskirts of Charleston. There is plenty of hiking in Kanawha state forest."
"This place is about a 10 minute drive from downtown Charleston, some really beautiful trails and great for mountain biking. Decent amenities as well."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability2. Saint Albans Roadside Park
"The City of Saint Albans has a roadside park with three RV sites where you can camp for 2-days max in a 14-day period. The sites are first-come, first-serve, with donations encouraged. "
"Albans roadside park is for pull behind campers only. No tents allowed. About 6-7 sites for campers."
3. Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds
"We tent camp, but walking around, the camping trailers did not appear to be crowded together. For us this is a fantastic place to overnight and will return again when traveling through the area!!"
"We had a pull thru site by the lake, it had to be about 100 yards long and nicely graveled."
from $55 - $155 / night
Check Availability4. Huntington / Fox Fire KOA
"It has very close proximity to I-64 in West Virginia, and you can hear the traffic pretty clearly."
"The area is safe and right near the nicest little towns (barboursville and hurricane) which have all the restaurants and shopping you’d need."
5. New River Campground
"I told them I did not have these capabilities in my rig and they gave me sole access to the handicapped shower."
"The owner goes around the campground at 430p offering firewood for $5/bundle. The view from our full hookup campsite is hands down amazing!! We're situated directly on the New River in Gauley Bridge."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Rifrafters Campground
"Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."
"They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Little Coal River Campground
"This is across the main highway from the water ways water park. Others camp here to be close to the Hatfield McCoy ATV trail system."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability8. FMC Sportsman's Club
9. Christenberry's Campground
from $10 - $40 / night
10. Chestnut Creek Campground
"Great tent campground very near the New River gorge and close by Summerville Lake and the Gulley River. Multiple campsites in heavily forested area. Drive up to the sites."
"They have showers and clean bathrooms just a short walk from any site. All sites are big and you can pick from any available. The host is just a text or call away and he replies very quickly."
from $10 - $11 / night
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Drive Time
- 45 min from Huntington, WV
- 50 min from Beckley, WV
Recent Camping Photos near Charleston, WV
163 Photos of 88 Charleston Campgrounds
Marci S.
Kanawha State Forest
Liz W.
Flat Hollow Farm LLC
Sarah W.
Riverside R&R
Rippling W.
Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds
Andrew S.
Ole Henry's Camping retreat
Kenneth K.
New River Campground
sarah
Huntington / Fox Fire KOA
Andrew S.
Rifrafters Campground
Jennifer B.
Tawney Farm
Fred R.
Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek
Emily C.
New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club
Patrick W.
Plum Orchard Lake WMA
Recent Reviews near Charleston, WV
496 Reviews of 88 Charleston Campgrounds
Troy O.
TravelerAdventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek
Good adventurous day
It is full service campground with store, restaurant, swimming pool, paintball, and cabin.
- vvictoria L.
ScoutHuntington / Fox Fire KOA
Just passing through
Good overnight spot. It could be nice for a local family also. I wouldn’t make it a destination for a long vacation because of highway noise. It’s not horrible closer to the front or in the middle but along the back is where you’re right on it.
Very clean campground and staff was nice. Camp store is cute and there are multiple ponds.
- DDaniel P.Scout
Battle Run
Clearest Water I’ve Ever Seen In a Lake!
My family and I had an absolute blast at Battle Run! The campsite offered an incredible view of the lake, and if boating is your passion, you can even secure your boat right at your campsite! Although the weather was a bit rainy, the temperature remained comfortably in the 70s. We’re already planning our return next summer.
Daniel P.ScoutTawney Farm
Aggressive Owners
My fiance booked our stay at Tawney Farms back in May for the two of us plus her parents. When her parents arrived to the camp they were already checked in when we first arrived. My my inlaws proceeded to our camp site. Once they got to the site theywere greeted by the male owner speeding up the trail in his truck almost hitting his own wife and began yelling at my inlaws stating theybhad no business being on their property and to get off. My inlaws tried explaining to them that they were with us and they we had paid for them. The male owner continued yelling at them aggressively and swearing at them to the point both of my inlaws were concerned that owner was going to do something physical. My inlaws ultimately left and called us and told us what happened. We dropped what we were doing and drove back to the property in hopes to resolve the confusion. My fiance and I showed them the reservation recipt showing that they were paid for. They maintained that they are being kicked out stating that they did not stop at the shack that no one was at. They were already checked in so there was no reason to need that. in fact it wasnt necessary last year then stated that they were drunk which they were not. They had just finished a 4 hour drive from PA after working their shift. They would not listed to reason. They then went into a shack to look at their paperwork and realized once again that theybare wrong and rather than a simple appology they maintained kicking them out and stated they were going to "let us go". At this point its about 10pm and we had to pack up our campsite and find an alternative short notice on july 3rd... $500 later for a hotel room we got lucky. They almost cost us our vacation because of their inability to reason or even listen.
- TTesia C.Scout
Tawney Farm
Hostile owners do NOT stay here!!
We scheduled our stay two months in advance for our Fourth of July weekend. My fiance and myself were scheduled one night earlier than my parents were supposed to arrive. We paid for everyone in our party and checked everyone in. We had been coming up to place to camp for five summers now, but this most recent experience was more than enough for us to NEVER come back. My fiancé and I were out off the campground to get ice when my mother called me to tell my the owners of the farm CHASED them out the campground, the husband almost running over his wife, insisting they were not welcome and had no business being at the farm when I prepaid everyone’s stay. My parents were terrified this man was going to pull a gun on them. The owners belittled my parents after they drove four hours from PA to spend time with us, screaming over them that they were drunk, speeding, and that my parents didn’t “stop” at the vacant building that they are supposed to be at to greet people. The owners would not even bother to check to verify my parents stay. When we got back to the site to try to reconcile the situation they still would not allow my parents to stay even after seeing that we did pay for my family to be there and were even hesitant to let us stay when we did NOTHING wrong. We had to pay an extra $500 to book a last minute stay at a hotel in Summersville when I already paid near $300 to stay at Tawny Farm. My fiance and I had to pack up our entire campsite in the dark because they would not let us stay over my parents being confused about where they were at. I still have not received any emails regarding a refund for the unwarranted behavior towards my parents. I would not bring your loved ones onto this property. The owners are unstable, unsafe, and unwilling to care about their customers.
Noel L.TravelerRippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds
Nice campground
Nice quiet campground. The staff was very nice and helpful. Beautiful area with two ponds. The pool looks like it was just redone...nice. The restrooms were very clean and looked freshly painted. Would give a 5 but needs a little more TLC.
- TTrevorTraveler
Robert Newlon Airpark RV Park Huntington, WV
Good stopover
Level sites. Water electric sewer at every site. Only seven sites available for transient; the rest are very permanent. On site restaurant.
- DDarlene S.Scout
Farver Acres
First stay
Was very nice,quiet n peaceful.We had to leave unexpectedly but plan to go back when it’s not as hot we had 2 dogs with us one got sick but hoping to make it back there soon
Guide to Charleston
Camping sites near Charleston, West Virginia offer access to both forest environments and river recreation within minutes of urban areas. The region sits at the confluence of the Kanawha and Elk rivers, with elevations ranging from 600-1,000 feet in valley areas to 1,500 feet in surrounding ridges. Most campgrounds in the Kanawha Valley operate from April through October, though some RV sites remain open year-round with limited winter services.
What to do
Riverside activities: The Saint Albans Roadside Park offers direct access to the Kanawha River. "This park has a boat slip a hundred yards away to get onto the kanawha river," explains Andrew S. The location includes "a boat ramp right on the river" perfect for launching various watercraft.
Mountain biking trails: Mountain bikers find excellent terrain throughout the region, especially in wooded areas. According to Eric K., Kanawha State Forest offers "tons of hiking and biking (mountain and road) opportunities available." Trails range from beginner-friendly routes to more technical single-track through forest terrain.
Target shooting: Beyond typical outdoor recreation, some campgrounds offer specialized activities. Larry M. notes that Kanawha State Forest "has a nice target range and trails" for visitors interested in practicing their marksmanship in a designated, controlled environment.
Visit local waterfalls: Within short driving distance of several campgrounds are scenic waterfalls. Kenneth K. mentions that near New River Campground, "there is a waterfall across the street and a nicer one just down the road," providing easy access to natural water features without extensive hiking.
What campers like
Feeling of remoteness close to town: Campers appreciate the balance between accessibility and natural setting. Erica A. shares that Kanawha State Forest is "nice area, far enough away from anything so you're not bothered, but close enough you're not stranded." The proximity to urban areas without sacrificing forest immersion is consistently mentioned as a benefit.
River views from campsites: Waterfront camping provides both recreation and scenery. "From bumper of my TT to the river was about 30ft. Shade trees and a light morning mist on the river made a beautiful sunrise," describes Chris S. about New River Campground. These riverside sites remain among the most requested in the region.
Clean, modern facilities: Despite rural settings, many campgrounds maintain quality amenities. Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds offers well-maintained facilities according to Andrew S.: "Very good bathrooms. Dump stations. A campground store. A big lake with a small dock and a small wedding chapel for weddings."
Lake swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas beyond river access. William I. notes that Huntington / Fox Fire KOA has a "swimming lake [that] is pretty fun and provided hours of entertainment for the youngins in our group."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. Angelo V. reports at Kanawha State Forest, "Don't expect to have signal. I'm on T-Mobile and I had an occasional bar. Starlink worked alright if I aimed it properly through the trees." Some campgrounds have better coverage than others.
Site levelness varies: The mountainous terrain creates challenges for level camping. At Chestnut Creek Campground, "most sites are simple with just a picnic table and fire pit," notes Debra W., adding that "there are lots of trees in between many of the sites for great privacy." Some campgrounds feature improved pads while others remain natural.
Access road conditions: Mountain roads create navigation challenges for larger vehicles. Cole T. warns about Kanawha State Forest: "Relatively small and deep within the state forest, you'll start to wonder if you passed it by the time you get there, but keep going and you'll eventually arrive!"
Water quality concerns: Municipal water can have treatment variations. Larry notes at Rippling Waters that "the water is pretty strong so you may want to use a regulator. Water also had a strong odor of chlorine. After showers I felt like I was just getting out of a pool."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Saint Albans Roadside Park, Andrew S. mentions "there is a fenced in playground that is very nice" providing a secure recreation area close to camping sites.
Movie nights: Some campgrounds offer organized entertainment. Zach H. shares that at Huntington/Fox Fire KOA, "They showed a movie at 9pm on a big inflatable movie screen outside. Lots of other families there to hang out with."
Disc golf courses: Beyond standard amenities, some sites feature specialized recreation. Rifrafters Campground is "family owned and operated" according to Kevin A., and several campgrounds in the region have added features like disc golf courses to enhance family activities.
Swimming safety: River and lake swimming areas have different safety considerations. Andrew S. notes that Little Coal River Campground is "across the main highway from the water ways water park," providing a regulated swimming option for families concerned about natural water conditions.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: RV campers should verify maximum vehicle lengths. SkywaystoHighways.com Y. advises about Kanawha State Forest: "Some sites are on the small side. Big rigs beware." Several campgrounds in the region have similar limitations due to narrow roads and tight turning radiuses.
Electrical systems: Power capabilities vary among campgrounds. Joe B. mentions that at Huntington/Fox Fire KOA, they "didn't even hook up electric or water" during their overnight stay, opting to "run fans, lights and water pump off of solar" instead. Understanding electrical needs helps select appropriate sites.
Campsite drainage: The region's rainfall patterns can affect site conditions. Jerry S. notes their site at Huntington/Fox Fire KOA "was muddy but it did rain 2 out of 3 days," highlighting the importance of selecting sites with proper drainage during rainy seasons.
Grocery resupply options: RVers appreciate convenient access to supplies. Barbara P. points out that Saint Albans Roadside Park is "directly across from a grocery store along with several gas stations," making it easy to restock without disconnecting tow vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good tent camping options around Charleston, West Virginia?
Are there good tent camping options around Charleston, West Virginia?
Tent campers have several excellent options near Charleston. Babcock State Park Campground offers fantastic tent sites with soft ground and good tree coverage, making it ideal for tent camping. The park is known for its spectacular trails and famous grist mill. For a more unique experience, Tawney Farm provides primitive camping on farmland with proximity to the Gauley River, making it perfect for tent campers who enjoy a more rustic setting. Both locations offer scenic surroundings and outdoor recreation opportunities within reasonable driving distance from Charleston.
What state parks with camping are located near Charleston, WV?
What state parks with camping are located near Charleston, WV?
Several state parks with camping facilities are located within driving distance of Charleston. Beech Fork State Park offers both primitive and RV sites through its Moxley Branch Campground, providing a reliable camping destination that has pleased visitors for years. Cabwaylingo State Forest, though off the beaten path, is worth the drive as one of West Virginia's oldest state parks, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Other state park options include Kanawha State Forest just outside Charleston and Babcock State Park, all offering varied camping experiences with hiking trails and recreational activities.
Where are the best campgrounds near Charleston, WV?
Where are the best campgrounds near Charleston, WV?
Charleston offers several excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Kanawha State Forest sits right on the outskirts of Charleston and features plenty of hiking trails and an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool during summer months. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Huntington / Fox Fire KOA provides more amenities for vacationers with close proximity to I-64. Additional options include Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds near Kenna and New River Campground near Gauley Bridge, both offering various facilities and accessibility options for different camping styles.
Can I find lakeside camping near Charleston, West Virginia?
Can I find lakeside camping near Charleston, West Virginia?
Yes, there are excellent lakeside camping options within driving distance of Charleston. Battle Run on Summersville Lake offers camping with easy access to water activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and white water rafting. This campground is perfect for water enthusiasts looking for adventure. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins also provides camping near Summersville Lake, known for its clear waters and stunning visual features. While Summersville Lake Shelters doesn't offer camping directly, these nearby options make lake camping accessible for those traveling from Charleston.
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