Cabin camping near Alum Creek, West Virginia offers diverse options in the scenic Appalachian foothills. The area sits at elevations between 600-1,200 feet with moderate seasonal temperatures. Most cabin accommodations are concentrated around nearby lakes and rivers, providing water-based recreation opportunities for campers regardless of their outdoor experience level.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: At Beech Fork State Park, visitors can enjoy the swimming pool during summer months and the adjoining lake. According to one camper, "They have a nice Park Head quarters with a general store that has grocery items, firewood, and cool souvenirs. There was even a retro arcade with games, air hockey and claw machines which the kids enjoyed."
Wildlife viewing: Chief Logan State Park offers an outdoor wildlife exhibit with bears and other local species. "The wildlife exhibit is a fun detour ($2/person). We saw a water slide, putt-putt, and enjoyed the restaurant at the lodge. They have tours for the local elk there too," notes one reviewer at Chief Logan State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access in stocked lakes or nearby rivers. A visitor at Old Orchard Campground mentioned, "Great campground... peaceful, nice lake with some spots next to the lake." Most fishing areas require a valid West Virginia fishing license.
What campers like
Private cabin settings: Many campers appreciate secluded cabin options. At Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds, one visitor noted, "Our site is the longest I've ever seen, it's basically a long driveway that leads back out to the road, that's pretty awesome. We had a lake front spot, and the view is everything you'd imagine and more."
Cabin proximity to water: Lakefront cabin sites are particularly popular. "We rented a cabin on a cute little pond. It was a nice setting and it was a little out of the way from the main part of the campground which was nice. It had a deck that overlooked the pond and the campground," reported a guest at Huntington/Fox Fire KOA.
Clean facilities: Cabins with access to well-maintained bathrooms receive positive feedback. One camper at Beach Fork Lake Lower Bowen stated, "The bathhouses were impressively clean. They have a nice Park Head quarters with a general store that has grocery items, firewood, and cool souvenirs."
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Some cabins experience highway noise. A Huntington/Fox Fire KOA visitor noted, "The only thing I didn't like was that it was close to the interstate and you could hear the traffic all night. If you want convenience, though, this is good since it is close to the interstate."
Reservation requirements: Peak season typically runs May through September with holiday weekends requiring advance booking. At Rifrafters Campground, one camper shared, "We stopped in one night on our way back to Pennsylvania. We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so hospitable. We purchased firewood and they walked it to our campsite."
Connectivity limitations: Cell reception varies significantly by location and carrier. "The good... peaceful, nice lake with some spots next to the lake. The bad... not much of a camp store, the wifi is horrible, no Verizon service," mentioned a visitor at Old Orchard Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Look for cabins near campgrounds with family activities. "Great RV/Camper spots for your family! Although I'm more of a tent camper myself, my family members have some medical issues that require them to sleep inside and have access to electricity, so Fox Fire turned out to be a really good spot for that," wrote one visitor about Huntington/Fox Fire KOA, adding "Super cool programs too! Can't complain about a movie out by the lake."
Swimming areas: Most larger campgrounds offer swimming options during warm months. A camper at Beach Fork Lake Lower Bowen shared, "Extremely nice paved walking trails, parks, playgrounds, basketball court and pool (which wasn't open yet). Overall, the area was clean, well maintained, easily accessible and still fully immersed in nature."
Cabin selection for quiet: Choose cabins away from main facilities for better sleep. "We came to this campground because it was close to the Kenova Pumpkin House. We rented a cabin on a cute little pond. It was a nice setting and it was a little out of the way from the main part of the campground which was nice," noted a Huntington/Fox Fire KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer both cabin and RV options side-by-side. "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity," mentioned an RVer at Rifrafters Campground.
Hookup considerations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "Ok for overnight stop. Pros: 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer. Cons: Gravel pad, Sites close together," noted one RVer about Huntington/Fox Fire KOA.
Seasonal site drainage: Spring visitors should consider site location. One camper at Huntington/Fox Fire KOA shared, "It was our first stay ever in our RV. Our site was muddy but it did rain 2 out of 3 days. Site 32. The staff was very pleasant and helpful."
