Camping spots near Logan, West Virginia range across rugged Appalachian terrain, where elevations vary between 700-1,500 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests surround most campgrounds, creating varied camping conditions depending on specific locations. Creek-side camping spots can flood during heavy rains, while ridge-top sites offer cooler temperatures but require navigation of narrow mountain roads.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: $2 donation at Chief Logan State Park Campground lets visitors observe native animals. "The wildlife exhibit is a fun detour ($2/person). We saw a water slide, putt-putt, and enjoyed the restaurant at the lodge," notes Raquel R. The park has recently reintroduced elk to the region.
Playground access: Free for campers at Ole Henry's Camping retreat. "The playground area has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite," mentions Andrew S. The campground also has a barrel train ride for small children.
Swimming options: $6 per person at Chief Logan pool. Kelly L. reports, "Beautiful place. There is a pool (open 11-6, cost $6), mini golf($3), paved courts($4/hr), and more." For free swimming, Ole Henry's offers "a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults" in their creek.
What campers like
Level campsites: Suitable for various equipment at Chief Logan State Park Campground. "Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over," shares Jeremiah S. The campground offers both RV sites with hookups and a primitive tent camping field.
Trail access: Direct from campgrounds at Twin Hollow Campground and Cabins. Nathaniel S. mentions, "Very convenient trail access" with "some of the nicest scenery in the area." This is particularly useful for ATV riders using the Hatfield-McCoy trail system.
Small, quiet environments: Less crowded options at Backwoods Camping & RV Park. "Small, affordable, really nice to deal with," reports J A., who adds they have "decent showers and bathrooms" and "quiet nights (other than woodland animals)." The campground allows flexible tent placement on grassy areas.
What you should know
Creek flooding: Weather impacts on campsites at Cabwaylingo State Forest. Jeffrey A. warns, "Heavy rains can cause the creek to partially flood the campground and the moderate rains we experienced turned some of the sites into a soggy mess." Plan accordingly during rainy periods.
Limited cell service: Connectivity challenges throughout the region. At Kanawha State Forest, recent visitor Angelo V. notes, "Don't expect to have signal. I'm on tmobile and I had an occasional bar." Some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi near offices or satellite dishes.
Firewood availability: Variable quality and pricing at different campgrounds. At Kanawha State Forest, one camper advises, "Pick up your firewood elsewhere unless you prefer absurdly small bundles at $8.49 per." Availability and quality differ significantly between locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground considerations: Various options for different ages. Ole Henry's has multiple play structures including custom slides, while Little Coal River Campground offers proximity to Waterways water park. Andrew S. mentions, "This is across the main highway from the water ways water park."
Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness varies between campgrounds. Backwoods Camping offers "decent showers and bathrooms" according to visitors, while Chief Logan provides a main bathhouse within walking distance of primitive camping areas.
Kid-friendly activities: On-site options save travel time. At Ole Henry's, children enjoy the "little 55 gallon barrel train ride for little kids" and the friendly "pony that lives on the site and is very friendly. It scavenges for free food and the children love it," according to Andrew S.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varied terrain at most campgrounds. At Kanawha State Forest, Angelo V. advises, "After you get off the highway expect narrow twists and turns to reach the park," and Brooke V. warns, "The sights are on top of windy uphill mountain roads."
Access restrictions: Road conditions limit large rigs at several locations. Larry M. notes about Kanawha State Forest, "It is isolated with tight hairpin turn so I wouldn't recommend anything over 28'." Plan routes carefully when driving larger vehicles.
Full hookups: Limited availability across the region. Chief Logan offers water and electric at all RV sites but sewer connections at only about half, while Twin Hollow provides full hookups at premium sites. Availability decreases at smaller campgrounds.