Cabins near Chapmanville, West Virginia offer access to over 4,000 acres of forested terrain within a 25-mile radius. The area sits at elevations between 650-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation. Summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity while spring and fall maintain milder conditions between 50-70°F.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Chief Logan State Park has a wildlife center where visitors can observe bears, bobcats and raptors for a small donation. "The caretaker helped me get some nice photos of the bears by putting some honey and peanut butter on the fence around their enclosure. You won't have to pay a dime to see deer. I spotted dozens of does, bucks and fawns during my stay," notes one camper.
Water recreation: Moxley Branch Campground provides lake access for fishing and boating. "Pretty lake with ducks everywhere, as well as geese. Saw many deer through out our stay, even some beaters... There is also a creek that runs along the nature trail, which is a super shot walk, that was perfect for walking through or wading in the water," reports a visitor.
Trail exploration: Cabwaylingo State Forest maintains hiking and multi-use trails. A visitor mentions, "There are multi-use trails and hiking-only trails that run right through the Spruce Creek campground, and we saw light ORV/ATV traffic driving through in the late afternoon of our stay."
What campers like
Level campsites: Campers appreciate the well-maintained sites at many cabin locations. At Chief Logan, one reviewer noted, "Chief Logan has 26 level RV camping spots with water and electricity at all sites and a sewer connection at about half of them."
Recreation facilities: Huntington/Fox Fire KOA offers numerous amenities for families. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Secluded options: For those seeking privacy, some campgrounds offer more remote cabin locations. At Ole Henry's Camping Retreat, a reviewer shared, "They also have cabins to rent on a back section of the property out of view of the tent and RV sites."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabin rentals in the Chapmanville region operate from April through October, with limited options in winter months. At Moxley Branch, visitors have noted that fees have changed significantly: "TENT camping with a simple firepit…… $63 PER NIGHT!!! it used to be $15."
Cabin quality varies: Standards differ significantly between properties. At Pappy's Creekside Camp, experiences range widely, with some reporting: "The couple that run this campground are awesome! They made me feel like I grew up there and was back to visit old friends."
Limited cell service: Connectivity remains spotty throughout the region, especially at more remote cabin locations. Most campgrounds have reliable service near main buildings, but reception deteriorates in outlying areas.
Geographic considerations: Terrain can impact cabin accessibility. One visitor to Cabwaylingo State Forest noted, "The drive to Cabwaylingo State Forest is half the adventure. You'll be motoring through the heart of southern West Virginia's coal country where you'll cross several single-lane bridges and pass through at least one historic tunnel chiseled out of the surrounding rock."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation activities: Many Chapmanville area cabins provide family-friendly amenities. At Chief Logan State Park, a visitor shared, "There are a variety of shelters and playgrounds scattered throughout the nearly 4,000 acre forest so you can spread out and enjoy the park without feeling like you're fighting any crowds."
Educational opportunities: Several cabin locations offer learning experiences for children. "I didn't see any elk during my visit, but I plan a return trip in the fall when naturalist Lauren Cole offers tours during the mating season," noted a Chief Logan visitor.
Entertainment options: Seasonal programming enhances the cabin camping experience. "Chief Logan also has an entertainment venue called 'Pickin' In The Park,' where you can hear some local bluegrass music on the weekends," according to one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Backwoods Camping & RV Park provides numerous cabin and RV sites with utility connections. "Several cabins, RV spots and grassy tent areas. The staff are very easy to work with - they will sell and chop the wood you need, let you put your tent in any of the open grass areas around the lot and they are flexible on arrival," reports one camper.
Site specifications: RV sites often accommodate cabin guests as well, with varying degrees of privacy. "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," notes a visitor to Rifrafters Campground.
Supply access: Limited shopping options exist near most cabin locations, requiring advance planning. Cabins typically provide basic cooking equipment, but guests should confirm specific amenities before arrival.
