86 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 Availability"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"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 Availabilityfrom $10 - $40 / night
"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
Check Availability
ScoutThis was a gorgeous and perfect spot for a night, though you could definitely stay for longer. Secluded but easy to get to, right on the river, and had everything you could need. I would have liked if the spots felt a bit more private but that’s nitpicking. I got there at about 4pm on Father’s Day and there were roughly 4 spots still open.
TravelerWe stayed Friday-Sunday and had a great time. Check-in is a little late, but we still had plenty of time to set up. Heavy traffic at times but speed bumps help regulate speed.
TravelerWe have stayed at Beech Fork 3 times now and the view is always spectacular. However, we had to use the shower houses this time & they need attention. The water was barely luke warm and some of the stalls were dirty.
ScoutThis place has it all.. beers on tap and in the fridge, a restaurant with a great menu, the sites are spacious and even better if yiu bring your bike.
ScoutVery nice place. Has potential to be great. Three fishing lakes. On old town creek. Plenty of space for kids to roam . Has a nice inground pool.
TravelerWe very much enjoyed our stay here. The host was friendly and helpful. The site was level and the fire pit and picnic table were appreciated. It is a very peaceful and relaxing spot. There are some easy trails cleared in the woods that we enjoyed as well We hope to visit again soon.
TravelerWe enjoyed our stay very much. The host was friendly and communicated well. The site was pretty level and the table and fire pit were much appreciated.. It’s a very quiet and peaceful location. If you plan to walk in the woods, bring some tick repellent!
ScoutI love this campground as the nostalgia is strong for me. The family has been camping here for years and years but now it's my turn to take my little family camping and I'm so thankful to give them the same memories I was able to have!
East fork is always clean, polite, well maintained and kid friendly. We are very thankful to live just about an hour away for impromptu camping trips!
ScoutThis was our first time staying at riftrafters. Would recommend it to anyone visiting the new river george. The owners were friendly and helpful and campground was clean and well maintained. We stayed at site 32 and it was very peaceful.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Keep Exploring
