Best Campgrounds near Charleston, WV

Camping near Charleston, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore New River Gorge National Park: This park is a must-visit for hiking and whitewater rafting. One camper mentioned, “Rifrafters is a wonderful family-run campground that was the perfect location for us to explore New River Gorge NP and the surrounding area.”
• Hiking Trails: Many campgrounds, like Kanawha State Forest, have trails popular with mountain bikers. A visitor noted, “This state forest is expansive with lots of trails popular with mountain bikers.”
• Visit Historic Towns: Check out the nearby town of Thurmond, known for its rich history. One camper shared, “Thurmond is a great little historical train town with a nice visitor's center.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Babcock State Park stated, “The bathhouse is centrally located and there is a very nice playground area.”
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Chestnut Creek Campground said, “Owner is nice and helpful. He gave me good advice on what to see and cool uncommon attractions.”
• Secluded Sites: Campers enjoy the privacy offered by many sites. One review for Little Beaver State Park mentioned, “We chose a shaded pull-thru spot that had a gravel pad with 30 amp electric and water.”

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Grandview Sandbar, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, “Campground is free, but you have to bring your own water.”
• Road Conditions: Access roads can be narrow and winding. A visitor at Kanawha State Forest mentioned, “It is a bit challenging to reach with a large(ish) van like ours.”
• First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Glade Creek Campground advised, “Get there early to make sure you get a spot.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and hiking trails. A review for Babcock State Park highlighted, “The staff are also friendly and attentive. We enjoyed several of the hiking trails and other features like the historic Grist Mill.”
• Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, especially if you're heading to remote campgrounds. One camper at Forked Run State Park mentioned, “Not many sites are level. Most patrons seem to be local - weekends full of loud music and drinking.”
• Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, so plan activities that allow for downtime. A visitor at Rifrafters Campground noted, “It was very peaceful and quiet at night.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Forked Run State Park warned, “Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking as sites can be small and hilly.”
• Use Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. A review for Huntington / Fox Fire KOA mentioned, “The sites have great electric and water.”
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways or railroads. A visitor at Huntington / Fox Fire KOA noted, “There is car and truck noise all day long and all night too.”

Camping around Charleston, WV, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!