Best RV Parks & Resorts near Charleston, WV

Kanawha State Forest offers RV sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups just minutes from downtown Charleston. The campground features 30-amp service but lacks big-rig friendly sites, making it better suited for smaller travel trailers and motorhomes. "Sites are very close together but have power, water and sewer. It was quiet the night we stayed," noted one camper about the area's RV parks. Saint Albans Roadside Park provides free RV camping with electric hookups, water connections, and a dump station, though limited to a 2-day maximum stay in any 14-day period. Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds in Kenna maintains 50 well-maintained sites with full hookups including 50-amp service, while Robert Newlon Airpark RV Park in Huntington features pull-through sites with 30/50-amp connections approximately 40 miles west of Charleston.

Most RV parks in the region remain open year-round, though some mountain campgrounds close between December and April due to winter conditions. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to Interstate 64 and weaker coverage in valley locations. Navigation to several parks requires driving narrow, winding mountain roads that may challenge larger motorhomes and fifth wheels. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many campgrounds feature gravel pads that occasionally require leveling blocks, especially after heavy rainfall. Dump stations are available at most established campgrounds, though not all offer full sewer hookups at individual sites. Pet policies generally allow dogs with standard leash requirements, and most parks provide at least basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and trash service.

Best RV Sites Near Charleston, West Virginia (80)

    1. Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    12 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "Army camp is nestled by the new river and has plenty of views of the mountains. None of us had cell phone reception, so if you’re looking for a tech free weekend then this is your spot."

    "You can’t beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that’s also free! Good amount of spiders and ants but didn’t notice any mosquitoes in mid May."

    2. Saint Albans Roadside Park

    11 Reviews
    St. Albans, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 722-4625

    "It's rare to find free RV camping, especially sites with 30 AMP electric hook-ups! "

    "Albans roadside park is for pull behind campers only. No tents allowed. About 6-7 sites for campers."

    3. Robert Newlon Airpark RV Park Huntington, WV

    2 Reviews
    Lesage, WV
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 733-1240

    $45 / night

    "The park is located on a local airstrip with parachutists, apparently jumping on Sundays. All sites are within a few feet of a great bar and restaurant which was perfect after a long day on the road."

    4. Little Coal River Campground

    1 Review
    Alum Creek, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 369-1951

    $20 - $110 / night

    "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."

    5. Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Victor, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 988-2607

    $55 - $155 / night

    "The campground was very quiet and peaceful. My 25 year old son was the youngest person there, except for 2 hours when 1 year old came to visit his grandparents."

    "We had a lake front spot, and the view is everything you’d imagine and more. I’d describe the view, but wouldn’t do it justice. The site was fairly level, had to use a few blocks on the driver side."

    6. Kanawha State Forest

    26 Reviews
    Hernshaw, WV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 558-3500

    $35 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "No cell service on either Verizon or ATT anywhere. Very close to Charleston. Sleeping by the creek was an added bonus."

    7. Rifrafters Campground

    30 Reviews
    Fayetteville, WV
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 564-1065

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Very comfortable and quiet campground. Camp hosts (owners?) and staff are very friendly and helpful. Close to local towns for services."

    "Beautiful area, close to New River National Park. Very accommodating staff. Includes wifi, PBS TV, small dog run, small playground, picnic shelter, laundry, bathhouse, firewood, ice,etc."

    8. Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    18 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "There is five drive-in sites and more walk-in sites on the edge of the camp. The drive-in sites filled and vacated several times throughout the weekend."

    "In the New River Gorge National Park, you will not find the sprawling campgrounds found in many other national parks."

    9. Arrowhead Bike Farm

    10 Reviews
    Fayetteville, WV
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 900-5501

    $10 - $85 / night

    "Spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Amazingly helpful staff. Plus there is a bar!! What else could you ask for! We will definitely be staying here again."

    "Great spot and very close to the national park, but site 5 was very un-level."

    10. Battle Run

    15 Reviews
    Keslers Cross Lanes, WV
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 872-3459

    $24 - $40 / night

    "This campground is situated on gorgeous Summersville Lake!"

    "Overall the campground (tent camping) was very private and clean. The restroom & shower facilities were easily within walking distance."

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RV Park Reviews near Charleston, WV

392 Reviews of 80 Charleston Campgrounds


  • Kevin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Rifrafters Campground

    Great folks just not our preferred type of campground

    Amy and I spent the Labor Day Weekend in Fayetteville, WV. The New River Gorge area is amazing. We camped at Rifrafters Campground. It is family owned and operated. The owners were great and made a point to stop by our site and see how we were doing. The campground is clean, well maintained and conveniently located. It is only about 7 minutes from the New River Bridge welcome center.

    There were several long term campers, sites were very small and close together. Fire ring and picnic table ended up under our awning. Water, electric and cable service and a few sites had sewer. Campground WiFi was weak at our site (#27).

    While this was a positive stay, we prefer State Parks versus RV campgrounds.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2023

    Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Quiet, Small, and Peaceful

    Sandbar: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: Free Usage during visit: 80% full Site Privacy: 4 Pretty good if you’re backing in a trailer or van Site Spacing: 4.0. Pretty good Reservations: First come - first serve Campground Noise: 5. Very Quiet while there Road Noise: 5. None. May be some boat noise Through Traffic: None. Campground is a circle drive. Electricity: No Water: No Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Yes Showers: No Pull Throughs: Most, if not all we’re back-ins. Short pads .
    Cell Service (Verizon): 3 Fair .
    Setting: 4.5 Very nice setting surrounded by deciduous forest. The trailer sites are all on the outer perimeter of a circle drive. Large diameter , so not close to the folks across the way.
    Fixed Roof Solar: A couple sites might be okay Host: None Rig size: Some sites look like they will only accommodate a 20’ - 25’ trailer., Carefully check website There is enough room on the pad to park vehicle next to the trailer.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2023

    Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Only The Noise of Flowing Water

    GLADE CREEK - New River Gorge (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good 70 yr olds in 17’ trailer: Overall Rating: 4.5 Price. Free Usage during visit: Trailer sites usually filled up by the end of the day. Site Privacy: 2. Little understory plants Site 1 is very private. Site Spacing: 5. Very large sotes Site surface: Gravel/ mud Reservations: First come, first serve Campground Noise : 5. Very little Road Noise: 4.5 Glade Rd is behind site 1., but not close. Site 1 is still the best trailer site. Traffic can hardly be seen through the trees. Minimal traffic and minimal noise . Through Traffic: Access to the boat ramp is through the campground. Though, traffic is minimal, folks on the way to the ramp and picnic area often drive pretty fast. Electricity: No Water: River only - bring drinking water. Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Nice pit toilet near site 2(a nice handicap site.
    Showers: No Pull Throughs: Most sites Cell Service (Verizon): No Setting: 5. We can hear the river from all sites, which is just a short walk away. Weather: Rain, clouds, sunshine Bugs: None Solar: Minimal and surely less when the trees leaf out more. Site 2 looks to have the best solar for a roof mount. Still minimal . Host: None Rig size: Limited by a narrow one lane . bridge on Glade Rd . A 30’ trailer arrived. There is plenty of room in the 5 trailer sites.
    Access: 20 minute drive from 41 on maintained and pretty smooth gravel road. UPON ARRIVAL, IF PULLING A TRAILER , I SUGGEST THAT YOU OCCUPY THE FIRST SITS YOU SEE. That is because reentry into the campground, while pulling a trailer, requires extra driving away from the campground entry for turn around. Sites: Site 1 is best for a trailer - isolated from the rest . Site 2 is a handicap site, which is not enforced by park service . Sites 3-5 are nice and large but not very private . Site 6, as looping back around, is the absolute best site, right on the river. It is suitable for truck campers, vans, and tents. A small trailer which can be hand maneuvered will also work there. There are some walk-in tent sites I did not evaluate.
    Notes: There are reports from others of safety concerns. I checked with park ranger officers and they said there are no safety concerns, “especially way back here.” We didn’t experience any issues. That said, this issues reported in other reviews took place at the boat ramp, which is in ear shot of the walk-in sites, for sure.

  • A
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Lake View Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    Beautiful and secluded

    We visited in the end of October 2021. The colors and the views were spectacular. The drive into the park was very curvy mountain back roads. The site included a fire pit with grill and a picnic table. There was a fair amount of space between sites. Approximately 50-75 feet apart. The bath house was nice but could use a little refreshening. There are many activities including a shooting range, frisbee golf course, swimming pool, playground just to name a few. With Verizon as our service provider no cell signal was available at the park. Overall, we give 3 stars. Minus one star for no cell service and minus another star due to maintenance. Overall, very nice park.

  • Dave V.
    May. 26, 2018

    Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Epic River Views and Access steps from your campsite!

    RANGER REIVEW: PRIMUS 4-SEASON STAINLESS STEEL 0.3L MUG AT GRANDVIEW SANDBAR CAMPGROUND, NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER, WV

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW:

    Grandview Sandbar Campground situated along the New River, just outside of Prince, WV off Route 41 offers upclose and personal riverside camping. https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

    This and the other riverside campgrounds in the New River Gorge National River offer a minimal number of sites, no water, no electric, no modern facilities…however, they are free and its all about location. Site availability is first come, first served. Length of stay is limited to 14 days.

    On the higher, wooded loop to the right as you travel down a very narrow, serpentine gravel road, there are 10 campsites. There are gravel parking pads that could accommodate a small RV/Camper/Pop-up…and a couple Pop-ups were present. How they navigated the winding steep park gravel road, is a mystery to me…the rains were eroding corners causing my truck to scrape.

    The sites do have a picnic table, lantern post and firepit. Depending on thr site you choose, the initial sites to the right are all below the campground roadway you wind down. The pit latrine is a short walking distance and directly next to the host site in the River Access parking lot and boat ramp area.

    The 8 tent sites are located on the far side of the boat ramp parking area and all but the two Handicap sites require a short walk to reach.

    Numbers are on the lantern posts and blend together but are distinguished by the firepit. These are directly on the sand "beach" area of the New River…and as seen in my photos are not only a bit angled, they can be a dangerous choice.

    The two handicap accessible sites are bordered by timbers, leveled and much more desirable, but you must possess a handicap placard/permit. It is not permissible to utilize them as overflow without a placard/permit.

    The walk-up tent area has its own pit latrine. Nothing special…but private.

    There is a river trail that will take you to Glade Creek and additional trails. Within a short drive are several additional nice hiking trails in the New River Gorge and nearby State parks.

    Note: This is a busier campground with the public access boat ramp and very busy on weekends. A very popular spot for locals. While alcohol is prohibited, there was substantial physical evidence to the contrary, mere steps from the dumpster. Also keep in mind, during rains, tributaries flow into the New River causing it to overflow its banks with some regularity in thr spring and early summer.

    Spring weekdays still saw several campers, even with the torrential rains and flooding. Free is a big draw.

    PRODUCT REVIEW:

    PRIMUS 4-SEASON STAINLESS STEEL 0.3L MUG

    https://primus.us/products/four-seasons-mug-35l-stainless-steel?variant=358039683090

    The Primus 4-Season Stainless Steel 0.3L Mug is a great option for the outdoorsperson searching for a do-all cup.

    With it's all stainless steel double wall construction, it offers rust resistance, a clean appearance, the ability to keep contents their desired temperature longer, and remains odorless/tasteless. The mug is lightweight at just under 4 ounces.

    The 0.3L/10 oz. mug is convenient and held single servings of beverage and food. However, I might migrate to Primus' other offering in the 0.2L/8 oz. mug for the volume I prefer.

    The only potential achilles heel, would be the same with any other mug and that is the handle. Though I experienced no issues and don't foresee any…if there were to be one, it's likely with a mug's handle.

    All in all, a great mug choice!

  • M
    Apr. 17, 2019

    Lake Stephens Campground

    Popular summer camper location.

    Lake Stephens Campground is a popular location for residents of Beckley (and surrounding areas) to park their RV’s/campers, for extended periods of time, as an easy getaway. The RV/camper area consists of a large circle of campsites that are very close to each other. The common area in the middle has a playground, restroom/showers, vending machines and some field area to play. The RV area seems to have grown into a very friendly community. They have regularly scheduled events like movie night, and they even host a “trick-or-treat” event each year that attracts hundreds. Amongst other things, the park has picnic areas, a beach with a sectioned off swimming area, a small water park area, and several hiking trails.

  • Kim L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Rifrafters Campground

    Nearest CG to New River Gorge bridge and visitor center

    Very comfortable and quiet campground. Camp hosts (owners?) and staff are very friendly and helpful. Close to local towns for services. The full hook up RV sites seem crowded, but the electric only sites were spacious and shady. I had a little deck with a picnic table. Even though the land is hilly, almost every site was level. The area where I camped had a single porta potty, but the main service area had clean showers and reasonably priced laundry. Short hiking trails are nearby. A children’s area is available but looked little used.

  • George R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2025

    Rays Campground

    quaint and nice

    Very close to the New River Gorge National Park.  Back in the woods with a 1/4 mile  gravel drive to enter the campground.  Most of the sites are primitive with only a few having electric, not sure on full hook ups.  Was a very quiet and calming campground.  Shower house and restrooms were clean.  They did have laundry area and kids playground which I didn't need.  

    Defiantly worth the stay!

  • A
    May. 29, 2021

    Four Coves Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    Lots of good sites

    Not far from home, and good choices of type of sites. Biggest negative is no wifi or cell service. But quiet, family friendly, and some sites away from activities to chill out at too.


Guide to Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia sits at the confluence of the Kanawha and Elk rivers, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet above sea level throughout the surrounding forests and valleys. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching the 20s. Fall camping is particularly popular when hardwood forests display vibrant colors between mid-October and early November.

What to do

Hiking historic trails: At Army Camp Campground in New River Gorge National Park, visitors can explore military history while hiking. "Military history buffs will appreciate the remains of an Army training encampment along the gravel road driving in. Known for equipping soldiers to build floating bridges across rivers to move troops and heavy artillery," notes Dave V.

Scuba diving: Summersville Lake offers exceptional underwater exploration opportunities from Battle Run Campground. "Scuba divers love this lake, as it goes as deep as 327 feet...and there are the remnants of the town Gad at the Lake's bottom that once called this area home," writes Dave V. The lake's exceptional clarity makes it popular for both novice and experienced divers.

Mountain biking: Dedicated riders can access trails directly from Arrowhead Bike Farm. "Mt biking from the campground - a bike shop, food and beverages, showers, and goats! Great for families, too," shares Cydney S. The property features a pump track for practicing skills before hitting wilderness trails.

What campers like

Proximity to rivers: Most campgrounds offer easy access to flowing water. At Glade Creek Campground, "you can hear the water from the sites. The creek joins the New River here," Juliana reports. This creates natural white noise for sleeping.

Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers can find no-cost camping options. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free!" exclaims Rachel S. about Army Camp Campground. Most free sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Affordability: Even paid campgrounds maintain reasonable rates. "I got an incredible price with the military discount" at Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds, according to Larry. Many campgrounds offer reduced rates for extended stays or during off-season periods.

What you should know

Weather patterns: The region's valleys can experience significant temperature swings. "After a night of rainfall, the New River has swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline," observed Dave V. at Army Camp. Flash flooding is possible in riverside campgrounds during heavy rain.

Access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating narrow roads. "The road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds," Caroline F. notes about Glade Creek. GPS directions can be unreliable in remote areas.

Cell coverage limitations: Don't expect reliable connectivity at Rifrafters Campground. "No Wi-Fi or cable and the cell signal with Verizon was one bar at best," reports Larry about nearby Rippling Waters. Download maps and campground information before arrival.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. The Saint Albans Roadside Park offers "a fenced in playground that is very nice," according to Andrew S. Parents appreciate having safe recreation spaces directly on-site.

Animal attractions: Kids particularly enjoy the unique wildlife encounters. At Arrowhead Bike Farm, "the roaming goats are a treat!" according to Theresa D. These domesticated animals are approachable and create memorable experiences for young campers.

Swimming opportunities: Natural water features provide cooling recreation in summer months. "We watched the resident swan swim around the fountain" at Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds, shares Debbie F. Most water access points lack lifeguards, so parental supervision is essential.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup availability: At Saint Albans Roadside Park, RVers can find "free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max," according to Andrea W. These uncommon free electric sites are popular for travelers needing to recharge batteries.

Site length considerations: RV campgrounds near Charleston, West Virginia often feature extended pull-through options. "Our site is the longest I've ever seen, it's basically a long driveway that leads back out to the road," notes Larry about Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds. This allows for easier setup without disconnecting tow vehicles.

Water quality variations: Some rv campgrounds around Charleston have mineral-heavy water. "Water had a strong odor of chlorine. After showers I felt like I was just getting out of a pool," reports Larry at Rippling Waters. Many experienced RVers bring water filters beyond basic sediment screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular RV campsite near Charleston, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Charleston, WV is Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find RV camping near Charleston, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 80 RV camping locations near Charleston, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.