Camping opportunities near Dunbar, West Virginia center around the Kanawha Valley region, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F. Most campgrounds in the region operate between April and November, though some maintain year-round availability for campers seeking outdoor accommodations during winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails near Kanawha State Forest: Located just 7 miles from downtown Charleston, the forest offers extensive trail systems for hiking with pets. "The forest offers extensive hiking opportunities for dogs and their owners, with multiple pathways winding through the mountainous terrain," notes one camper, while another adds, "Very pretty area! The sites are all located along a winding road that parallels a river" (Kanawha State Forest).
Fishing on New River: Cast a line directly from your campsite at several locations. "You can fish right from your site. The owner is very nice and will go out of her way to help make your stay a good one," says Jim C. about New River Campground. The riverfront access makes it convenient for anglers of all skill levels.
ATV trail access: Multiple campgrounds serve as gateways to the popular Hatfield-McCoy trail system. "Others camp here to be close to the Hatfield McCoy ATV trail system," mentions Andrew S. about Little Coal River Campground, providing direct access to regional trail networks popular with off-road enthusiasts.
What campers like
River views: Waterfront camping sites rank consistently high in camper reviews. "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," writes Chris S. about New River Campground. These riverside sites provide direct water access and scenic views.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive frequent positive mentions. "New bathrooms. Sites are well spaced and clean," reports Sabrina B. about Kanawha State Forest, while another camper at Huntington/Fox Fire KOA notes, "The staff is wonderful, they obviously care very much about their jobs and we enjoyed talking to them. They keep the property very clean which is saying a lot because it's a very busy park."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "The playground are has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is blain drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite," says Andrew S. about Ole Henry's Camping retreat, which also offers a barrel train ride specifically designed for children.
What you should know
Narrow mountain roads: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving on winding routes. "After you get off the highway expect narrow twists and turns to reach the park," warns Angelo V. about Kanawha State Forest, while another camper cautions, "The drive from Rt 19 to the campground is 8% grades both uphill and down, with twists, turns, and practical uturns with my 35ft. Fun for me, not for my wife."
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have poor connectivity. "Don't expect to have signal. I'm on tmobile and I had an occasional bar," reports a visitor to Kanawha State Forest. Similarly, at Rifrafters Campground, one camper noted "Campground WiFi was weak at our site (#27)," so prepare for limited digital access.
Weather considerations: The region's terrain can lead to drainage issues during rain. "It was raining off and on and was pretty muddy in spots," reports Thomas H. about New River Campground, while another camper at Kanawha State Forest mentioned, "We happened to stay on a day that poured rain and our site was muddy-not the sites fault just the weather!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water-based recreation for children. "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults," notes Andrew S. about Ole Henry's Camping retreat. Huntington/Fox Fire KOA features "a swimming pond with inflatables" according to Zach H.
Playground access: Huntington/Fox Fire KOA offers extensive recreational facilities for children. "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," writes Zach H., making it ideal for families seeking structured activities.
Pet-friendly trails: For families camping with dogs, multiple trail options exist. While pets must remain leashed throughout most campgrounds, Kanawha State Forest provides extensive hiking opportunities suitable for various ages and abilities, allowing the entire family, including pets, to enjoy outdoor recreation together.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on size requirements. "Our site (19) was roomy and level," notes Melissa O. about Rifrafters Campground, while at Saint Albans Roadside Park, one RVer mentions, "Wonderful overnight stop. Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max."
Leveling considerations: Many sites require some adjustment. "My camper isn't very big so I put my passenger side wheels just on the edge of the gravel patio so my entry steps wouldn't be in the mud and I was nearly level, side to side was good, only needed a small adjustment front to rear," advises Thomas H. about camping at New River.
Large rig limitations: Several campgrounds have restrictions for bigger RVs. "The sites are on top of windy uphill mountain roads which we now call death mountain," cautions Brooke V. about Kanawha State Forest, adding "I do not recommend for campers of any size." Before arrival, verify your RV can navigate the approach roads and fit comfortably in your assigned site.
