Best Campgrounds near Dunlow, WV

The area surrounding Dunlow, West Virginia features a range of established campgrounds across West Virginia and Kentucky, many situated near lakes and waterways. Campers can access sites like East Fork Campground on East Lynn Lake, Cabwaylingo State Forest with its rustic cabins and tent sites, and Pappy's Creekside Camp offering both traditional camping and glamping options. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide electric hookups for RVs, while tent camping is widely available across all facilities. Yatesville Lake State Park Campground and Beech Fork State Park, both within 30 miles of Dunlow, offer more extensive recreational amenities alongside camping options.

Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. East Fork Campground typically remains open from mid-May to early October, while Cabwaylingo State Forest welcomes campers from April 1 to October 31. Several locations experience partial flooding during heavy rain periods, particularly at lower elevation sites near creeks. The terrain consists primarily of forested hills with many campgrounds situated in valleys or along waterways. Creekside locations can become muddy after rainfall, potentially affecting camping conditions. A camper noted, "Heavy rains can cause the creek to partially flood the campground and moderate rains we experienced turned some of the sites into a soggy mess."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the region, with multiple campgrounds providing access to lakes or creeks. East Lynn Lake and Yatesville Lake offer boat-in camping options alongside standard drive-in sites. Campers consistently mention privacy and space between sites as positive attributes at locations like Yatesville Lake, where one reviewer described it as having "really nice sites" that are "not crammed together." The region supports mixed-use recreation, with several campgrounds located near multi-use trails for hiking and ATV riding. Cabwaylingo State Forest features historic CCC-built structures and maintains hiking and multi-use trails connecting directly to camping areas. Reviews indicate that fishing opportunities vary by location, with some stocked waterways being heavily fished soon after stocking, potentially limiting catch success for late-arriving campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Dunlow, West Virginia (72)

    1. Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Adams, KY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 673-1492

    $18 - $30 / night

    "In my opinion the best sites are the boat in tent camping sites down the hill by the lake. The sites also run along a gravel rode that can be used to hike in."

    "It's been a few years since I've visited Yatesville Lake State Park Campgrounds but it used to be a staple of my summer. The campsites are a LONG distance from each other."

    2. Pappy's Creekside Camp

    5 Reviews
    East Lynn Lake, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 972-3257

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Campground is located right next to the East Lynn outlaw trails. The owner and staff very friendly and even set us up with a local group to show us around."

    "We ride with the WV Outlaws and they take you on awesome trail and creek rides!! Kids love the creeks on hot days they have so much fun!! "

    3. East Fork (WV)

    3 Reviews
    Kiahsville, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 849-5000

    $35 - $50 / night

    4. Cabwaylingo State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Wilsondale, WV
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 385-4255

    $15 - $75 / night

    "Here's another tip from the superintendent: If you pull up next to the satellite dish by the bathhouse, there's Internet service with no pass code."

    "The campground is small, tucked into a side hollow just off the main road through the State Forest with tiny Spruce Creek flowing right through it.  "

    5. Falls Campground

    9 Reviews
    Louisa, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 826-0212

    $37 - $72 / night

    "The sites are nice and most have direct access to the creek and beach area. Privately owned so not ruled to death like some state park campgrounds."

    "There's a dollar general at the entrance."

    6. Four Coves Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    12 Reviews
    Beech Fork Lake, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757

    "This place is so pretty its positively photogenic! Monday - Wednesday we had our loop all to ourselves. We were visited by geese, ducks and deer."

    "The spots on the lake are our favorites, but are usually first to fill up. You won't be far from the lake wherever your spot is. The full hookup spots are in my opinion most crowded."

    7. Moxley Branch Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    10 Reviews
    Beech Fork Lake, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757

    "I’ve been camping here with my family for close to ten years now and we always have a blast."

    "This campground offers a handful of trails easy to moderate. Pretty lake with ducks everywhere, as well as geese. Saw many deer through out our stay, even some beaters."

    8. Lake View Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    8 Reviews
    Beech Fork Lake, WV
    20 miles
    Website

    "Nice pool close by and picnic shelters. They now have a disc golf course and plenty of trails. Camp store needs more options and there is WiFi there. Old orchard is the only camp section with WiFi."

    "It’s close to home but still a fun camping experience!"

    9. Beach Fork Lake Lower Bowen

    4 Reviews
    Beech Fork Lake, WV
    20 miles

    "You can get a spot right next to the lake. Now the bad... Not much at the camp store. Verizon service is non-existent. The WiFi only works when you get within a few feet of the office."

    "The lake was lower but it was still nice. The bath houses were impressively clean. They have a nice Park Head quarters with a general store that has grocery items, firewood, and cool souvenirs."

    10. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Staffordsville, KY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 297-8488

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in."

    "Very clean campground, the marina is great and easy access to the lake. We kayak and it was great being that close to the lake and the campsites have plenty of room."

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Recent Reviews near Dunlow, WV

334 Reviews of 72 Dunlow Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Kanawha State Forest

    Beautiful state forest

    New bathrooms. Sites are well spaced and clean.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Kanawha State Forest

    Beautiful surroundings

    Had an overnight stay here on our way to Red River Gorge. This was a nice stop. Fairly quiet with the exception of an annoying dog that barked incessantly and the campers across from us that had to jump in their car and drive full speed to nowhere every 20 minutes. All night long…. Pick up your firewood elsewhere unless you prefer absurdly small bundles at $8.49 per. We had site 31. Some sites are on the small side. Big rigs beware. All in all, a good spot to rest and enjoy some tree therapy.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.

  • Adriyel P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ashland Huntington West KOA

    Good Basic KOA

    Plenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.

  • A
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Saint Albans Roadside Park

    Sweet spot!

    Wonderful overnight stop. Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Nice campground

    Been going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s.  Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.

    Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.

    Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.

    Very bike friendly.

  • Angelo V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Kanawha State Forest

    A missed opportunity

    I made the rookie mistake of picking a place at the edge of how far I could travel in a day and didnt get in till after quiet hours. I stayed at site 42 near the back. It was a nice plot with electric, water, picnic table, and campfire right with flip over grill. I didnt get to ise more than the electric due to getting in so late. Lessons learned!

    After you get off the high way expect narrow twists and turns to reach the park, the park itself isnt nearly as bad as the stretch between highway and park enterence.

    There is a central bathroom/house with 2 toilets/showers, all disability friendly(I can only speak for the mens side).

    Dont expect to have signal. Im on tmobile and I had an occasional bar. Starlink worked allright if ai aimed it properly through the trees. The area over the road were fairly open.

    Campsites are all close together and you will be able to see 5+ neighbors from any site in this narrow valley camp ground


Guide to Dunlow

Camping near Dunlow, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Paintsville Lake State Park Campground, provide access to lakes where you can fish or rent boats. One visitor mentioned, "We love fishing on Paintsville Lake! The boat dock is just above the playground."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Grayson Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The hiking isn’t too bad! They even have tennis courts and a small water park."
  • Wildlife watching: Campgrounds like Moxley Branch Campground are great for spotting local wildlife. One camper shared, "We were visited by geese, ducks, and deer."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Ashland Huntington West KOA said, "The bathhouse and laundry were clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One guest at Huntington / Fox Fire KOA mentioned, "The staff is great, friendly, upbeat."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A reviewer at Yatesville Lake State Park Campground noted, "Clean, sites are spread out, and not a very large campground."

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A visitor at Grayson Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There is car and truck noise all day long and all night too."
  • Site conditions: Be prepared for varying site conditions. A camper at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground said, "Our campsite was supposed to be 38’ long but my 28’ camper was all that could fit, barely."
  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Lake View Campground noted, "With Verizon as our service provider, no cell signal was available at the park."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming pools. One family at Moxley Branch Campground enjoyed the "lots of things to do in addition to ranger-led activities."
  • Space to play: Choose sites that offer enough room for kids to run around. A reviewer at Falls Campground said, "My son loves playing in the creek and on the falls."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Huntington / Fox Fire KOA appreciated the "huge gas grill" at their site.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site conditions: Before booking, confirm the site’s levelness and accessibility. A visitor at Kentucky Grayson Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Many spots slant down and cannot level."
  • Watch for sharp turns: Some campgrounds have tricky entrances. A reviewer at Ashland Huntington West KOA warned, "Be careful of the turn onto the property… it’s a sharp right-hand turn with a dip."
  • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving, as some campgrounds may not have nearby stores. A camper at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground noted, "No extra parking for vehicles, just drive up into whatever muddy area is around your site."

Camping near Dunlow, West Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dunlow, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dunlow, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 72 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunlow, WV and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dunlow, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunlow, WV is Yatesville Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dunlow, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Dunlow, WV.

What parks are near Dunlow, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Dunlow, WV that allow camping, notably East Lynn Lake and Beech Fork Lake.