Best Campgrounds near Ethel, WV
Camping options around Ethel, West Virginia span from state parks to private facilities across the Appalachian landscape. The region includes several established campgrounds like Chief Logan State Park, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins in a 4,000-acre forested setting. Nearby, Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground provides year-round access with similar accommodation types plus glamping options. Several private campgrounds like Backwoods Camping & RV Park and Ole Henry's Camping Retreat supplement the public offerings with additional amenities and cabin rentals. These camping areas typically provide varying levels of services from primitive sites to fully developed facilities with electric, water, and sewer hookups.
The camping season throughout the region generally runs from spring through fall, with limited winter availability at select locations like Twin Falls Resort State Park. Many campgrounds offer reservation services, though availability varies significantly during peak summer months when facilities reach capacity. Weather conditions can impact the camping experience, particularly at creek-side locations where heavy rainfall may cause flooding in some areas. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better coverage at higher elevations. As one visitor to Kanawha State Forest noted, "No phone signal on AT&T or Verizon. Very limited Wi-Fi at the Ranger Hut near the main bathhouse."
Campers report abundant recreational opportunities across the area's mixed-use campgrounds. Chief Logan State Park features wildlife exhibits, swimming pools, mini-golf, and extensive trail systems that support hiking and mountain biking. Water features are common highlights in camper reviews, with several locations offering creek access, swimming holes, or proximity to rivers. A review of Ole Henry's mentioned, "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults." For those seeking more remote experiences, campgrounds like East Fork provide boat-in access options along with traditional drive-in sites. Campground amenities vary widely, with some offering full-service facilities including showers, restrooms, and camp stores, while others maintain a more rustic, primitive camping atmosphere.
