Best Campgrounds near Ethel, WV

I think this was described on some maps I looked at as being "dispersed" camping. But being familiar with many dispersed campsites out in the western US, this ddid not feel very dispersed at all. Sure: it is dispersed in the sense that it is way off thhe beaten track, far down into the national park that  requires traveling a long way on a dirt road to  get there.  But thee sites themselves in the camp spot are not dispersed. You are essentially going to be right next to, annd right within sight of, every other campsite. This was not a problem for me since I was there on a weekday and off-season (mid November), so I haad the place to myself. In that sense, it was quite peaceful and had some nice views being that most of the sites were within ssight of the river, or within a few feet of it.

One  thing to keep in mind, a thing that would be true for pretty much any camping area next to the river here in the national park is that there is a train track on the other side of the river thaat is definitely active, several trains going through per day. So it won't be one of those places you would go if all you want to hear is the sound of birds chirping.

But given that it is a free campsite, it's absolutely adequate, and has clean restrooms (at least the day I was there) with pit toilets inside.

General: Mash Fork is one of three campgrounds at Camp Creek State Park and is the developed one. It is small (18 sites) with a mix of 30-amp, 30-amp with water, 50-amp with water and electric, and FHU sites. 

Site Quality: All camper pads are paved, have a generous camper pad length, and most are spread a decent amount of space apart. 

Bath/Shower House: was very clean. Instant hot water was appreciated at the tap (it was in the 30s when we were there in mid-October) Hooks and shelves for toiletries were appreciated. Did not use the shower.

Activities/Amenities: Playground, basketball, volleyball, laundry (but there was water on the floor so not sure if there was a leak), several hiking trails including trails to two waterfalls, and an ADA-accessible short trail. The waterfalls were very sparse when we were there so not sure about other times of the year. There is an office with a small store. 

This was only an overnight stay for us but very enjoyable. We'd definitely come back.

As a car camper I was initially hesitant about paying for a partial hookup RV spot knowing that I wouldn’t be fully utilizing what I was paying for, but man am I glad I chose to stay here.

The location is great for getting in and out of town and the park alike, and it was the ideal location for a hike base. In terms of the campground itself, I think it set a new standard for me that’ll be pretty hard to beat. The bathrooms were incredible, and the shower was so good that it was almost annoying (I’m jealous and want it at home now too).

Checking in and out was easy, and the staff was very kind in accommodating me extending my stay another day on two separate occasions. I’d been most in and out in the dark, but finally on the last day got to check out the rest of the place and it really is super nice with a great aesthetic to match.

The big kicker for me was the lodge/Wi-Fi situation. As someone camping in a Prius, it can get pretty tight at times, so having a nice big space with great internet to get some work done was a huge bonus. Even in my car, the WiFi was plenty good enough to use, albeit not quite as snappy fast as the lodge.

All in all, I’d happily come back here again and again if I were to find myself back in the area. Could not more highly recommend.