Kanawha State Forest campground sits at an elevation of 900 feet within a 9,300-acre forest seven miles south of Charleston. The wooded valley setting creates a microclimate that typically runs 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas during summer months. Access involves navigating narrow mountain roads with hairpin turns that restrict larger vehicle access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At New River Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites along the riverbank. "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," notes Jim C.
Disc golf course: Chestnut Creek Campground provides an on-site disc golf course for campers. "Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course. Close to rivers, climbing and hiking activities," according to Debra W., who appreciated the recreational options available without leaving the property.
Water activities: The small pond at Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds offers catch-and-release fishing in a serene setting. "My husband enjoyed the catch and release lake for some catfishing," reports Debbie F., who also enjoyed photographing the resident swan and on-site chapel.
What campers like
River proximity: At New River Campground, sites are positioned extremely close to the water. "The spots on the river are darn near in the river lol. It is really cool being that close to the river," observes Thomas H., who appreciated the distinctive waterfront setting.
Escape from technology: Limited connectivity at many area campgrounds provides a true break from modern life. "Perfect for the weekend getaway but not during work hours," notes Sammii D. about service at New River Campground, while Angelo V. observed at Kanawha State Forest that "Don't expect to have signal. I'm on tmobile and I had an occasional bar."
Accessibility to supplies: Saint Albans Roadside Park offers convenient access to resupply options. "Directly across from a grocery store, pet store, and auto supply store so great resupply stop!" reports Mike, highlighting the practical advantage of this location for campers needing to restock.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Choose sites carefully based on terrain and preference. "Our site was very hilly and the picnic table and fire pit were a bit treacherous to get to. Don't stay in 35 with a tent or mobility issues," advises Jacqueline K. about Kanawha State Forest.
Campground pricing structures: Some campgrounds charge per person rather than per site. "The campground charges per person which was different from what I'm used to, but it was very reasonable and comparable to other campgrounds in the area," explains Debra W. about Chestnut Creek Campground.
Weather considerations: Rain can create challenging conditions at some sites. "It was raining off and on and was pretty muddy in spots," notes Thomas H. about New River Campground, while Jacqueline K. mentions, "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
Playground access: Huntington/Fox Fire KOA offers extensive activities 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," shares Zach H., highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.
Dog-friendly sites: Many campgrounds accommodate pets, but site selection is important. "The fenced in playground that is very nice. If you're a boater there is a boat slip a hundred yards away to get onto the kanawha river," notes Andrew S. about Saint Albans Roadside Park, where dogs are permitted in designated areas.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity can affect sleep quality for light sleepers. "The only downside was that the tent sites are close to the interstate, so there was A LOT of road noise all night," reports Zach H. about Huntington/Fox Fire KOA, a consideration for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site length and access: Rifrafters Campground offers well-maintained RV sites with easy access. "Our site was plenty large and the concrete pad was perfectly level," mentions Patience W., adding "It was our last night of the season so we spent a lot of time in the morning cleaning out our gray and black tanks."
Water quality concerns: Water at some campgrounds may require additional filtration. "The water is pretty strong so you may want to use a regulator. Water also had a strong odor of chlorine. After showers I felt like I was just getting out of a pool," advises Larry about Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds.
Road condition challenges: Access roads to many dog friendly campgrounds near Hernshaw present difficulties for larger RVs. "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 lol," shares Chris S. about Adventures on the Gorge.
