Cabins near Ona, West Virginia range from basic shelters to fully equipped accommodations with modern amenities. Located in the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations between 600-800 feet, this area experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s. Winter cabin rentals remain available at several locations though some campgrounds close seasonal facilities from November through March.
What to do
Fishing access points: Iron Ridge at Lake Vesuvius offers excellent fishing opportunities with multiple species stocked in the lake. "I LOVE camping here, unlike a lot of camp grounds they're actually within the woods so you feel like you're actually part of the forest and the nature. It's a simple place, they have showers and restrooms. The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach), kayaking, and fishing. They have plenty of crappie, bass, and catfish stocked in the lake and there are bait shops close by," notes one Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius visitor.
Seasonal water activities: Summer recreation options at many cabin locations include swimming pools, fishing ponds, and lake access. "The campground was pretty busy over in the rv section but no one bothered us. The bathrooms were the best ones I've ever had at a campground. The store was good. Wood was like 8$. The lake view was pretty good too," reports a camper at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
Cave exploration: Several parks in the region feature natural caves with guided tours available. "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39yrs to find it so close to home. The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen. Make sure to get a permit for Horn Hollow on a day of no rain or else you will not be able to enter it," advises a visitor.
What campers like
Lakefront access: Many cabins provide direct lake views or waterfront access. "Spring time excursion at Beech Fork was delightful. All of the cherry trees and foliage are full in bloom and lovely. 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," shares a guest at Moxley Branch Campground.
Children's activities: Family-oriented cabin rentals often include playground equipment and organized activities. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee. Pool was small but big enough to enjoy," mentions a family who stayed at Ashland Huntington West KOA.
Peaceful settings: Cabins situated away from main roads provide quieter experiences. A visitor to Old Orchard Campground noted "The good... peaceful, nice lake with some spots next to the lake. The bad... not much of a camp store, the wifi is horrible, no Verizon service."
What you should know
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some cabin locations with traffic sounds. "This is a nice big place to camp. About one third of the spots are lake front and the fishing is awesome. There's also a swimming pool, hiking, horse shoes and boat rental. Nice clean bathrooms and some of the campsites have internet available!!" reports a visitor to Beech Fork.
Utility hookup challenges: Electric connections may require extra equipment at some locations. As one camper explained, "The site was very well kept and clean but could use some privacy from the roadway. Be sure to look at google maps satellite before arriving as most of the sites that are labeled electric share one electric box for 2 campsites and can be pretty far from your pad."
Cellular service variability: Cell reception varies significantly between cabin locations. "The bathrooms are dated but fairly clean. Verizon does not work here but ATT does. There is wifi in the main campground at the boathouse but that is all," shares a Beach Fork Lake Lower Bowen guest.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. "They have a nice Park Head quarters with a general store that has grocery items, firewood, and cool souvenirs. There was even a retro arcade with games, air hockey and claw machines which the kids enjoyed. Extremely nice paved walking trails, parks, playgrounds, basketball court and pool."
Swimming facilities: Most cabin locations with swimming access charge separate fees. One camper noted, "Campground was nice. Staff was nice. Spots were roomy. They had recently mowed but left all the clippings so it that was quite messy especially being in a tent. Lake was nice to kayak without worrying of large boats. Even though we were paying to stay overnight for 3 nights, it was an additional charge for the pool AND to go to the beach area."
Restaurant access: On-site food options reduce meal preparation needs. A visitor to Ole Henry's Camping retreat mentioned, "Ole' Henry's has a very nice setup with a Giovannis pizza restaurant and camp store on site. It is privately owned and the owners are very nice. Vicky and her family run it with some workers that make it very nice."
Tips from RVers
Site selection factors: Cabin and RV sites vary in size, shade, and proximity to facilities. "The campground is small. Has a nice dog park. Pickle ball courts Cafe Sky diving right here. The Ohio river is visible. The only real problem comes with the train tracks right here. The trains are close and do blow their whistle for crossing by the office," reports a visitor to Robert Newlon Airpark RV Park.
Parking challenges: Some cabin areas have limited vehicle space or difficult access roads. According to a camper, "Beautiful sites and park. Easy in and out. Site 32. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. Site was muddy but it did rain 2 out of 3 days."
Water pressure issues: Utility connections may require regulators at certain campgrounds. "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others. We stayed at site 6 which wasn't too difficult to park but the water pressure was extremely high," warns a camper.
