86 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"No water or electricity at the primitive campground, but you’re within walking distance of the main bathhouse which was nice and clean during my stay. "
"There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"Near the town of Gilbert. Great access to avt trails"
"Direct access to the happy McCoy trails. We rented just down the street the side-by-side for a couple of days and had a fantastic time."
"Tucked away in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by the constant reminder of wildlife around. I stayed for the very start of spring. The world was covered in the brightest green moss."
"Kanawha state forest is nestled in the mountainous Hills of West by God Virginia right on the outskirts of Charleston. There is plenty of hiking in Kanawha state forest."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The staff are very easy to work with - they will sell and chop the wood you need, let you put your tent in any of the open grass areas around the lot and they are flexible on arrival."
from $10 - $160 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $190 - $700 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."
"They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"There’s tons to do at this campsite from beautiful trails, to a golf course and they even had a resort at a different portion of the park as well."
"I chose this particular place because it was two hours away from family that we had not seen in a while. Coming from South MS, I had no idea how stunning WV would be."
"The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults. Giovanni's pizza restaurant on site has wifi. This campground is located out in God's country. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability"This is across the main highway from the water ways water park. Others camp here to be close to the Hatfield McCoy ATV trail system."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability
TravelerOn top of a mountain. Gorgeous afternoon and evening views but The fog is dense in the mornings, which comes with a lot of dew, but completely worth it for the afternoon view. No shade trees at our site, but they are large and offer fire rings and picnic tables. Direct access to the happy McCoy trails. We rented just down the street the side-by-side for a couple of days and had a fantastic time.
ScoutGreat campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
ScoutWe were told we couldn't stay there because we weren't members
GuideWe camped in pull-thru A43. The site is decently level and spacious. The other campers were very friendly. The bath house was modern and clean.
There was so much to do here! We ventured out to most of the overlooks; the views were breathtaking! There were plenty of hiking opportunities on trails from easy to difficult. Kayaks also were available for rent.
There is a hotel in the park, but it's far enough from the campgrounds (A, B, C, and D) that the guests don't bother the campers.
I can't imagine how glorious this place must be in the fall!
ScoutThe website is dead and so is the phone number. No reservations possible.
GuideBeautiful area but not really campervan friendly. Great location and climbing areas. But vehicle sites are very level.
TravelerYou would like the perfect location - reserve site 231 - at the end of- right by lake - cool breeze comes right into your camp
RangerThis campground provides an off the main road and in the woods experience. Tents have grassy spots and elevated platforms overlooking the area. There are several camper/RV spots along with cabins of various sizes. A calm creek runs through the property and within minutes of the New River National Park visitor center, downtown Fayetteville, and other adventure businesses.
TravelerEasy to get to, parking and bathrooms nearby, kayak access, 3+ mile trail access, cell service is reliable
Camping options near Ethel, West Virginia range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations across the hilly Appalachian terrain. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet, making for cooler summer nights than surrounding lowland areas. Winter camping remains limited to a few year-round facilities, with temperatures typically dropping below freezing from December through February.
Hiking trail systems: Chief Logan State Park maintains several well-marked paths for various skill levels. "I hiked the Coal Mine Trail with remnants of the coal industry decaying in the forest, then continued on the Wilderness Trail which gives you a nice view of the surrounding mountains," noted a visitor who appreciated the park's maintenance.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: During spring and fall, wildlife activity increases throughout the region's campgrounds. "There's a small wildlife center where you can see bears, bobcats and raptors in enclosures for a $2.00 donation. The caretaker helped me get some nice photos of the bears by putting some honey and peanut butter on the fence around their enclosure," reports one camper.
Swimming options: Most local swimming areas close after Labor Day and reopen Memorial Day weekend. "I didn't get to try the Chief Logan swimming pool, but it looked amazing with a giant slide, high dive and kiddie pool. There's also a stocked fishing pond in this park," a camper mentioned.
Secluded campsites: Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground offers more private camping spots than many facilities in the region. "Sites are reasonably spaced. Some are wooded, others are out in open," explains one reviewer, noting the balance of options.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. "The bathhouse has heated, clean showers (score!). Digging this campground because it's open year round and the hiking trails are plentiful," reports a camper about Twin Falls Resort State Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Backwoods Camping & RV Park provides recreational facilities suitable for children. "Several cabins, RV spots and grassy tent areas. The staff are very easy to work with - they will sell and chop the wood you need, let you put your tent in any of the open grass areas around the lot and they are flexible on arrival," notes a visitor.
Seasonal availability: Most of the best places to camp near Ethel, West Virginia operate from April through October, with limited winter options. "We stayed for one night when passing through. Nice big sites with lots of trees. Bathroom has nice showers with good pressure/hot water," explains a visitor to East Fork.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds feature steep grades and sharp turns. "Make sure your truck/vehicle towing is not underrated for what you're pulling as it is a lot of big uphill elevation and tons of windy roads and tight turns," warns a Twin Falls Resort State Park camper.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. "Very well taken care of with plenty of trails to hike and sights to see," notes a camper about Twin Falls Resort State Park, making it a popular destination requiring advance planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ethel, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ethel, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Ethel, WV and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Ethel, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ethel, WV is Chief Logan State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ethel, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ethel, WV.
What parks are near Ethel, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Ethel, WV that allow camping, notably R.D. Bailey Lake and East Lynn Lake.
Keep Exploring
