Camping spots near Lake, West Virginia offer diverse experiences across mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet. The region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring through fall the primary camping period. Most campgrounds in this coal country area connect to regional waterways or trail systems, providing both water-based and land-based recreation options.
What to do
Hike local trails: Chief Logan State Park Campground maintains several hiking options including Coal Mine Trail with remnants of the coal industry and Wilderness Trail with mountain views. According to a visitor, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Chief Logan State Park Campground features a wildlife center with bears, bobcats and raptors. "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."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer water activities, particularly during summer months. At East Fork Campground, campers appreciate the water features: "I love their beach area. It's small and easy to keep track of small children." Some campgrounds include swimming areas while others provide access to nearby rivers for fishing.
ATV trail access: Twin Hollow Campground and Cabins provides direct access to local trail systems. One reviewer noted: "Very convenient trail access. Some of the nicest scenery in the area." The campground's location makes it ideal for ATV enthusiasts wanting to explore the Hatfield-McCoy trail system.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds. At Chief Logan, a camper reported: "You won't have to pay a dime to see deer. I spotted dozens of does, bucks and fawns during my stay, so keep your eyes peeled because they don't seem terribly cautious around people or cars."
Recreational facilities: Huntington/Fox Fire KOA offers numerous activities for visitors. As one camper explained: "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."
Convenient locations: Several campgrounds provide strategic access to regional attractions. Rifrafters Campground earned praise for its location: "We chose this campground because it's proximity to the main hub of New River Gorge. It was definitely quick and easy to get to from the main headquarters of the park."
Level camping sites: Many reviews specifically mention site quality. At Chief Logan, a visitor appreciated: "Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over." Site levelness is frequently noted as a positive attribute across various campgrounds.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. Regarding Kanawha State Forest, a visitor warned: "The GPS led us up a gravel road with no signs for miles. Internet and cell service cut out within a mile up that road and we were not sure we were going the right way."
Seasonal limitations: Operating seasons vary significantly. Rifrafters Campground typically operates "April 1 to Nov 1, open all year for RV," which limits tent camping options during winter months. Most campgrounds reduce services during colder months.
Highway noise: Proximity to interstates affects some campgrounds. One Fox Fire KOA visitor noted: "The only downside was that the tent sites are close to the interstate, so there was A LOT of road noise all night." This is especially relevant for light sleepers.
Site spacing: Campsite proximity varies widely between locations. At Rifrafters, a camper observed: "Small sites but full hookups. It would be a nice little place to spend the night if you were in the area doing other things. Not a place to spend a long weekend unless you have other plans around the area."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Ole Henry's Camping Retreat offers multiple options for children. A visitor described: "The playground area has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is plain drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite. They also have a little 55 gallon barrel train ride for little kids."
Safe swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature controlled water access. According to one reviewer: "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide organized activities. At Chief Logan, visitors can enjoy cultural events: "Chief Logan also has an entertainment venue called 'Pickin' In The Park,' where you can hear some local bluegrass music on the weekends."
On-site dining: Having food options at the campground benefits families. At Ole Henry's, a camper noted: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site placement: Backwoods Camping & RV Park offers flexibility for RVers. A visitor explained: "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."
Hookup arrangements: Some campgrounds have unusual utility setups. At Fox Fire KOA, a camper observed: "The hookups are a little strange. You share pedestals in many of the sites. And the arrangement is a little strange but it works."
Size limitations: Larger RVs face restrictions at certain locations. At Kanawha State Forest, a reviewer cautioned: "It is isolated with tight hairpin turn so I wouldn't recommend anything over 28'."
Budget options: For travelers watching costs, Saint Albans Roadside Park offers free RV camping: "Wonderful overnight stop. Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max."
