Camping areas near Letart, West Virginia consist primarily of state parks and privately operated facilities within a 45-mile radius. Situated in Mason County along the Ohio River, this region experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 80-85°F and moderate precipitation. Winter camping remains possible at several year-round facilities, though temperatures typically drop to 20-30°F from December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hope State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots along its lake where catfish are particularly active. One camper notes, "Lake Hope gave me a new way to experience an area I grew very close to and appreciate but cannot stand the swarms of people."
Kayaking: Forked Run State Park Campground has boat rentals available on their lake, though rentals can be costly. A visitor mentioned, "There is plenty to do with fishing and hiking. A lot of people in the area mainly go for swimming or to play frisbee golf."
Frisbee golf course: Accessible from multiple campgrounds, the disc golf course provides an alternative activity. According to one review, "site: wooded. scenic. some sites more private than others. some slightly sloped sites. attractions: rural area. lake. disc golf. fishing. swimming. hiking."
Morning lake walks: Several campgrounds feature walkable paths around their lakes. At Krodel Park Campground, "There is a paved 1 mile path around the lake," making it convenient for morning exercise with dogs.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Letart see significantly fewer visitors during weekdays. According to one Lake Hope reviewer, "Each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites."
Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. At Farver Acres, "The wildlife here is abundant and delightful. The natural surroundings are simply breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking solitude."
Nature programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities focusing on local wildlife. One visitor to Lake Hope noted, "The naturalists feed hummingbirds at the nature center. They pull the feeders for awhile leading up to a 'Feed the Hummingbirds' program. So cool! The birds come right to you!"
Private camping options: For those seeking isolation with their dogs, smaller campgrounds provide more seclusion. "Our stay at this incredible campground was nothing short of magical. With three spacious gravel sites nestled in a quiet, serene setting, it truly felt like our own private escape from the world."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary widely: Facilities range from modern to primitive across dog-friendly campgrounds near Letart. At Lake Hope State Park Campground, "Bathhouse had good pressure and hot water in mens bathhouse 1 but womens had low pressure, bath house 2 had low to no pressure at times, but were very clean and nice."
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate seasonally, with limited winter access. Krodel Park operates "Apr 1 to Oct 31," while others like Forked Run remain open year-round but with reduced services.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites throughout the region require leveling equipment. One camper at Lake Hope reported, "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level."
Cash-only policies: Some facilities have limited payment options. A Krodel Park visitor noted, "Cash only or check is also a bit inconvenient and archaic in 2025."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits: Families with dogs find weekdays or shoulder seasons offer more space and quieter conditions. A Lake Hope camper shared, "Granted...I am usually camping during the week...but its a ghost town. Which is fine by me...solitude...peace and quiet."
Playground options: Kountry Resort Campground has play areas though they need updating. "There are a lot of amenities but they need updated. The playgrounds need replaced. The activities building had a pool and game room area, which we used a lot."
Local day trips: Small towns within driving distance provide family-friendly diversions. "We did a couple day trips down to Pomeroy, which is a nice little river town with ice cream, playgrounds, and shops less than five miles from the campground."
Varied water activities: Multiple options exist for water recreation with children and dogs. A Forked Run visitor mentioned, "What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish. These type aren't able to sting you."
Tips from RVers
Late arrival challenges: Arriving after dark creates navigation difficulties at some dog-friendly facilities. A Krodel Park camper noted, "Pulled in late at night around 9pm, map was slightly confusing and our site number was facing the opposite direction of what you would think. The sites are very tight and hard to pull into."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully based on specific needs. At Hocking Hills State Park Campground, "Ironically, we stayed at the worst campsite there, it was downslope, and they had recently cut down many trees and the site was a muddy mess. Every single other campsite (and we drove the whole thing) they were perfect."
Connectivity issues: Internet and phone access varies significantly. At Lake Hope, expect "No internet or phone service so great to disconnect," while Farver Acres offers "fast campsite internet."
Electric hookup variations: Not all sites provide equal power options. A Krodel visitor mentioned, "Sites are very close together but have power, water and sewer," while at other campgrounds, electrical service may be limited or unavailable.
