Camping near Napier, West Virginia offers access to Burnsville Lake, a 968-acre reservoir surrounded by hardwood forests at 789 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures with occasional rainfall. Sites are often situated on sloping terrain, requiring leveling equipment for RVs and careful tent placement.
What to do
Fishing from shore or boat: Bulltown Campground provides excellent lake access for anglers. "Family friendly. Clean campground. Good fishing," reports Andrew S., who notes the campground has walking trails leading directly to fishing spots.
Swimming at designated areas: Beach swimming is available at several locations around the lake. At Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins, "the beach was nice, we definitely enjoyed it," according to Fred J., who recommends visiting Serenity Point for sunset views across the water.
Historical exploration: Civil War history enthusiasts can explore the Bulltown Historic Area near the campground. "There's a historical area that's really neat," notes Elaine L., who visited with her family and appreciated the educational opportunities alongside camping.
Hiking forest trails: Multiple trail networks provide access to the surrounding forests. "Trails were never nicely marked and well cleared," mentions Ronnie B. about Mountain Lake Campground's network, suggesting guests verify trail conditions before planning extensive hikes.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds in the Napier area feature well-designed sites. At Flatwoods KOA, "Spacious set up. Very clean and nice rv sites. Each site has a firelight and picnic table," according to Todd S., who appreciated the thoughtful layout.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Napier campgrounds support diverse wildlife. "Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures," reports Mike C. from his stay at Seneca State Forest, showcasing the abundant wildlife opportunities.
Quiet environment: Despite growing popularity, many sites remain peaceful. "We were searching for a quite place to stay. Typically we like dispersed camping but after not finding much in the area we splurged for this KOA. We were pleasantly surprised it was quite empty," shares Samantha L., who enjoyed the tranquility even at a more developed campground.
Lakefront camping: Sites with direct water views are highly sought after. "We stayed right next to lake. Good clean bathroom and campground. Hosts do great job," mentions malena B. about her family's experience at Bulltown Campground, highlighting the benefit of waterfront sites.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have reported water issues. At Flatwoods KOA, Laura H. advises, "Make sure you run the water lines to clear them out before hooking up. The water quality is very poor. We filled up a jug of water for travel day without the filters when leaving and it was completely contaminated."
Limited amenities at some sites: While luxury options exist, many campgrounds offer basic facilities. At Tygart Lake State Park Campground, "Almost all sites are walk-ups, which is NOT noted on their site. Also, almost all sites are on a hill," reports Sheila P., suggesting campers arrive early for better site selection.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. Rebecca F. notes that Flatwoods KOA has "great cell phone service for Verizon," while other campgrounds may have limited or no service, requiring advance planning for communication needs.
Weather preparedness: Summer storms can impact camping experiences. Jeremiah S. recalls, "A huge storm rolled through with 40/50 mph winds. We had a little heads up thanks to buying a day of WiFi but most people were caught flat footed. We saw 30 plus awnings and canopies destroyed," emphasizing the need for weather monitoring and secure setups.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: For parents with young children, select sites near play areas. Nick C. from Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins recommends, "We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer both lake and pool swimming. At Stonewall Resort State Park Campground, Jeremiah S. notes, "The lodge amenities are top notch with a heated pool that only costs a daily charge to use on top of camping," providing options for families with different swimming preferences.
Wildlife awareness: Wildlife encounters are common in the area. Elaine L. from Bulltown Campground shares, "We saw deer and a skunk came up to our site twice," reminding families to secure food and teach children wildlife safety protocols.
Rainy day alternatives: Plan for indoor activities during inclement weather. Mountain Lake Campground offers facilities like "shower houses, laundromats, pools, ice cream store, and playgrounds," according to Christopher S., providing options when outdoor activities aren't possible.
