Best Campgrounds near Nitro, WV

Campgrounds near Nitro, West Virginia range from state forests to riverside parks, offering diverse camping experiences within a short drive. Kanawha State Forest, located just outside Charleston, provides tent and RV camping with electric hookups, drinking water, and showers in a forested mountain setting. Other options include Saint Albans Roadside Park along the Kanawha River and Huntington/Fox Fire KOA in Milton, which features cabins and glamping accommodations in addition to traditional camping. Most established campgrounds in the region maintain facilities like picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms, though amenities vary significantly between locations.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with many campgrounds operating from April through early December. The region experiences typical Appalachian weather patterns with humid summers and mild winters. "Kanawha state forest is nestled in the mountainous Hills of West by God Virginia right on the outskirts of Charleston," noted one visitor, highlighting the proximity of natural settings to urban areas. Road conditions generally allow standard vehicles to reach most developed campgrounds, though some forest roads may become difficult after heavy rainfall. Cell service is reliable near larger towns but can be spotty in more remote camping areas. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly.

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available at campgrounds throughout the region. Water features are particularly popular, with several campgrounds offering access to rivers or lakes. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The sites on the lake are our favorites, but are usually first to fill up. You won't be far from the lake wherever your spot is." Many campgrounds provide family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and organized activities. Highway noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those situated near Interstate 64 or major state routes. Wildlife sightings, including deer, are common at more secluded campgrounds, adding to the outdoor experience. Fishing opportunities exist at several locations, with some offering boat rentals or launch facilities.

Detours Nearby

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FMC Sportsman's Club

FMC Sportsman's Club

7 min away

Farver Acres

Farver Acres

47 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Nitro, West Virginia (80)

    1. Kanawha State Forest

    26 Reviews
    Hernshaw, WV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 558-3500

    $35 - $40 / night

    "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."

    2. Saint Albans Roadside Park

    11 Reviews
    St. Albans, WV
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 722-4625

    "Albans roadside park is for pull behind campers only. No tents allowed. About 6-7 sites for campers."

    "The City of Saint Albans has a roadside park with three RV sites where you can camp for 2-days max in a 14-day period.  The sites are first-come, first-serve, with donations encouraged. "

    3. Huntington / Fox Fire KOA

    19 Reviews
    Ona, WV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 743-5622

    "It has very close proximity to I-64 in West Virginia, and you can hear the traffic pretty clearly."

    "This is a very cozy park tucked in between US60 and I64. We are in site 14 and its not quite level, but they were generous with gravel so the drainage is good! No parking in puddles!"

    4. FMC Sportsman's Club

    2 Reviews
    Winfield, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 757-1165

    "We Stayed on a temporary tent site right beside the bigger lake on the property. There are three lakes total."

    5. Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Victor, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 988-2607

    $55 - $155 / night

    "We tent camp, but walking around, the camping trailers did not appear to be crowded together. For us this is a fantastic place to overnight and will return again when traveling through the area!!"

    "We had a pull thru site by the lake, it had to be about 100 yards long and nicely graveled."

    6. Little Coal River Campground

    1 Review
    Alum Creek, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 369-1951

    $20 - $110 / night

    "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."

    7. Four Coves Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    12 Reviews
    Beech Fork Lake, WV
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757

    "This place is so pretty its positively photogenic! Monday - Wednesday we had our loop all to ourselves. We were visited by geese, ducks and deer."

    "The spots on the lake are our favorites, but are usually first to fill up. You won't be far from the lake wherever your spot is. The full hookup spots are in my opinion most crowded."

    8. Moxley Branch Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    10 Reviews
    Beech Fork Lake, WV
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757

    "I’ve been camping here with my family for close to ten years now and we always have a blast."

    "This campground offers a handful of trails easy to moderate. Pretty lake with ducks everywhere, as well as geese. Saw many deer through out our stay, even some beaters."

    9. Ole Henry's Camping retreat

    1 Review
    Chapmanville, WV
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 524-2600

    $20 / night

    "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. "

    10. Jims Campground

    1 Review
    Ona, WV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 743-4560
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Recent Reviews near Nitro, WV

343 Reviews of 80 Nitro Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Kanawha State Forest

    Beautiful surroundings

    Had an overnight stay here on our way to Red River Gorge. This was a nice stop. Fairly quiet with the exception of an annoying dog that barked incessantly and the campers across from us that had to jump in their car and drive full speed to nowhere every 20 minutes. All night long…. Pick up your firewood elsewhere unless you prefer absurdly small bundles at $8.49 per. We had site 31. Some sites are on the small side. Big rigs beware. All in all, a good spot to rest and enjoy some tree therapy.

  • Renee N.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    The Outpost at New River Gourge

    The Outpost New River Gorge

    First the good: Reservation with Map and Site assignment easy pick up. Bathrooms clean and extremely modern. Quiet and very few mosquitos. Then, the not so great. Sites really tight, all large gravel, clean but really ugly. Right on road. Some Sites no shade.

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Rifrafters Campground

    Great Campground

    We stopped for 2 nights as part of a big cross country trip

    The campground is clean and well maintained

    It is very much built into a big hill- I was a little worried our Avion (similar to airstream) that had low clearance would bottom out as we came in and out of entrance hill to road but we had no issue

    The bathrooms were clean and well maintained

    We stayed on site 9 which we liked - very easy to get in and out of

    Staff were friendly

    Area was gorgeous!

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Chestnut Creek Campground

    Wonderful Hidden Gem

    This campground was perfect for what we needed for a 2 night stay. It was 15 dollars per person per night. They have showers and clean bathrooms just a short walk from any site. All sites are big and you can pick from any available. The host is just a text or call away and he replies very quickly. It was quiet with just faint noise from the highway, but not very noticeable. This campground is less than a mile from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the Bridge and only 15 minutes from Summerville Lake! We would definitely stay here again!

  • A
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Saint Albans Roadside Park

    Sweet spot!

    Wonderful overnight stop. Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max.

  • Judy W.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    New & Gauley River Adventures

    Exhilarating, personal, awesome!

    This is a family run, business that gives back to the community. Our guides, Brian and Mason were efficient, conscientious, and FUN!!! They made the most of every rapid and even tailored the trip especially to our group! Lunch was delicious and the price was perfect. We got every penny’s worth!

  • Angelo V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Kanawha State Forest

    A missed opportunity

    I made the rookie mistake of picking a place at the edge of how far I could travel in a day and didnt get in till after quiet hours. I stayed at site 42 near the back. It was a nice plot with electric, water, picnic table, and campfire right with flip over grill. I didnt get to ise more than the electric due to getting in so late. Lessons learned!

    After you get off the high way expect narrow twists and turns to reach the park, the park itself isnt nearly as bad as the stretch between highway and park enterence.

    There is a central bathroom/house with 2 toilets/showers, all disability friendly(I can only speak for the mens side).

    Dont expect to have signal. Im on tmobile and I had an occasional bar. Starlink worked allright if ai aimed it properly through the trees. The area over the road were fairly open.

    Campsites are all close together and you will be able to see 5+ neighbors from any site in this narrow valley camp ground

  • Bob B.
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oak Hill Campground

    One-Night Adventure: Our Shakedown Trip in the New Travel Trailer

    Campsite Review for Site 6 – Gateway to Wayne National Forest

    Our recent camping trip at this campground was an excellent way to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Wayne National Forest. The serene forest setting provided a perfect backdrop for a relaxing outdoor adventure, with the campground offering all the basics needed for a comfortable stay.

    We stayed at Site 6 in our travel trailer, enjoying the ease of a pull-through site. Although the water and electric hookups are on the opposite side unless you drive through the loop the wrong way, this setup has an unexpected benefit—it faces directly toward the woods. This orientation allowed us to savor the tranquility of the forest, adding a layer of privacy and a more intimate connection with nature.

    While the sites are decently sized, they are closely positioned with minimal separation, which might limit privacy in other areas. However, the majestic surroundings of Wayne National Forest more than make up for this. The proximity to hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and the peaceful ambiance of the trees create an immersive experience that’s hard to beat.

    All in all, this campground is a fantastic base for exploring Wayne National Forest. The combination of basic amenities, convenient access, and the enchanting forest environment makes it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Farver Acres

    A Hidden Gem

    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. We didn’t see another person for four full days — it was such a rare and welcome break from traditional campgrounds.

    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.

    The water pressure at the site was excellent — just be sure to bring a water pressure regulator to ensure a comfortable experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast campsite internet.

    This site would be ideal for a three-family group — plenty of space for everyone to set up comfortably. Site 1 seems to be the biggest.


Guide to Nitro

Camping near Nitro, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore New River Gorge National Park: This park is just a short drive away and is perfect for hiking and whitewater rafting. One visitor mentioned, "Rifrafters is a wonderful family-run campground that was the perfect location for us to explore New River Gorge NP and the surrounding area."
  • Visit Historic Towns: Check out the nearby town of Thurmond, known for its rich railroad history. A camper shared, "Thurmond is a great little historical train town with a nice visitor's center."
  • Hiking Trails: There are numerous trails in the area, including those at Kanawha State Forest. One reviewer noted, "This state forest is expansive with lots of trails popular with mountain bikers."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Babcock State Park said, "The bathhouse is centrally located and there is a very nice playground area."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Chestnut Creek Campground remarked, "Owner is nice and helpful. He gave me good advice on what to see and cool uncommon attractions."
  • Secluded Sites: Campers enjoy the privacy offered by many sites. A review for Kanawha State Forest highlighted, "The sites were spacious and fairly isolated."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Grandview Sandbar, do not offer drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "Campground is free, but you need to bring your own water."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for narrow and winding roads, especially when heading to remote campgrounds. One visitor mentioned, "The roads are riddled with potholes. Careful in low rise cars."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Little Beaver State Park shared, "Lush foliage and fun to identify all the different types of mushrooms. Deer galore!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Babcock State Park said, "The staff are also friendly and attentive. We enjoyed several of the hiking trails and other features like the historic Grist Mill."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Since some campgrounds lack stores, bring enough supplies. One camper at Forked Run State Park noted, "Not many sites are level. Most patrons seem to be local - weekends full of loud music and drinking."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Rifrafters Campground mentioned, "The campground Wi-Fi was awesome! It was strong enough for my wife to work remotely while the kids and I went whitewater rafting."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Huntington / Fox Fire KOA advised, "Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking as sites can be small and hilly."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A visitor at the same KOA noted, "There is car and truck noise all day long and all night too."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to use dump stations available at campgrounds like Kanawha State Forest to avoid issues during your stay. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground does have playgrounds, showers, electric hook-ups, and a dump station."

Camping near Nitro, West Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Nitro, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Nitro, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Nitro, WV and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Nitro, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nitro, WV is Kanawha State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nitro, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Nitro, WV.

What parks are near Nitro, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Nitro, WV that allow camping, notably Beech Fork Lake and East Lynn Lake.