Camping cabins near Nitro, West Virginia sit within the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 600-1,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures reaching into the high 80s and winter lows below freezing. Most cabin accommodations remain available year-round with peak visitation occurring between May and October when seasonal attractions operate at full capacity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds, the lake provides catch-and-release fishing directly from campground shores. "We watched the resident swan swim around the fountain and I got to play with my camera perfecting my skills with day and night shots of the Chapel. My husband enjoyed the catch and release lake for some catfishing," notes one visitor.
Water recreation: The lake at Beech Fork State Park serves as a central recreation area with multiple access points for kayaking. "The lake is the center of activity. We saw lots of wildlife (check bird migration schedules!). There's a huge campground with cabins and lots to do in the park and nearby," explains a camper who visited the park. The park also features a swimming pool during summer months.
Playground access: Parents appreciate the multiple playground options available at several campgrounds. At Ole Henry's Camping Retreat, "The playground area has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is 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."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority. At Rifrafters Campground, "The bathrooms were very nice and clean! The owners were also great. It was pouring when we checked in and they gave us a different tent site than originally booked so that we had a shelter out of the rain to set up our tent."
Helpful staff: Campground personnel receive positive reviews for their assistance. "We checked in around 7 pm and they walked us to our site AND helped us back in! This was our first trip with this camper and it was such a help after a day of driving in the rain," reports a Rifrafters visitor.
Lake views: Many campers specifically request waterfront sites. At Little Coal River Campground, sites near the water provide both recreational access and scenic views. "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," notes one reviewer.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds in the region. At Huntington/Fox Fire KOA, "The only thing I didn't like was that it was close to the interstate and you could hear the traffic all night. If you want convenience, though, this is good since it is close to the interstate."
Cell service varies: Digital connectivity fluctuates significantly between properties. A camper at Beach Fork Lake notes, "The good... peaceful, nice lake with some spots next to the lake. The bad... not much of a camp store, the wifi is horrible, no Verizon service."
Site conditions: Terrain and site preparation differ between campgrounds. One overnight visitor commented about Fox Fire KOA: "Ok for overnight stop. Pros: 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer. Cons: Gravel pad, Sites close together."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Natural swimming areas provide alternatives to pools. At Ole Henry's, "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults." This reduces cost compared to waterparks in the region.
Kid-friendly activities: Beech Fork State Park organizes regular programs for younger campers. "During the evening hours they offered kid friendly activities like slip and slide," mentions a family camper. The park also includes "extremely nice paved walking trails, parks, playgrounds, basketball court and pool."
Arcade games: Some campgrounds maintain recreation buildings with indoor options. "They have a nice Park Head quarters with a general store that has grocery items, firewood, and cool souvenirs. There was even a retro arcade with games, air hockey and claw machines which the kids enjoyed," reports a visitor to Beach Fork State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers recommend choosing sites away from main traffic areas when possible. At Fox Fire KOA, "We had one of the back in sites which was nice because there was nothing but woods behind us," notes one RVer.
Level pads: Parking surface quality varies considerably between campgrounds. "The site was fairly level, had to use a few blocks on the driver side," reports an RVer who stayed at Rippling Waters. Many sites feature gravel pads rather than concrete, which can become muddy after rain.
Water quality: Some locations have noticeable water treatment. A visitor to Rippling Waters mentioned: "Water also had a strong odor of chlorine. After showers I felt like I was just getting out of a pool. So keep that in mind, might want a filter besides the typical blue filters."
