Tent camping near Ethel, West Virginia offers a mix of primitive and developed camping experiences at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 feet in the Appalachian region. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer evenings dropping into the 60s even after warm days. Camping sites typically feature uneven terrain with rocky outcroppings and mixed hardwood forest cover providing natural boundaries between many campsites.
What to do
Trail hiking near riverside camping: The South Side Junction Trail starts near Brooklyn Campground and leads to the historic coal mining town of Thurmond. As camper Aspen H. notes, "South side junction trail is right there and leads to thurmond; an almost abandoned coal mining town."
Kayaking on mountain lakes: Located about 15 miles from Ethel, Plum Orchard Lake WMA offers calm waters surrounded by mountain terrain. One visitor shared that it's a "Great place for kayaking on a beautiful lake nestled in the mountains of Fayette county."
Disc golf between camping sessions: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond standard hiking. Chestnut Creek Campground features a disc golf course on the property. A camper noted, "Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course" among the amenities available to guests between climbing or hiking adventures.
What campers like
Natural separation and privacy: The wooded settings at Chestnut Creek Campground create natural boundaries. According to Debra W., "There are lots of trees in between many of the sites for great privacy." This layout allows campers to enjoy their own space while still being part of a camping community.
River views with natural sounds: Brooklyn Campground offers direct river views, though campers should expect occasional train noise. Brittany S. explains, "the riverfront spot is perfect and it's a quite secluded campground! And who can beat the price! Note for light sleepers: there is an active railroad across the river."
Clean bathroom facilities: Despite being in remote settings, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club, a camper reported, "Super clean bathrooms and flat platforms for tent camping. It's a little pricey in my opinion but it's easy to get to and close to lots of climbing."
What you should know
Seasonal operations affect availability: Many of the best tent camping spots near Ethel operate on limited schedules. During off-season visits, expect reduced services. One camper at Chestnut Creek noted, "We didn't have reservations but the manager told us to text him when we arrived after hours. Charge was per person not per site, but reasonable at $15. This seams to be common practice in the area."
Access challenges for some vehicles: Some campgrounds have rough access roads or steep terrain. At Stone Cliff Campground, one visitor warned, "So we had no idea there was a steep gravel decline to get to the camp site. My wife and I had brought our hatchback instead of our SUV- so our fault, but if this had been mentioned somewhere then we would have known."
Water considerations: Potable water availability varies between campgrounds. At Plum Orchard Lake WMA, a visitor advised, "The water at the site is not potable, so plan accordingly. Latrines are provided." Always bring additional water or purification methods when camping in this region.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with clean facilities: Families especially appreciate reliable bathroom facilities. At Chestnut Creek Campground, a family camper reported, "The bathrooms are clean and spacious to accommodate the number of campers."
Consider noise factors when selecting sites: Train noise affects some riverside campgrounds. At Stone Cliff, one visitor mentioned, "We were hanging some hammock stapes up on our last evening and saw the largest spider I've ever seen in the hollow of one of the trees at the campsite. If spiders aren't your thing consider another site."
Pick sites with level ground for tents: Family camping requires adequate space for multiple tents. Linda L. shared about her experience at Chestnut Creek: "Stayed here 2 nights with all our children and grandchildren. We had a great couple days with rain at times. Site was large with lots of trees."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options in immediate area: The best tent camping near Ethel, West Virginia generally doesn't accommodate larger RVs. Most campgrounds cater to tent campers with limited amenities for recreational vehicles. Lisa K. noted about Chestnut Creek: "This is a very nice little campground set up for tents, hammock campers and some car campers. No hook-ups. Definitely not for RVs or Camper trailers."
Consider tent platforms for challenging terrain: At New River Gorge Campground, wooden platforms provide level surfaces for tents in the rocky terrain. A visitor explained, "each site has a wooden tent platform (10'x10') to set up on, which is a huge plus since the ground is so uneven throughout."
Self-sufficient camping required: Most tent-focused sites near Ethel lack RV hookups or dump stations. Campers with small camper vans should bring all necessary supplies. At Plum Orchard, a visitor advised about the gravel roads: "Long, bumpy dirt road to reach the campsite—it could be fun in the right vehicle."
