Campers seeking pet-friendly experiences near Point Pleasant, West Virginia have access to multiple camping options along the Ohio River basin. The region sits at approximately 580 feet above sea level in the Appalachian Plateau, with camping areas distributed across both sides of the Ohio River. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with higher humidity levels and occasional thunderstorms common during peak camping season from May through September.
What to do
Paddle on Lake Hope: At Lake Hope State Park Campground, campers can enjoy flatwater activities on the lake. "The hiking and exploring are great! The trails are superb... tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn," notes Dave V. The park also offers kayak rentals at the beach area.
Visit historic sites: The Point Pleasant area contains several historical attractions within short driving distance of campgrounds. Near Hocking Hills State Park Campground, visitors can explore unique geological formations. "To be clear, the hiking and exploring are great! It's nice and close to my home," writes one reviewer who appreciated the proximity to trails and caves.
Wildlife viewing: Wildlife observation opportunities abound at Farver Acres, where the natural setting attracts various species. "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," according to Hannah.
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Some campers prefer the quieter, less developed areas. "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," reports a visitor to Farver Acres.
Family-friendly environments: Kountry Resort Campground offers amenities specifically designed for families with children. "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," notes Jeremiah S., highlighting the family appeal despite dated facilities.
Water recreation access: Many campgrounds provide lake access for fishing and boating. According to Robert M., Krodel Park offers "Fishing, camping, hiking. Beautiful Point Pleasant WV." Another camper mentions, "Nice lake and splash pool for the kids. Paved 1 mile path around the lake."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Campground bathroom quality ranges significantly throughout the region. At Gallia County Junior Fairgrounds, "Public bathrooms do have hot showers but the restrooms could use a cleaning," according to Molly A. Another camper notes, "Bath house is typical fair bath house."
Payment methods: Many campgrounds in the area require cash payment. At Krodel Park, campers should be prepared for "Cash only or check is also a bit inconvenient and archaic in 2025," as noted by Luna L.
Site conditions: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Sites are close together in rows. No obstructing foliage. Each site has electric, water and sewer," describes one camper about Gallia County Junior Fairgrounds, while others mention the challenging terrain at Lake Hope: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas that appeal to children. "The park features a lake that looks to be artificial. Maybe an old gravel quarry? The terrain around the lake is nicely landscaped. There is a paved path along the shore, along with picnic tables and shelters," writes Alex M. about Krodel Park.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "This is not a particularly quiet or restful campground. The day use area around the lake was hopping, with people coming and going well into the night," notes a Krodel Park visitor. Others mention road and rail noise at certain sites.
Check campground activities: Huntington / Fox Fire KOA offers scheduled events for children. "They had so much for kids to do: a swimming pond with inflatables, gem mining, banana bikes, and more. They showed a movie at 9pm on a big inflatable movie screen outside," according to Zach H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: For RVs, site dimensions and levelness are critical considerations. "The sites are very tight and hard to pull into, but thankfully someone came out and noticed us having trouble and helped us pull in," explains a Krodel Park visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "We picked Site 117, which was fairly flat (one block to level)," notes Charles about Gallia County Junior Fairgrounds, which provides an open field with numerous full hookup sites suitable for RVs.
Seasonal facilities: Many facilities operate seasonally. "Camp store wasn't open yet for the season no other staff was seen except one guy cleaning on loop A," notes a visitor to Forked Run State Park, indicating the importance of checking seasonal availability before arrival.
