RV campgrounds near Spencer, West Virginia offer a range of options for campers and travelers passing through the Appalachian region. The area features elevation changes from 700 to 1,200 feet, with campgrounds often situated along rivers or lakes that provide fishing and water recreation opportunities. Summer temperatures typically range from 75°F to 85°F with moderate humidity while fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage displays.
What to do
Boating and fishing opportunities: At Statts Mills Campground you can access O'brien Lake directly from the campground. "It's a nice little campground on a hill. Right beside the area for camping is the parking lot where you can put in boats into O'brien Lake. There seems to be an abundance of deer in the area," notes a camper.
Water activities: The campgrounds at Battle Run provide access to Summersville Lake, offering swimming, boating, and fishing. "Summerville Lake is surrounded by cliffs topped by trees. Perfect for exploring by boat. Lots of wildlife, nice beach. Tent sites spaced well, privacy varies site to site. Some sites are at the edge of the lake so you can dock your boat just 10 feet from your tent," according to one visitor.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds have access to nearby hiking trails through the surrounding Appalachian foothills. "Great Place if you like to hike. Wonderful trails. The people are nice and It's beautiful," states a Battle Run camper, highlighting the outdoor recreation opportunities beyond water activities.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Campers appreciate the waterfront locations at many RV parks in Spencer. At Elk River Camp and RV Park, visitors enjoy the natural setting. "Beautiful RV Park. Wonderful sites for parking your RV. Very well lit with very modern water and electric hook ups. All slips have a fire pit, bar-b-que grill and picnic tables. The park is right on the beautiful Elk River where you can swim, float or kayak," one camper reports.
Affordable overnight options: The Saint Albans Roadside Park offers free electric hookups for RVs, making it a popular stopover. "Wonderful overnight stop. Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max," says a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campers note the well-maintained facilities at local campgrounds. At Battle Run, "Beautiful campground with several site right on the lake. Has a large beach area and bathhouses are cleaned regularly. Water is super clean," according to a regular visitor.
What you should know
Narrow roads and access issues: Some campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. At Elk River Camp and RV Park, one camper noted, "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions."
Limited services: Many smaller RV parks have partial amenities. DaLazyBear offers a more secluded experience but with convenient access to necessities. "DaLazyBear Campground is new to the Dyrt and offers campers tent or partial hookup RV sites," explains a reviewer who appreciated the balance of seclusion with nearby amenities.
Varying site conditions: Site quality can differ significantly between campgrounds and even within the same park. "This was the most neglected campground I have ever seen. The swings were all broken and on the ground in the playground, the picnic tables were broken and falling apart, the grass had not been cut," reported a visitor to Statts Mills Campground, highlighting the importance of checking recent reviews.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. Saint Albans Roadside Park provides family-friendly facilities. "There is a fenced in playground that is very nice," notes a visitor who appreciated this amenity for kids.
Swimming options: Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds has water features appropriate for children. "Fantastic campground! Staff was super friendly and we were escorted to our camp site. Facilities a little dated but clean! Pool area was clean!" reports a family that tent camped there.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Rippling Waters, one camper shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: RVers should note the specific hookup configurations at campgrounds. At Harris RV Park, "Small privately owned campground about 15 min off I-77. We stopped for an overnight on our way north. Right on the Ohio River. Tight spots, but pretty level. Full hookup alone is worth more than 25 bucks. Cash or Check only," advises a visitor.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds have strong water pressure that requires regulation. At Rippling Waters, a reviewer suggests, "The water is pretty strong so you may want to use a regulator. Water also had a strong odor of chlorine."
Big rig accessibility: Larger RVs face challenges at some campgrounds. Statts Mills Campground received this caution from a visitor: "The entrance does not accommodate an RV or a large camper even though the owner said it did." Always call ahead to confirm access for larger vehicles.
