Campgrounds surrounding Victor, West Virginia provide access to diverse outdoor recreation in the Appalachian mountain terrain, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal transitions with warm summers reaching mid-80s and cooler fall nights dropping into the 40s. Many campgrounds offer walk-in tent sites alongside RV accommodations, providing flexible options for different camping styles throughout the Kanawha Valley.
What to do
Fishing access: Summersville Lake at Mountain Lake Campground offers catch-and-release fishing. "My husband enjoyed the catch and release lake for some catfishing," mentions one visitor to Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds, which features its own fishing lake with a fountain.
Disc golf course: Chestnut Creek Campground provides a disc golf course within its wooded grounds. The facility is "dog-friendly" and "has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course," according to a reviewer, making it ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts seeking activities beyond hiking.
Water activities: New River Campground provides direct river access with boat launch facilities. "There is a boat ramp right next to it!" notes one camper. The riverside location allows for kayaking, with another visitor commenting, "I love bringing my kayak here to paddle around!"
What campers like
Lake views: The waterfront sites at Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds receive consistent praise. "We had a lake front spot, and the view is everything you'd imagine and more," writes one camper, while another mentions watching "the resident swan swim around the fountain."
Secluded spots: At Rifrafters Campground, campers can find more private areas away from the main grounds. "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity," notes one visitor who appreciated the quieter section.
Spacious pull-through sites: Campers at Rippling Waters appreciate the generous site sizing. One reviewer described their site as "the longest I've ever seen, it's basically a long driveway that leads back out to the road," adding that the lakefront positioning enhanced their experience.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Kanawha State Forest, "Don't expect to have signal. I'm on tmobile and I had an occasional bar. Starlink worked allright if ai aimed it properly through the trees," reports one camper.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. For New River Campground, one visitor notes, "It's right off the main road, no one should have any trouble getting back there and in their spot." However, Mountain Lake Campground has more difficult terrain: "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out."
Bath facility variations: Bathroom quality differs between campgrounds. Rifrafters receives positive remarks: "The bathrooms were clean and well maintained." Conversely, at Mountain Lake Camping and Cabins, a camper reports that "the men's facility was dirty and without paper towels up until the day we left."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers multiple play areas throughout the property. "We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup," shares a visitor.
Child-friendly amenities: Mountain Lake provides various activities for children. "They had a mini golf course, a small pool, a jumping pad, and an ice cream shop in the general store," notes one parent who visited with their four-year-old.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can enjoy nature observation at several campgrounds. At Mountain Lake, one camper reported, "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" This provides natural educational opportunities for children during their stay.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Saint Albans Roadside Park, RVers can access free overnight parking with electricity. "Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max," explains one RVer, though space is limited.
Electrical service considerations: Power capacity varies between campgrounds. At Mountain Lake, one camper reported, "A/C power was an issue. 1 camper had 30 amp breaker blow 2 days in a row and my 50 amp ran A.C. units fan but didn't cool all day."
Water quality notes: Water systems at some campgrounds may have treatment issues. At Rippling Waters, one camper noted, "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."
