Camping near Vienna, West Virginia offers access to multiple state parks and forests throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley region. The area sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers at approximately 600-700 feet elevation, with surrounding hills rising to 1,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide more moderate conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Burr Oak State Park provides access to a 664-acre lake where visitors can rent pontoons or kayak during warmer months. "The lake was nice but I am not sure if they recently had some weather that caused it to be pretty brown/muddy, or if that's normal," notes Shane T.
Trail exploration: The North Bend Rail Trail offers 72 miles of converted railway path ideal for hiking and biking. A visitor explains, "North Bend State Park is located at the halfway point of the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, so it's a great camping spot for hikers, bikers and horseback riders who want to explore this scenic trail which crosses 35-bridges and cuts through 11-tunnels."
Water recreation: Forked Run State Park features a man-made sandy beach on their lake with unique aquatic wildlife. Andrew S. mentions, "What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish. These type aren't able to sting you."
What Campers Like
Affordable waterfront sites: Harris RV Park offers budget-friendly camping directly on the Ohio River. One camper notes, "Right on the Ohio River. Tight spots, but pretty level... Did I mention we're right on the Ohio River with full hookup for $25 a night?! Full hookup alone is worth more than 25 bucks."
Historic features: Hune Bridge Campground includes access to a historic covered bridge and creek setting. "Adorable little campground, with a historic covered bridge and lovely creek in the backyard. There are 4 campsites and a vault toilet that is relatively clean and well-stocked," reports Shari G.
Bike-friendly options: The campgrounds near River Run provide direct access to rail trails. William B. states, "This humble campground is located on the 'Haunted' North Bend Rail to Trail. It was easy check in with a friendly staff. Great place to stay with plenty of room to enjoy yourself."
What You Should Know
Facility conditions vary: Older state park campgrounds may have dated bathrooms. At Forked Run, Sandra S. reports, "This park campground is nice, but lost in time. Outhouses are gross. Usable, but gross. No water hook ups, but a place to fill your tank behind water fountains."
Limited privacy: Some sites at Mountwood Park Family Campground have minimal separation. A camper notes, "All of the campsites were on a slope. There were coke bottles and styrofoam plates in the burn pit. We had roaches up on our table checking out our food."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited services in shoulder seasons. "Camp store wasn't open yet for the season no other staff was Seen except one guy cleaning on loop A," reports a visitor to Forked Run in May.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for play areas: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Vienna offer dedicated recreation spaces. At North Bend State Park, a camper notes, "North Bend State Park would be good for kids because they have playgrounds, mini-golf and an outdoor swimming pool."
Consider cabin options: Ashland RV Park allows tent camping with electrical hookups for family comfort. "While an RV park, you can also tent camping with the amenities, making it really nice. Electrical hookups and water at your site, plus clean bathrooms and a shower house on the property," explains Jackie D.
Choose sites strategically: Some campgrounds offer better family-friendly sites than others. At River Run Campground, a visitor recommends, "We had a wonderful time. The property was very clean and family oriented. Nice spacing at our site in particular. I would also recommend sites 10, 11, 17, 19, 13, and 14."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds near Vienna have limited space for large rigs. "You can rent the tiny cabins ($40 nightly) up on the top of the hill if you desire. They were rented and filled during my visit, surrounded with trailers filled with quads," explains a visitor to Mountwood Park.
Hookup availability: Blennerhassett RV Park offers full hookups with weekly and monthly rates. A camper shares, "The owner was great. I called when I was on my way, he gave me a space number, and I was able to go straight to it. Weekly and monthly pricing is great too."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at several campgrounds. At Forked Run, a reviewer cautions, "Camping is deserted pretty much on weekdays and on weekends the same people camp in the same spots a lot, probably because most spots are not level."
