Camping in the Walker, West Virginia region takes place among rolling, forested hills of the Ohio Valley with elevations ranging between 600-800 feet. Summer temperatures typically average between 75-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional precipitation. Campgrounds in this area frequently close between November and April due to winter conditions, with many visitors noting that optimal camping weather occurs during September when humidity decreases but temperatures remain comfortable.
What to do
Rail trail exploration: The North Bend Rail Trail offers 72 miles of converted railroad corridor with multiple tunnels and bridges. According to a camper at River Run Campground, "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."
Paddling opportunities: North Bend Lake and the Hughes River provide water recreation options. A visitor to River Run Campground mentioned, "I paddled on the North Bend Lake which was extremely peaceful and beautiful, with the colors of fall surrounding me on all sides. I brought my own kayak, but they had boats for rent."
Fishing access: Multiple water bodies support fishing throughout the camping season. At Forked Run State Park Campground, "On the border with West Virginia. There aren't really sites on the water but there's a nice path to the lake from the camp sites and lots of deer. We spent most of the time on the water (there's a power limit on the boats)."
Mountain biking: Several trail systems cater to mountain bikers of varying skill levels. A camper at Mountwood Park Family Campground noted, "If bombing mountain bike trails is your thing, then across the highway from the campground is your dream."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many campers prefer waterfront locations for direct river access. A recent visitor to River Run Campground shared, "We were at site 13, right on the water. Check-in was easy and the staff was very friendly! Plenty of ice and firewood at the store and a cute little gift shop."
Spacious layouts: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. As one camper at River Run Campground observed, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. A visitor to Cokeley Campground mentioned, "Winding down to River Run, deer in abundance were lining the the roadway, so use care."
Trail accessibility: Direct access to hiking and biking trails ranks highly with visitors. A camper noted, "The campground was pretty packed for much of the weekend, but it never got too loud. Bathrooms are clean and the sites seem pretty spacious. I was at site 2, which is on a slight incline, but it didn't matter too much because I camp in a teardrop so keeping it level isn't an issue. Wifi and Verizon cell were both strong. Easy access to the rail trail and close to the river."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Approach directions significantly impact travel difficulty. A camper at Cokeley Campground warned, "Do not follow GPS to get to North Bend SP(Cokeley or River Run) Call the park office directly. 304-643-2931. GPS took us up some nasty horse-shoe hills!"
Campsite topography: Many sites feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Forked Run State Park, one camper observed, "Sites are very bad for tent camping and not the bet for RV's. Back ins are sort and most sites have no level ground even for the picnic table or fire ring."
Facility conditions vary: Shower and restroom quality differs significantly between campgrounds. A motorcycle camper at River Run Campground reported, "Review from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along a stream on one side and campsite access road on the other. Clean and well maintained with super nice staff. Had a $6 bundle of firewood delivered to my campsite."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. At Ashland RV Park, a visitor noted, "The highway traffic can be a little loud in the morning if you're on that side of the property, but who wants to sleep when there are trails to hit! The owner was very friendly and available when needed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At River Run Campground, "We had a wonderful time. The Park is great and we have stayed at lodge 4 times before but this was first camping trip. We stayed during historic heat wave but kept cool in the river, the pool, and with the ice cream store nearby."
Swimming options: Both pools and natural water features provide cooling off opportunities. A Forked Run State Park visitor mentioned, "This state park has a beautiful lake and a nice beach. There are boat rentals and a frisbee golf course. Overall, this part of the park is beautiful."
Multi-activity sites: Campgrounds with diverse recreation options work best for mixed-age groups. One camper at River Run Campground shared, "Lots to do in the park, Great camping sites, easily accessible trails."
Lodge alternatives: For families wanting camping proximity without tent/RV requirements, some parks offer lodging. According to a River Run Campground visitor, "It was wonderful for our RV and family staying in their beautiful cabins."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers should research site dimensions before booking. At Blennerhassett RV Park, a traveler reported, "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."
Hook-up availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Cokeley Campground noted, "Campground is very nice and well maintained. Sites have electricity and water; dump station is very well done and easily accessible with any RV configuration."
Site spacing considerations: Some locations better accommodate larger rigs than others. One camper at River Run Campground complained, "Beautiful campground but all giant RVs with lights like a Walmart lot at night. Nice Nature Center with attentive rangers. We camp in a tear drop and will not camp here again."
Value options: Several affordable alternatives exist for budget-conscious RVers. At Harris RV Park, a camper observed, "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. Did I mention we're right on the Ohio River with full hookup for $25 a night?!"
