Kanawha State Forest offers 46 campsites seven miles south of Charleston, providing pet-friendly camping near Winfield, West Virginia. The area sits within a 9,300-acre forest featuring over 25 miles of hiking trails with terrain varying from moderate to difficult. Sites range from primitive tent camping to RV spaces with electrical hookups available from April through early December.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: O'brien Lake at Statts Mills Campground provides excellent catfishing opportunities with boat launch access directly adjacent to the camping area. "There seems to be an abundance of deer in the area. Sites have water and electric," notes Andrew S.
Visit historic Point Pleasant: Located 30 minutes from Winfield, Krodel Park Campground serves as an affordable base for exploring local attractions. "Very nice campground with playground, pool, and lake all sites are full hook up," reports Tamara W. The campground is "minutes away from downtown Point Pleasant" and offers kayak rentals on its stocked lake.
Wildlife viewing: Campers can spot local fauna while staying near wooded areas. "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," writes Hannah about her experience camping near the Ohio River.
What campers like
Budget-friendly overnight stops: Saint Albans Roadside Park offers free camping with electric hookups for short stays. "Wonderful overnight stop. Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max," shares Andrea W. This makes it popular for travelers passing through the region.
Peaceful lakefront settings: Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds features sites overlooking a small lake with a fountain. "We stopped for the night on our way home from Tennessee and were placed in a pull thru on the lake. What a spot!! We watched the resident swan swim around the fountain," explains Debbie F.
Access to local stores: Many campgrounds in the area offer convenient access to supplies. "There is a grocery store directly across the road along with several gas stations," mentions Teresa Q. This proximity allows campers to easily restock supplies during longer stays.
What you should know
Road and highway noise: Several campgrounds near Winfield are situated close to major roadways. At Huntington/Fox Fire KOA, "The highway is close and very noisy" according to Joe B. Similarly, Alex M. notes there was "quite a bit of noise from the nearby road and railroad" at another local campground.
Seasonal conditions: Gravel pads at campsites can become problematic during wet weather. "Our site while somewhat level was gravel and wet from day's storm (poor drainage)!" reports Ralph L. Jerry S. adds, "Our site was muddy but it did rain 2 out of 3 days."
Bathroom facility quality varies: Campground bathrooms range significantly in quality and maintenance. "Older showers/toilets could use some updating," Patricia C. mentions. At another location, Alex M. found "it was so dark and dingy that I couldn't tell" if facilities had been cleaned recently.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a fenced in playground that is very nice," Andrew S. shares when describing recreational options at roadside parks in the region.
Swimming options: For summer visits, look for campgrounds with water recreation. "Their swimming lake is pretty fun and provided hours of entertainment for the youngins in our group," William I. recommends.
Movie nights: Some campgrounds organize family-friendly activities. "They showed a movie at 9pm on a big inflatable movie screen outside. Lots of other families there to hang out with," explains Zach H. who visited with his family.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When traveling with larger rigs, carefully review access roads. "The sites are all located along a winding road that parallels a river. Some sites are better than others!" Jacqueline K. advises. For challenging terrain, "Don't stay in 35 with a tent or mobility issues."
Water quality notes: Several campers mentioned water issues at various sites. "The water is pretty strong so you may want to use a regulator. Water also had a strong odor of chlorine. After showers I felt like I was just getting out of a pool," Larry explains.
Cell service limitations: Reception can be spotty in this mountainous region. "Don't expect to have signal. I'm on tmobile and I had an occasional bar," notes Angelo V. This is important for RVers who need to stay connected while traveling.
