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The best camping near Kanawha State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kanawha adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Discover Kanawha State Forest's lush trails and diverse wildlife.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Kanawha State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Kanawha State Forest

100%
(9)

Mountain Magnolia Forest Farm

1 site ¡ RV, Tent8 acres ¡ Fayetteville, WV
8 acres of beautiful forested land with a small creek running nearby the campsite. WALKING distance to New River Gorge National Park! Approx 5min walk across edmond-lansing rd to short creek/head house trail. Hiking to views of the gorge, down to the river and plenty of climbing. Endless wall is 2 min drive down the road, some of the best hiking and climbing in the gorge! Beauty Mountain overlook is 1.5 miles away. Campsite is off of a private neighborhood road. GPS will NOT take you to our place. It will send you to the neighbors, so please follow written directions from host. We don’t want to burden our neighbors. Thank you! There is a small fire ring, bring dry wood and make sure to put your fire completely out anytime you wont be attending it, this is the woods. ALL are welcome. This space is a safe place, and prejudice or hate will not be tolerated. Thank you for treating others with respect and kindness.
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Flat Hollow Farm

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Clendenin, WV
Flat Hollow is a very secluded mountain wilderness area. This hidden gem is a treat for the eyes and a real hideaway from the real world. There is a stocked pond, firepit, outdoor cooking supply, camper hookups, rental cabins, hiking trails, local trout stream, wifi, pet friendly but the main attraction is the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the guaranteed Classic Almost Heaven WV Experience you will get! The location is ideally located 17 miles from the Capitol of West Virginia and 11 miles from the airport! Only a few miles from I-79 and I-77 for people passing through but still want a real mountain wilderness experience. There is now an available Dumping Station!
from 
$10
 / night
Booked 1 time

Riverside Retreats

2 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents100 acres ¡ Alum Creek, WV
Beautiful rustic cabin and campsites along the Little Coal River. Enjoy the unique experience of floating in with your kayak or canoe and staying for the weekend at The Lillian, our newly built cabin or at one of our campsites located on the bank of the river. Enjoy the sounds of the rippling water while snoozing in the shade of the hammock or the nightly whippoorwill’s song as you are relaxing by the warm glow of the campfire. Once you have experienced this slice of “almost heaven” you will most surely not want to leave. BOAT ACCESS ONLY- NO VEHICLE ACCESS - bookings will not be refunded due to site access.
from 
$50
 / night
97%
(17)

Ray's Campground

25 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Hico, WV
Ray's Campground is a picturesque camping facility located in Hico, West Virginia. Nestled in the heart of nature, this campground offers a serene and tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. The campground is situated amidst lush greenery, with towering trees providing shade and a sense of privacy to campers. The natural landscape of the area creates a peaceful atmosphere that allows visitors to unwind and connect with nature. Ray's Campground offers a variety of camping options to cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, you'll find suitable accommodations here. The campground provides spacious campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, allowing you to have a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. One of the highlights of Ray's Campground is its proximity to the scenic New River Gorge National River. This nationally recognized park offers breathtaking views of the New River and its impressive gorge. Visitors can engage in a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural wonders of the area. In addition to the stunning natural surroundings, Ray's Campground provides amenities to enhance your camping experience. The facilities may include clean restrooms with showers, and a communal gathering area where you can socialize with fellow campers. Whether you are seeking solitude in nature or looking to engage in thrilling outdoor adventures, Ray's Campground in Hico, WV, offers a welcoming and scenic environment for a memorable camping getaway.
from 
$10
 / night

Horse Creek Cabins

2 sites ¡ RVs1 acre ¡ Morrisvale, WV
Welcome to our serene campground nestled in the heart of rural West Virginia. Picture yourself surrounded by lush greenery, with the soothing sound of a small creek running alongside your campsite. As you relax by the fire pit, you might catch glimpses of deer grazing in the distance, adding to the tranquil ambiance of nature. Conveniently located just 4 miles from the Hatfield McCoy Trails Ivy Branch Trailhead and a short drive from the Hobet Outlaw Trails, our campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're an avid hiker, biker, or ATV rider, there are plenty of adventures waiting for you just beyond our doorstep. Despite our secluded setting, you're never too far from modern conveniences. Within a 25-minute drive, you can explore the vibrant shopping scene at Southridge in Charleston, WV, where you'll find a plethora of stores and dining options to suit every taste. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at our peaceful campground. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable outdoor experience.
from 
$45
 / night
100%
(3)

Hamilton Farms

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Big Chimney, WV
Our 30 acre farm has plenty of places to stroll or hike. We used to run a show barn but currently only board, hence the 23 stall barn. Charleston, the state capital, has all you need for a fun day of activities, restaurants, shopping and river front. Learn more about this land: Located 15 minutes from downtown Hip Historic Charleston WV. We are a boarding horse farm. There is one location available with electronic and water hookup. In addition there are various other places to park around the farm. In bad weather if you are tent camping you can sleep inside our indoor riding arena which is also where the bathroom is located. Hiking available on property and beyond.
from 
$40
 / night
98%
(27)

Possum Holler Camp- New River Gorge

1 site ¡ RV, Tent3 acres ¡ Victor, WV
Camping at Possum Holler Camp will provide you the perfect blend of solitude and recreation access. You will truly be in the heart of the New River National Park, yet still feel secluded in the beautiful woods without neighbors. You will have private access to beautiful and idyllic Mill Creek, which has many beautiful emerald pools and is even seasonally stocked with rainbow trout! Within a mile you can access the New River Gorge Bridge and the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, and you are equally close to the park's world class climbing, rafting, hiking, ziplining, and mountain biking at the New River Gorge National Park and surrounding areas. Your group will have the entire camp to yourselves, so there's no need to worry about noisy neighbors. Our driveway has recently been revamped to include more flat parking and a less steep access route! While these improvements are great, we still caution our guests to avoid bringing large trailers and to use 4WD if available in an attempt to minimize rutting in the future. We want you to enjoy a lovely campfire, but we ask that you purchase firewood locally because invasive pest species can travel in firewood. Possum Holler Camp is a Leave No Trace campsite, guests are asked to pack out anything they bring in and leave the area undisturbed. This includes damaging vegetation, creating new fire rings, or altering the natural area in any way. Also, please do not camp in the meadow area and only use the cleared out areas in the woods surrounding the parking and picnic/fire area for pitching tents. If you stay below the high water line, then feel free to move as far up or downstream Mill Creek as you like. The creek is indescribably beautiful in both directions! But please keep in mind that there is private property once you are above the high water line, please do not trespass on our neighbor's property.
from 
$69
 / night

Quick Stay

2 sites ¡ RVs1 acre ¡ Elkview, WV
Quick Stay is located one minute below from Flat Hollow Farm. It is located beside a country store that is open 7 days a week! The property is flat with great open parking in the front and back of the rental house. To the side of the house there are 2 30amp plug ins! You can bring the largest 5th wheel they make and you can easily pull up to the plug in. There is a water hose available beside the plug ins. There is a fire pit. Firewood available a small cost. There is Wifi. The trailheads are located all around Quick Stay making this place a dream come true for off road enthusiasts. 16 miles from the Capitol of West Virginia. Quick Stay is also available to rent by the night. It is a very spacious and cozy home suitable for large groups.
from 
$45
 / night

Country-Chic Cottage

3 sites ¡ Lodging17 acres ¡ Charleston, WV
Learn more about this land:This is a stand alone 2 bedroom 1 bath Designer Cottage. It has a fully equipped eat-in kitchen, Living Room with Blue Tooth Electric Fireplace and a Laundry Room with Washer/Dryer. Free WiFi, Floor Furnace, Window Air Conditioning
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$135
 / night
100%
(1)

Bee Glamping Farm

1 site ¡ Lodging26 acres ¡ Victor, WV
You'll love this unique and romantic escape. Just 15 minutes from New River Gorge National Park, 15 minutes from Hawks Nest State Park, and 20 min from the all New Summersville Lake State Park.. at Bee Glamping Farm you will be camping with all the perks.. Your Bell tent includes a Queen size bed, WiFi, small fridge, all ran by solar power.. Cowboy pool/hot tub, Grill, Hot/Cold shower compost toilet.. Lots of back roads for riding your Atv’s (must bring your own, and ride at your own risk)
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$169
 / night
100%
(1)

Taylor Made Farms LLC

1 site ¡ Lodging100 acres ¡ Clay, WV
We are deep in the country, where nature abounds. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, rivers, are all within a mile. Day trips to beautiful WV State Parks, Shopping, Lakes. We have 100 acres to explore with lots of wildlife. We currently have three tiny houses that have beds, half baths with porches and grills
from 
$45
 / night
98%
(123)

Tawney Farm's Wild & Woolly

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents129 acres ¡ Summersville, WV
What says agritourism more than a primitive campground on a sheep farm in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia? Here you’re only a short drive from the New River Gorge National Park where you can go whitewater rafting or take a hike and experience the stunning beauty of the gorge, swim or paddleboard in Summersville Lake or go rock climbing on one of around 150 routes on the crags of the lake. In addition, you’ll be within walking distance of the Gauley River with all it’s wild untamed beauty where you can kayak, swim, fish, paddleboard, or splash in a waterfall. Not to mention being on a sheep farm, you can have the opportunity to learn about wool and wool processing. You can even learn how to felt wool and take home your creation! The Tawney Farm is a small-scale wool sheep farm adjacent to the beautiful Gauley River National Recreation Area and just a short drive to the New River Gorge National Park. Our 126 acre farm lies nestled in between two beautiful mountains, one of them named Panther Mountain, in the Gauley River gorge. Here we raise Merino and Jacob sheep for wool where we process the fiber and either sell it to other fiber artists or felt it into crafts and hats ourselves. Our farm is also home to a miniature horse, chickens, and of course dogs and cats. In addition to the NRG and Summersville Lake and Dam, also close by are Carnifex Ferry Battleground State Park where you can see where a crucial civil war battle took place, as well as Babcock State Park with its iconic grist mill and waterfall. Our region has it all! But why stay in an overcrowded, commercial campground? Leave the beaten path and enjoy peaceful and private, safe and secure primitive camping on our mountain farm. We provide 7 sites on our farm for every camping style, from dry RV to tent, each with a table, fire pit and grill. All sites are spaciously separate from one another for privacy and perfect for couples who want to get away from it all, or for families or groups of friends who want to reconnect and catch up. Get away from it all! Experience the wilderness and wonder of West Virginia as only a native West Virginian could. Fry up some farm fresh eggs over the campfire or grill. Park-style grills, fire pit grills and tables are provided for your use. Very affordable firewood is available. And to make your "roughing it" camping experience not so rough, we've added a few amenities! Clean portajohns are provided as well as a common area with a dishwashing station and a "to die for" outdoor hot water shower (above-freezing temperatures permitting)! Drink in the beautiful views of the Gauley River gorge while hiking our nature trails and experience the sights and sounds of a real working farm. Green and lush in the summer and brilliant hues of red, gold and orange in the fall. Come see what the mountain lakes region of West Virginia has to offer at the Tawney Farm. DURING GAULEY WHITEWATER SEASON (SEPT. 6 - OCT. 15), THE PRICE IS DISCOUNTED TO $35/NIGHT AS ​WE BEGIN FESTIVAL-STYLE CAMPING. TENT, VEHICLE AND SMALL RV CAMPING (DRY-ONLY) ARE STILL PERMITTED, BUT THE ONLY DESIGNATED SITES AVAILABLE WILL BE THE WALK-IN AND HIKE-IN (MTN. TOP) SITES. ​
from 
$45
 / night

The best camping near Kanawha State Forest guide

Overview

About

KanaWHAT?! A place you can find 9,300 wooded acres full of wildflowers and songbirds just seven miles from the capital? It’s no surprise that Kanawha is a favorite spot among Charleston urbanites for weekend picnics and the occasional camping trip. Hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails make this forest an outdoor gym for local residents, but Kanawha isn’t just good for a quick dose of fresh air and recreation. The State Forest is known among naturalists as a hotspot for wildflowers and birds, with rich habitats that support 19 different species of wood warblers. If you think this place is just for locals, don’t be dismayed! Birders travel all the way from Canada to witness Kanawha in summer bloom. No need to book a hotel in Charleston—camp right in the forest for some fresh air and an early morning wake-up call, courtesy of those 19 types of warblers.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Kanawha State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the forest is alive with color. Summer offers lush greenery but can be quite warm, while winter brings a quiet, frosty beauty, though some trails may be less accessible. Avoid peak holiday weekends for a more tranquil experience.

Know before you go

  • Check the forest's official website for any trail closures or safety alerts before your visit.
  • Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
  • Cell service may be limited, so download maps and trail guides ahead of time.
  • Respect wildlife habitats by keeping a safe distance and not feeding the animals.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials like water and snacks.

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