The best camping near Kanawha State Forest

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

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

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

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Community favorites near Kanawha State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Kanawha State Forest

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(14)

Arrowhead Bike Farm & Campground

37 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Fayetteville, WV
Welcome to Arrowhead Bike Farm, our unique gathering point for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds in the New River Gorge National Park. Convenient Camping and Adventuring: Our campground lays within seconds to an entrance into the New River Gorge National Park! From our Bike Farm, you can easily access the park’s best mountain biking, hiking trails and climbing routes. Explore the Arrowhead stacked-loop trail system and the Long Point Trail right from your campsite, or take a short drive to Cunard’s public put-in and take-out for boating adventures. Nearby, you’ll also find Kaymoor Top, a premier rock climbing destination and an unforgettable hike through the remains of coal history and an option to descend 821 stairs. Gatewood to Fayetteville: Fayetteville, a vibrant town teeming with culture and charm, is just minutes away. Alternatively, hike in to town via the scenic Timber Ridge Trail that crosses Wolf Creek. Dine Amidst Nature: Whether you’re drawn to the rustic allure of outdoor deck dining or the cozy atmosphere of The Handle Bar + Kitchen indoors. After a day filled with paddling, biking, hiking, or climbing adventures, you will see a diverse array of locally sourced and nationally acclaimed craft beers. Meet Our Legendary Goats: Say ‘baaa!’ to our beloved goats, who have become a charming part of the Arrowhead Bike Farm experience. They’re sure to bring a smile to your face as you enjoy the farm’s serene surroundings. Nature’s Haven: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our location, where birds and pollinators thrive. The farm’s natural beauty creates a peaceful atmosphere that complements your adventure into America’s newest National Park. Join us at Arrowhead Bike Farm and embark on a journey to explore America’s newest National Park. Be sure to check our event calendar for exciting happenings throughout the season. Your adventure awaits!
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$11
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97%
(92)

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.
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$10
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95%
(78)

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.
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$25
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100%
(7)

Hilltop Sunrise Wall tent, Van Life

3 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Oak Hill, WV
Hilltop Sunrise has three unique lodging opportunities: Standalone RV/Camper site, Standalone Vevor wall-tent, Single Van Life Overnight Parking Site. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is home to just about any outdoor activity you can think of: fishing, boating, rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming, whitewater rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, bi-plane rides, and more. Nearby towns of Oak Hill, Fayetteville, and Beckley have local and national chain restaurants offering burgers, sandwiches, pizza, tacos and fish. Multiple local shops roast, grind and brew unique coffee. Into shopping? Oak Hill and Fayetteville are full of fun outdoor activities as well as places to to find antiques, collectables, one of a kind gifts, local and regional hand-made goods. Fayette County has it all! For al full list of local amenities, check out our website: https://hilltopsunrise.com
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$19
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99%
(141)

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 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)! 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.
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$45
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97%
(55)

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. Seasoned hardwood firewood is available on site for $6/bundle. You are allowed to bring your own firewood, but only if you source your 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.
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$63.75
 / night
Booked 5 times

Camp Peak + Pine -- A Lakeside Nook

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Mount Nebo, WV
Nestled in the forest above Summersville Lake lies Camp Peak + Pine -- a peaceful haven for campers, climbers, and lake folk alike. Enjoy camping under pine trees with subtle lake views. Peak + Pine provides shade and a sense of tranquility. Rest at your campsite or venture off to the crags (very close to the Meadow and the Lake) or nearby hiking trails. We are just minutes from Battle Run Boat Launch, Gauley River put-in, and beautiful views at the Summersville Dam. Drive just a mere 5 minutes and explore or picnic at Carnifex Ferry State Park -- they have the best panoramic river view! Check out Ample Pizza and Freefolk Brewery -- just a quick 12 minute drive -- and halfway to the National Park! We are a quick trip to the New River Gorge National Park (about 15 miles) and just a twenty minute drive from downtown Fayetteville (most importantly -- Rangefinder coffee, Rosa's Speakeasy Bar and Garden, and Wood Iron Cafe). Explore Fayette Station where you can find a river front beach, waterfalls, and hiking trails. We offer the perfect spot to relax with your friends or family. Pups are totally welcome -- they must be leashed. Please note that the steep sloping hill behind camp that goes down to the lake is NOT our property but the Army Corps. Please see our link to Army Corps / Summersville Lake rules and regulations. This campsite is adjacent to our home and our neighbor's a-frame! We are mindful of camper's privacy so we do not use that backside of our home while we have campers. You have full access to "The Peak + Pine Loop" which begins at the top of the shared driveway / porta-potty to the entire forest campsite area to the amenity station. When entering and exiting the property you may find us gardening or sitting on our front porch watching the sunset. Need something? Shoot us a message and we are happy to try to accommodate. We are happy to offer recommendations for trails, put-ins, climbing crags, boat rentals, restaurants, shops, etc. Whether you're here to climb, paddle, hike, or simply unwind, Peak + Pine is your cozy basecamp in the woods. Just minutes from the magic of Summersville Lake, this place holds something special — and we’re so excited to share it with you.
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$45.60
 / night
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Meadowcroft Riverfront Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Nallen, WV
Meadowcroft is a semi-primitive cabin on the bank of the beautiful Meadow River. Swim, fish, and hang out with the river otters. It's like camping, but with a roof over your head, WiFi, A/C in the summer, and a cozy wood stove in the winter. A large lawn with fire ring fronts a long section of lazy river (perfect for paddleboarding, tubing, canoeing, etc.), with worldclass whitewater beginning about a mile downstream. Premium bouldering is two miles away, Meadow sport climbing 10 min., Summersville Lake 15 min., and all other NRG-area climbing and National Park within a 25-min radius. Like Camping, But a Cabin The cabin is a lovingly souped-up Amish-built shed. Like camping, you bring your own sleeping gear and most of your cooking gear, and you pack everything out and tidy up after yourself. ***Please take all trash with you when you leave. THERE IS A $100 CHARGE FOR TRASH LEFT BEHIND*** This is a self-cleaning cabin, which means *you clean up after yourself to prepare for the next guest* (not that it cleans itself, unfortunately). This keeps the costs down for all the guests. Up to two dogs are allowed for an extra fee of $40 (for your whole stay). This option is available as an Extra that you need to add when booking. We provide: -Starlink WiFi: fast and dependable -Ample electrical outlets -A very clean portapotty -An outdoor spigot with excellent treated river water -A two-burner propane campstove on the porch (with propane tank) -A refrigerator and freezer -Microwave -An electric kettle -Full-size pullout futon (bring your own bedding, sleeping pad recommended) -Folding tables and eight folding chairs -A/C in hot weather -Wood stove or space heaters in cold weather (your choice) -Electric Fan -Firewood (for purchase) -Cleaning supplies Meadowcroft does *not* have: -Cellular service -Beds/bedding (so bring your sleeping bags and pads) -Plates/utensils/cups/bowls, etc., etc. (so bring what you need to cook and serve food) -Indoor running water -Sink -Oven -Shower (but the river is right there!) -Outdoor chairs
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$68
 / 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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3 ratings · 1 review
  1. Kanawha State Forest