Top Things To Do in Charleston: Camping Edition
Tucked away in the Kanawha Valley of the Appalachian Mountains, Charleston, West Virginia is an ideal basecamp for adventurers seeking out camping opportunities. Secluded forest retreats, primitive riverside sites, RV hookups, and more the Charleston area offers a wide range of camping options that highlight the world class beauty of Appalachia. Here at Wexford Village at Devonshire, Scott Depots favorite apartment community, we love to help our residents discover new and exciting outdoor adventures. Thats why weve put together this list of our favorite camping spots near the Kanawha Valley region. Lace up your hiking boots and lets hit the trail!
Kanawha State Forest
The most popular nature area near Charleston is undoubtedly Kanawha State Forest. Although Kanawha is located just seven miles south of Charleston, it feels like a world away from city life. Its a sprawling 9,300-acre forest that offers a quieter camping experience compared to other state parks.
Kanawha State Forests most compelling attribute is its expansive trail system and abundance of wildlife. The forest features over 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through dense hardwood forests, past meandering creeks, and up to scenic overlooks. This includes everything from easy nature walks to challenging mountain bike routes that attract riders from across the region. Naturalists, biologists, and birdwatchers alike are drawn to Kanawha for its impressive biodiversity, which encompasses over 19 species of wood warblers and a colorful display of wildflower blooms throughout the seasons. Campers often report seeing white-tailed deer, foxes, wild turkeys, and other fauna. Leaf peepers are also known to flood the park every fall as the foliage changes color.
For the fishermen, Kanawha has multiple fishing ponds stocked with trout, perch, and bluegill, as well as an array of picnic shelters and playgrounds. A small outdoor swimming pool operates during the summer months.
The campground itself features 46 sites accommodating campers up to 26 feet in length, with 25 sites offering electricity and water hookups. Although the size limitation excludes larger RVs, the restriction helps maintain the campground's peaceful atmosphere. Each site includes a picnic table and fireplace, and the campground provides two bathhouses with hot showers and coin-operated laundry. The camping season runs from April through December.
Kanawha State Forest is one of the states most cherished natural treasures and there is good reason why it sits at the top of our list.
Lazy K's Campground
Lazy K's Campground and Canoe Livery offers one of the most convenient camping experiences near Charleston. This family-owned and operated campground sits on the Elk River and spread out across 70+ acres of wooded property, providing a peaceful escape while remaining easily accessible from Interstate 79.
The campground offers multiple camping styles with 31 RV sites (including full hookups), 10 tent sites, and three furnished cabins. Each site includes essential amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground features full-service bathhouses.
What makes Lazy K's so unique is its year-round operation and riverside location. Campers can fish, explore hiking trails throughout the property, or simply relax by the banks of the Elk River. On top of this, the campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for those wanting to paddle.
New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge was freshly minted as America's 63rd and newest national park in 2020. It encompasses over 70,000 acres and offers some of the most incredible camping experiences in the eastern United States. The park is situated about 60 miles south of Charleston and protects the New River, one of the oldest rivers on the continent.
Much more secluded than Kanawha State Forest or Lazy K’s Campground, New River Gorge has eight campgrounds operating on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites are known to fill up quickly during peak season, especially on holiday weekends, so be sure to plan ahead. Grandview Sandbar, Army Camp, and Glade Creek are the most popular options, each offering riverside camping with access to fishing, swimming, and hiking.
Outside of camping, the park attracts world-class rock climbers with over 1,500 climbing routes, whitewater rafters looking for epic Class IV and V rapids, and hikers exploring miles of trails through lush Appalachian forests. The iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, serves as the park's most recognizable landmark.
Beech Fork State Park
If you’re looking for lakeside fun, Beech Fork State Park is your spot. Sitting just 12 miles from Charleston in Barboursville, this 3,144-acre park centers around Beech Fork Lake, perfect for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities.
There are four distinct camping areas with over 200 campsites, many of which provide lakefront access. Campers can choose between tent sites and full-hookup RV sites. Old Orchard Campground operates year-round while Four Coves, Moxley Branch, and Lakeview campgrounds operate seasonally.
The lake provides excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, with boat rentals available at the marina. The park features over 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, a swimming beach operating during summer months, disc golf courses, and multiple playgrounds. Beech Fork State Park also features areas for volleyball, basketball, tennis, and softball.
Find Your Next Apartment Home
Charleston provides locals and visitors with the best of both worlds— energetic city life alongside access to the Appalachian region. These four parks and campgrounds offer a wide range of camping options that will put you directly in touch with West Virginia’s natural beauty. Kanawha State Forest offers exceptional hiking close to the capital, Lazy K's offers convenient amenities, New River Gorge provides adventure and dramatic scenery, and Beech Fork State Park delivers a wide range of water recreation activities.If you’re looking for your next apartment home in the Kanawha Valley region, then visit us at Wexford Village at Devonshire. Located in Scott Depot, West Virginia, just up valley from Charleston, we offer cozy 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans designed to maximize comfort. Each home is fitted with open-concept kitchen layouts, energy efficient appliances, hardwood-style flooring, plush carpeting, and more. Residents also gain access to a resort-style swimming pool, a full-circuit fitness center, and two enclosed dog parks. Wexford Village at Devonshire is also in close driving distance to all the above camping options. Schedule your tour today and experience community living at Wexford Village at Devonshire.