Enthusiasts of urban camping in West Virginia seek the primordial forests with tall tree spires, impressive mountains, and deep gorges. In a sense, New River Gorge National Park, a deep gorge delved through granite mountains over millennia with gorgeous deciduous and conifer forests covering the mountainsides, reflects the character of this section of the country. West Virginia developed slowly after splitting from Virginia and becoming its own state, taking advantage of its natural resources while protecting its incredible forests. The largest communities — Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg — sit far from each other, with Charleston at the state’s center and the other three nestled along its borders. The location of these cities is indicative of the attitude of West Virginians — separate, individualistic, and caring. Those looking for where to urban camp in West Virginia seek these qualities while enjoying the amenities of modern city life.
Urban RV Parks in West Virginia
Kanawha State Forest Campground
A splendid example of urban RV camping in West Virginia is Kanawha State Forest Campground. While the campground is only seven miles from Charleston and a fun drive for a vehicle, the way is steep and narrow and a hard pull for a trailer to the top of a mountain where the campground awaits. The 44 sites may be 30-feet wide and 60-feet long, but the road limits trailer size to 25 feet, leaving plenty of room for families to enjoy the dense high woods, the streams, and the 2-acre Ellison Pond stocked with trout, bass, and bluegill. The campground is a focal point for more than 25 miles of hiking trails that run through the forest, up and down slopes, and along valleys where streams bounce along rocky beds. The campground offers a swimming pool and wading pool where visitors can relax under the sun or stargaze at night.
Lazy K’s Campground and Canoe Livery
Located 17 minutes north of Charleston under thick woods, Lazy K’s Campground and Canoe Livery provides 23 RV campsites with full hookups. This is a tranquil campground far from any highways or neighbors. Visitors enjoy 30-amp or 50-amp electric service in widely dispersed campsites. ATV and UTV traffic is allowed in a separate campground area, dampening the sound to a dull buzz. With its location alongside the Elk River, fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing are among the favorite activities that guests enjoy at this campground.
Robert Newlon Airport RV Camping and Fly in Cafe
Located in Huntington in southeastern West Virginia on the Ohio River and the border with Ohio, Robert Newlon Airport RV Camping and Fly In Cafe provides 30 full-hookup pull-through sites for RV campers interested in the sights and sounds of Huntington. Situated alongside the airport, the RV campground features a primitive beach on the shores of the Ohio and offers boats, kayaks, and canoes from a local rental concessionaire. Guests have access to a well-known restaurant, airplane flights, and walking tours of Huntington.
Coopers Rock State Forest McCollum Campground
Situated only 22 minutes east of Morgantown along the northern border of West Virginia with Pennsylvania, Coopers Rock State Forest McCollum Campground has 25 RV pull-through spaces with 30-amp electric service. The campground provides restrooms and showers, and a dump station is available. A modern playground lets kids play their hearts out under the West Virginia woods. Visitors have no problem keeping connected through the Wi-Fi system this park supports. The views of the tree-covered hills and deep valleys are amazing.
Leigh Mason Campground
Leigh Mason Campground sits nine miles south of Parkersburg near the eastern border of West Virginia with Ohio in a country-farm setting surrounded by forest-covered hills. Offering 34 RV campsites with full hookups on grass pads, this campground allows 40 feet between RVs. The sites accommodate rigs up to 45 feet in length. Restrooms, showers, and a good Wi-Fi system give campers extra comfort while connecting with business and home.
Where to Urban Camp in West Virginia
Aside from cities with plenty of urban RV parks in West Virginia, there are many camping opportunities throughout the state. With roughly 72% of the state covered in forests, this environment welcomes RV campers everywhere. There are only a few locations where boondocking is restricted, mostly in urban areas. There are 16 national nature preserves in West Virginia — some in the mountains, some along rivers, and others under the deep forests where wildlife runs rampant. These are some of the best choices for those looking where to urban camp in West Virginia.
Urban RV Camping in West Virginia
Unlike many other states, West Virginia has only a few spots outside of parks and campgrounds where dump stations are available to the public. While planning your trip to urban campgrounds in West Virginia, take note of where these dump stations sit. Make sure to pack your medications, bandages, plenty of insect repellent, and canned goods for emergencies. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for more RV travel tips and ideas.
With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
