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Kanawha State Forest
Overview
Kanawha State Forest serves as a lush, 9,300-acre escape located just a few miles from the West Virginia state capital. It is highly regarded by naturalists for its diverse bird populations and an extensive network of multi-use trails that wind through deep, green valleys. This park offers a classic woodland camping experience where the primary focus remains on the natural landscape and quiet solitude rather than modern resort frills. It is a premier destination for those looking to experience the rugged Appalachian wilderness without traveling far from city conveniences.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away only seven miles south of Charleston, WV, the forest feels remarkably isolated from the surrounding urban bustle. The local topography is defined by steep ridges and heavily shaded hollows, which provide a naturally cooler environment during the humid summer months. RVers will navigate scenic, winding roads to reach the campground, which is nestled deep within the Appalachian hardwood forest. This provides a deeply secluded atmosphere for travelers who want to fall asleep to the sounds of nature.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground consists of 46 sites in total, with 25 sites offering electric and water hookups to accommodate RV travelers. While the park maintains a rustic vibe, it provides necessary facilities including a clean bathhouse with hot showers and a seasonal swimming pool that is popular during the warmer months. There are also several large picnic shelters, a laundry facility, and a playground, ensuring the park is comfortable and functional for families who enjoy a traditional, nature-focused outdoor setting.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Active visitors can explore over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, which range from level creekside paths to challenging ridge-top climbs. The forest is a renowned destination for bird watching, specifically known for its many species of wood warblers that nest in the dense canopy. For a change of pace, guests are just a short drive from the West Virginia State Capitol complex and the diverse shopping, museums, and dining options found in the state's vibrant capital city.
Who This Park Is Best For
This state forest is an ideal match for nature photographers and avid hikers who want to immerse themselves in West Virginia’s natural beauty. Because of the winding access roads and specific site dimensions, the park is best suited for those traveling in smaller to mid-sized RVs rather than massive luxury coaches. If you value a peaceful, forest-heavy retreat with direct access to woodland trailheads, Kanawha State Forest offers a refreshing and authentic alternative to standard roadside RV parks.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ann Marie Abrahamsen
I had a great time and even found the gun range. There are several trails available to all, whether you're a beginner or experienced hiker.
Samuel Guidetti
Awesome for hiking! Had some family in from out of town and we decided a local hike was the move. We had an excellent time and the temperature was about 10° cooler than the greater charleston area, which make the hike so enjoyable. The trails are a little confusing as they tend to overlap, causing multiple trail markers to be on the trees. We also saw an abandoned mine that was flooded and covered over.
Rosemarie Hunter
Stopped in today and saw Clark at the Nature Center, he's so nice & always a wealth of information. Recently the bathrooms have been remodeled and are so clean! The hiking and biking are only outdone by the new swimming holes put in. So much family fun. Fall in the forest was spectacular. So gorgeous and peaceful the new work looks spectacular.
Rj P
Great place to camp and other outdoor activities. Very clean and quiet. Very beautiful scenery.
Joe Pinkerton
The park is really nice to be located so near Charleston West Virginia. Plenty of bike trails for the adventurists and hikers. Gun range and camping. Creeks for playing in. Best thing is there is absolutely no cell service!
Ashley Jeffers
So much to explore and see. We did around trip of about an hour and half with 30ish mins at the overlook. Easy place to explore some of West Virginia's beauty
Alex Bansleben
Kanawha campground was absolutely amazing! Tucked away in the mountains, super peaceful park and campground. The campsites were very well maintained. Would 100% go back!
Gary Bradford
This looks like a great destination. did not stay as there appeared not to have any provisions for late arrivals. We have traveled across the US staying at state parks and found most have a standardized system for late arrivals.
Phillip and Jaimee McOmie (OurPathtoAdventure)
Great place tucked in West Virginia. Drive in was horrible, don’t recommend coming in from I-64, but instead from Charleston on 119. That way is paved but go slow, few boulders stick out and narrow. Coming in from I-64 your going few miles uphill on gravel road. Many blind corners, no pull offs, steep and not recommended when pulling a 34ft camper. Four wheel drive strongly recommended! No cell service, so you’ll have to drive to town to get services.
Nicki Cheney
We absolutely loved camping here! The forest is very well marked so it wasn’t a big deal when we lost all cell reception. The campground is about a 10 minute drive past the entrance and about 20 minutes from the town. There is a small but beautiful sounding creek that runs along the side of the entire campground. We were at Site 1 and set up our tent right at the edge so we could hear the water all night! The kids loved walking around in it, finding little minnows and splashing a bit. Perfect way to pass the time while I set up camp. There is a small playground as well as decent bathrooms/showers just up the path. It was less than a 5 minute walk, and it’s all level ground. There are parks hidden all over the forest! We had an awesome experience of deer coming right up to the edge of the park while we were swinging in a small grove across from the campground! It’s quiet and definitely gives the feeling of being away from the hustle of life! The Ranger patrolled periodically, and there was an open dumpster at the entrance to the campground that made it very easy to dispose of trash. There are also small trash cans all over the walking paths, next to bathrooms, and next to parks. We would definitely stop here again!