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Located seven miles south of the capital city of Charleston, Kanawha State Forest is an outdoor lover’s haven. It is known for its extensive network of hiking and biking trails and has some of the state’s most popular picnic areas. Campers can enjoy hiking, playground areas, fishing, biking, and more.
46 sites, 25 of which have electricity and water hookups
Each campsite has a fireplace and picnic table
The campground has two bathhouses and a coin-operated laundry
RVs or trailer/truck units longer than 26 feet are not recommended
BE AWARE GPS CAN OFTEN GIVE WRONG DIRECTIONS. From I-64 East or West Take Exit 58-A, and drive south on US 119. Turn left onto Oakwood Road at the second stop light, (following the brown and white routing signs to Kanawha State Forest), go ¾ mile and take a left, continuing on Oakwood Road, turn right onto Bridge Road, and right onto Connell Road. At the bottom of Connell, make a sharp left onto Kanawha State Forest Drive, and continue on this road to the Kanawha State Forest Entrance Sign. At the Forest entrance, stay right (DO NOT TURN LEFT). The campground is approximately 4.5 miles from the Forest entrance on the right.
Campsites may be reserved online, by phone, or at the campground office
Reservations may be made for no less than two consecutive nights on weekends (Fri. and Sat.) or one night (Sun.-Thurs.)
There is a 14-night maximum stay
Amazing park! The amenities and layout are worth repeat visits!
I would really like to give this park 5 stars but due to the roads it takes to get here I am only giving 4 stars.
Once you get back to the campground it is really nice and our site was right up against the creek.
The hiking here was great also.
I recommend site 43
Has major potential if more funding and dedication be put into renovating, restoration of its Natural Beauty. Improving the landscaping and provide more picnic areas that are not neglected and left abandoned.. This is a National Forest protect it.
It’s so beautiful! Winding roads, views for days, colors (if there in the fall), and lots of camping spots as well as day spots with rolls and some with fire pits.
I loved my quick stop at the KSF. I enjoyed a quick walk through the CCC Snipe trail and parts of two other trails. It was quiet, the scenery was almost heaven, and the trails were clean.
Be sure to drive carefully on the forest road, as it twists and turns. Be prepared for oncoming drivers and pull over if your vehicle is larger.
This site hosts quite a bit to do, use their user-friendly website for maps, etc.
