State Parks Near Charleston, West Virginia
10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Charleston. The closest is Kanawha State Forest, about 5 mi south of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Kanawha State Forest5 mi south
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 10 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 85 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 2pets allowed
State parks near Charleston, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Charleston; driving distance is usually longer.
Kanawha State Forest
Visitors come for historic sites, hunting in season, biking, fishing, and geocaching. The official site lists about 60 miles of trails. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Kanawha State Forest →Elk River Trail
Popular activities here are boating, biking, fishing, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Elk River Trail →Hawks Nest State Park
Things to do include historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Hawks Nest State Park →Chief Logan State Park
Things to do include off-highway vehicle riding, horseback riding, historic sites, hunting in season, and swimming. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with electric hookups and tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Chief Logan State Park →Beech Fork State Park
The park supports hunting in season, boating, swimming, biking, and fishing. Camping is available: 275 campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and tent sites. Roofed lodging includes cabins.
Hours, fees and rules for Beech Fork State Park →Summersville Lake State Park
Visitors come for swimming, fishing, and hiking. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Summersville Lake State Park →Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Visitors come for historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, and geocaching. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park →Tu-Endie-Wei State Park
Things to do include historic sites and geocaching. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Tu-Endie-Wei State Park →Cabwaylingo State Forest
Things to do include off-highway vehicle riding, historic sites, hunting in season, biking, and fishing. Its trail network totals roughly 100 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Cabwaylingo State Forest →Babcock State Park
Things to do include hunting in season, canoeing and kayaking, boating, biking, and fishing. Its trail network totals roughly 20 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Babcock State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Charleston
- Kanawha State Forest 5 mi south · Campground listed
- Chief Logan State Park 38 mi southwest · Campground listed
- Beech Fork State Park 38 mi west · 275 campsites
- Summersville Lake State Park 43 mi east · Campground listed
- Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park 43 mi east · Campground listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Charleston
- Hawks Nest State Park 32 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Chief Logan State Park 38 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Beech Fork State Park 38 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Cabwaylingo State Forest 47 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Babcock State Park 48 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Charleston
- Cabwaylingo State Forest 47 mi southwest · Pets allowed under park rules
- Babcock State Park 48 mi southeast · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Charleston
- Hawks Nest State Park 32 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Chief Logan State Park 38 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Beech Fork State Park 38 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Summersville Lake State Park 43 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Charleston
- Kanawha State Forest 5 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Elk River Trail 6 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Hawks Nest State Park 32 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
- Chief Logan State Park 38 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Beech Fork State Park 38 mi west · Hiking trails listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Fishing near Charleston
- Kanawha State Forest 5 mi south · Fishing listed
- Elk River Trail 6 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Hawks Nest State Park 32 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Chief Logan State Park 38 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Beech Fork State Park 38 mi west · Fishing listed
+ 4 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Charleston
What is the closest state park to Charleston?
Kanawha State Forest is the closest, about 5 miles south of Charleston in a straight line. Next are Elk River Trail and Hawks Nest State Park.
How many state parks are near Charleston?
10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Charleston have camping?
8 parks list camping, the nearest being Kanawha State Forest, Chief Logan State Park and Beech Fork State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Charleston?
Yes, at 2 parks, including Cabwaylingo State Forest and Babcock State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Charleston?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Huntington, WV44 mi west
- Near Beckley, WV47 mi southeast
- Near Parkersburg, WV63 mi north
- Near Athens, OH72 mi north
- Near Portsmouth, OH76 mi west
Or see all West Virginia state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.