Camping near New River Gorge National River

New River Gorge National River draws campers with its diverse outdoor setting. Army Camp Campground sits within the park and keeps things simple with pit toilets and picnic tables. Rifrafters Campground has more comforts, including flush toilets and hot showers. Babcock State Park Campground gives you good-sized sites and connects to some nice hiking trails. You'll see plenty of wildlife here, so keep your food secure to avoid bears and other animals. The land changes a lot throughout the park, making it good for hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. Grandview Sandbar Campground works well for fishing since it's right by the New River. The weather can change quickly here, with big differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Both tent and RV campers can find spots that work, and some sites have electrical hookups. You can take in the natural beauty while being careful to leave no trace. The park works well for short trips or longer stays with its range of camping options.

Best Camping Sites Near New River Gorge National River (117)

    1. Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    22 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "RANGER REIVEW: PRIMUS 4-SEASON STAINLESS STEEL 0.3L MUG AT GRANDVIEW SANDBAR CAMPGROUND, NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER, WV

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW:

    Grandview Sandbar Campground situated along the"

    "Through Traffic: Access to the boat ramp is through the campground. Though, traffic is minimal, folks on the way to the ramp and picnic area often drive pretty fast."

    2. Rifrafters Campground

    30 Reviews
    Fayetteville, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 564-1065

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."

    "They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."

    3. Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    18 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "Campground…and is also part of the New River Gorge National River."

    "There is five drive-in sites and more walk-in sites on the edge of the camp. The drive-in sites filled and vacated several times throughout the weekend."

    4. Babcock State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Winona, WV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 438-3004

    $33 / night

    "The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."

    "Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"

    5. Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    17 Reviews
    Thurmond, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "Tucked away by the river past Thurmond. Great secluded sites. Trailhead for hiking from camp."

    "We put our tent a few feet away from the water facing the river and our canopy further up in the woods by the firepit."

    6. Little Beaver State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Daniels, WV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 763-2494

    $35 - $40 / night

    "This CCC State Park is very picturesque and has several hiking trails and the man-made lake is small but offers plenty of recreation possibilities.

    I found the layout a little strange."

    "This campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet."

    7. Ace Adventure Resort

    14 Reviews
    Thurmond, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 787-3982

    $15 - $600 / night

    "Nearby are showers and restrooms. They have individual rooms that can be locked that has the restroom in with the shower stall. Lots of biking and equestrian trails available."

    "We were able to go whitewater rafting one day and then explored the surrounding area on another day. The resort is awesome. They have cabins and they have hot tubs."

    8. Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    12 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Army Camp Campground, New River Gorge National River, WV

    Army Camp Campground, New River Gorge National River, Prince, WV [https://www.nps.gov/neri/learn/historyculture/army-camp.htm"

    "Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds."

    9. Chestnut Creek Campground

    20 Reviews
    Lansing, WV
    12 miles
    Website

    $10 - $11 / night

    "Great tent campground very near the New River gorge and close by Summerville Lake and the Gulley River. Multiple campsites in heavily forested area. Drive up to the sites."

    "They have showers and clean bathrooms just a short walk from any site. All sites are big and you can pick from any available. The host is just a text or call away and he replies very quickly."

    10. Arrowhead Bike Farm

    10 Reviews
    Fayetteville, WV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 900-5501

    $10 - $85 / night

    "Good amenities plenty of space, and walking distance from some of the best views in the park!"

    "Showers run on one minute increments but aside from that it’s extremely accessible to trails and attractions around the area and staff was beyond helpful and super friendly!!"

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Recent Reviews near New River Gorge National River

525 Reviews of 117 New River Gorge National River Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Kanawha State Forest

    Beautiful surroundings

    Had an overnight stay here on our way to Red River Gorge. This was a nice stop. Fairly quiet with the exception of an annoying dog that barked incessantly and the campers across from us that had to jump in their car and drive full speed to nowhere every 20 minutes. All night long…. Pick up your firewood elsewhere unless you prefer absurdly small bundles at $8.49 per. We had site 31. Some sites are on the small side. Big rigs beware. All in all, a good spot to rest and enjoy some tree therapy.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

    Nice campground

    Just a one night stay. Very clean and well kept campground. Our site was level. The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms... Would stay again

  • Renee N.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    The Outpost at New River Gourge

    The Outpost New River Gorge

    First the good: Reservation with Map and Site assignment easy pick up. Bathrooms clean and extremely modern. Quiet and very few mosquitos. Then, the not so great. Sites really tight, all large gravel, clean but really ugly. Right on road. Some Sites no shade.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground

    Off The Beaten Path!

    Small city RV park adjacent to the Coal Mine museum. Nothing fancy, but quiet, full hookups, paved sites with trees & lots of shade, picnic table, fire pit & grill. Property was well maintained. You drive through an older neighborhood on a narrow road. Lots of bigger rigs there so not really an issue. Called & made reservations through the museum gift shop the day of on a Friday in August & they had plenty of spaces. The ladies in the gift shop were friendly & very helpful. The museum was very interesting & they have tours that go into the mine along with houses & buildings of the era. Definitely would stay again.

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Rifrafters Campground

    Great Campground

    We stopped for 2 nights as part of a big cross country trip

    The campground is clean and well maintained

    It is very much built into a big hill- I was a little worried our Avion (similar to airstream) that had low clearance would bottom out as we came in and out of entrance hill to road but we had no issue

    The bathrooms were clean and well maintained

    We stayed on site 9 which we liked - very easy to get in and out of

    Staff were friendly

    Area was gorgeous!

  • A
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area

    Camp ground

    This place provides an amazing view of the gauley river just below the dam! You can hike trails to the river, even to a beautiful swimming spot just below the dam and camping sites! The views are beautiful anywhere you go and there is a gave located right above the campsites that’s beautiful to view from outside! Unknown safety on air quality or safety do not prefer going in! A park a little drive up the road right along with a swimming spot off from the beach at the lake that is perfect for kids and families! Everyone is very kind and welcoming and very helpful! If you are a beginning camper this will be an amazing spot to camp

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Chestnut Creek Campground

    Wonderful Hidden Gem

    This campground was perfect for what we needed for a 2 night stay. It was 15 dollars per person per night. They have showers and clean bathrooms just a short walk from any site. All sites are big and you can pick from any available. The host is just a text or call away and he replies very quickly. It was quiet with just faint noise from the highway, but not very noticeable. This campground is less than a mile from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the Bridge and only 15 minutes from Summerville Lake! We would definitely stay here again!

  • Nick C.
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins

    Great spot with Kids

    We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup. Nice little trail near bath house gets you down to the beach.


Guide to New River Gorge National River

Camping near New River Gorge National River, West Virginia, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the gorge. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking paths are awesome. Leads you to coal mining ruins OR to a beautiful waterfall you can swim."
  • Whitewater Rafting: The New River is famous for its rafting. A camper shared, "We went whitewater rafting with ACE Adventures, they're great!"
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the river for fishing or a refreshing swim. A review noted, "The view from our full hookup campsite is hands down amazing!! We're situated directly on the New River."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer said, "The bathhouse was VERY clean and the showers had great water pressure and plenty of hot water" at Rifrafters Campground.
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Babcock State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff are also friendly and attentive."
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. One visitor noted, "It was very peaceful and quiet at night" at Chestnut Creek Campground.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Grandview Sandbar Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "The bathrooms are very old and the pits stink throughout the campground."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Glade Creek Campground advised, "Get there early to make sure you get a spot."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper shared, "I’ve seen a snake in the road before lol" while visiting Glade Creek Campground.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Babcock State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a playground, group picnic area, tennis courts and a plethora of other lodging options."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family enjoyed, "The grounds are also quite large and lovely" at Babcock State Park Campground.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins noted, "The camp store was a bit of a letdown, a lot of knick-knacks, and not many actual camping supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Battle Run mentioned, "The sites are grassy with gravel, generally level parking pads, some shade."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. A camper at New River Campground appreciated, "All sites seem to have 20/30/50 amp electrical options."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A camper at New River Campground noted, "The highway noise was not noticeable" after dark.

Camping near New River Gorge National River, West Virginia, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking, rafting, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in New River Gorge National Park?

New River Gorge offers several exceptional campgrounds within the park boundaries. Grandview Sandbar Campground provides riverside camping with direct access to the New River, perfect for those seeking waterfront sites. Glade Creek Campground offers a more secluded experience further down Glade Creek Road. Both campgrounds are primitive but feature vault toilets and provide an authentic outdoor experience. For those wanting more amenities, nearby Babcock State Park Campground is highly rated for its spectacular surroundings, including the famous grist mill, plus excellent hiking trails. All these options provide unique ways to experience the natural beauty of New River Gorge.

Are there RV camping facilities at New River Gorge?

Yes, RV camping is available near New River Gorge, though options within the national park are limited. Summer Wind RV Park offers RV sites with mountain views and pastoral settings, including 30-amp hookups. It's known for its hospitality and reasonable prices. River Expeditions Campsites provides RV sites as part of their all-in-one adventure resort near Oak Hill, combining camping amenities with outdoor activities. For those seeking additional options, Rifrafters Campground near Fayetteville is big-rig friendly with water and toilet facilities. Most RV campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months and fall foliage season.

What camping options are available within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve?

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers several primitive camping options managed by the National Park Service. The park has three main campgrounds: Grandview Sandbar, Glade Creek, and Army Camp. These sites are primitive with vault toilets but no running water or hookups. Most operate on a first-come, first-served basis and have modest fees. For those seeking alternatives with more amenities, Greenbrier State Forest offers additional camping not far from the park. Ace Adventure Resort provides a range of camping options from tent sites to cabins, plus guided activities. The camping season generally runs April through October, with limited winter camping. Visitors should bring their own drinking water and be prepared for basic conditions within the park's boundaries.

Where can I find tent camping sites near New River Gorge National Park?

Tent campers have excellent options at New River Gorge. Army Camp Campground offers a primitive tent camping experience with riverside sites in a dispersed setting. This campground provides basic facilities while maintaining a natural feel along the New River. For those seeking more amenities while still enjoying nature, Battle Run near Summersville Lake is ideal for tent campers who enjoy water activities like fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding. Arrowhead Bike Farm near Fayetteville provides tent sites with the added benefit of being close to mountain biking trails. Most tent sites in the area are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended.