Tent camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forest spans both West Virginia and Virginia across elevations ranging from 1,600 to 4,000 feet. The area receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with summer temperatures typically reaching 85°F during day and dropping to 55°F at night. Several primitive camping areas sit at river confluences where the New River meets smaller tributaries.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At CB Ranch, the proximity to Greenbrier River provides excellent water access. "Lots of local attractions from State parks, Greenbrier rails to tails (77 miles long), Greenbrier river (Kayaking) and a couple caves to explore," notes camper Cheryl B.
Fishing options: The Old Mill Campground near Bluestone State Park offers productive fishing areas. "Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here. There is a marina where we got to rent a boat and the catfish were plentiful," shares Mike T.
Hiking trails: Multiple established trails connect tent sites to viewpoints. A reviewer at Dragon's Tooth describes, "Dragons tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail, there is a good amount of parking with a bathroom and garbage, once you begin the trail there are a few dispersed obvious camping spots."
What campers like
River proximity: Campsites at Camp Success provide direct river access. "Beautiful spot on the New River in Giles County, VA located right outside downtown Narrows. There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events," according to Wendy G.
Raised tent pads: The Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5 campsite features purpose-built platforms. A camper describes, "Adirondock Style Shelter (New), Raised Tent pads, Picnic Tables, Metal Fire Rings, Large, clean Pit Latrine."
Evening atmosphere: Night sky visibility rates highly for tent campers. At East Shore Campground, a reviewer appreciated the setting: "If you like hiking and fishing this is the place." Another camper noted the campground offered "some shaded sites. some sites along water. semi-private sites."
What you should know
Train noise issues: At Meadow Creek Campground, railroad tracks create significant noise. "The trains are fun to watch but very loud and frequent. They go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations," notes Casey L.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between sites. One camper at Old Mill Campground reported, "The bathhouse is open air over half of it. Had no soap or toilet paper and the toilets were all plugged up."
Water availability: Many tent campsites near George Washington & Jefferson National Forest lack running water. At Indian Mills Camping Area, a reviewer noted, "The campground itself is just basic– and it's still a good 10 minute or so drive to the New River, but out here, you'll sleep underneath a clear sky."
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature changes. At Bull Falls Campground, a visitor recommended, "This is a fantastic spot for you to bring all your water toys from snorkeling and innertubes to fishing, kayaking and anything else that you want to submerge in this slow moving, tranquil snake-like river."
Wildlife viewing spots: Morning hours provide better wildlife sightings. As one camper at Greenbrier River Trail noted, "With a few short miles until the journey ends at the Southern Terminus…we slowed our paced and stopped more frequently to enjoy all the sights and sounds."
Entertainment options: No cellular coverage means bringing alternatives. At Indian Mills, a camper advised, "Unlike a lot of other places that come baked in with all of the amenities of an amusement camping ground park, here you'll have to bring your own entertainment, so get creative."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Several campgrounds have recently changed policies. At Meadow Creek, a camper reported, "The ranger informed us someone who stayed here in a rv had a close call crossing the train tracks and now they have decided to make this campground a tent only place."
Access challenges: Crossing active railroad tracks can complicate RV entry. "You have to cross train tracks to get here and it's 4 sets of tracks all are very active with trains coming as often as every 20 minutes and they do not stop," notes a visitor to Meadow Creek.
Alternative lodging: Consider small cabins when tent camping isn't ideal. A visitor to CB Ranch described their experience: "We loved every moment of our stay from the fire pit to the beautiful tails on the property to seeing the farm animals. The cabin was decorated very nicely and was clean and the bed was very comfy also."
