Best Campgrounds near Ansted, WV
The mountainous terrain surrounding Ansted, West Virginia provides a diverse camping landscape within the heart of New River Gorge country. State parks and private campgrounds offer options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities, many positioned along rivers or with mountain views. Babcock State Park Campground, located about 15 miles south of Ansted, features 52 sites with both electric and non-electric options amid mature forest. Closer to town, Adventures on the Gorge and Rifrafters Campground provide developed camping with amenities like showers, electric hookups, and on-site activities. The region's camping options reflect its outdoor recreation focus, with many facilities strategically positioned near whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking trails.
Narrow, winding mountain roads characterize access to many campgrounds in the area, requiring careful navigation especially after dark or during inclement weather. As one camper noted, "Driving backcountry roads in West Virginia at night is not my idea of fun, as I had several near misses with deer." Spring and early summer bring frequent rain that can cause the New River and its tributaries to swell rapidly, occasionally affecting riverside camping areas. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though some RV sites remain open year-round. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many locations, particularly those in river valleys or remote forest settings. Temperature variations can be significant, with frost possible even in May at higher elevations.
Riverside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors seeking water-based recreation. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers several primitive campgrounds with direct river access, including Stone Cliff and Grandview Sandbar, which provide basic amenities like fire rings and pit toilets but no running water. These free, first-come-first-served sites fill quickly during summer weekends. Campers frequently mention the quality of night skies and wildlife viewing opportunities, with one reviewer describing "the soft lull of trees swaying in the wind that will rock you to sleep each night." Facility maintenance varies considerably between locations, with state parks generally receiving higher marks for cleanliness than some private campgrounds. Visitors particularly appreciate campgrounds that serve as convenient bases for exploring the region's extensive trail systems and scenic overlooks.
