New River Gorge National Park sits among the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. Camping options near Ansted, West Virginia range from free riverside sites to full-service campgrounds, with most experiencing temperature drops of 15-20 degrees after sunset even in summer. The region's camping season typically runs April through October, though several glamping facilities near Ansted offer heated accommodations year-round.
What to do
Hiking trails with river views: Babcock State Park features over 20 miles of trails suitable for all skill levels. "Trails were never nicely marked and well cleared. Good size spaces and distance between each camper," notes a visitor to Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins. Another camper at Babcock shares, "Hiking was great and my young children hiked all of it with us. Overall, highly recommended."
Whitewater adventures: The New River offers class III-V rapids depending on water levels and section. A visitor to Army Camp says, "Still, it wasn't crowded and I enjoyed evening river dips before bed." For guided trips, "Jackson, Mabel, Linds Dell or Colin" are recommended whitewater guides at Adventures on the Gorge.
Lake activities: Boley Lake at Babcock State Park offers fishing and paddle craft rentals. "The lake is amazing, clear and has so many visual gems that I highly suggest a visit," according to a camper at Mountain Lake Camping. "Serenity point for sunset. You won't regret it!" adds another visitor.
What campers like
Clean, modernized facilities: The Outpost at New River Gorge receives praise for its updated amenities. "Bathrooms are nicer than our bathrooms at home," reports one visitor. Another mentions, "The lodge/Wi-Fi situation... having a nice big space with great internet to get some work done was a huge bonus."
Live entertainment: Summer weekends bring musical performances to select campgrounds. "Live music on weekends throughout the summer included with your stay. Also, they have some ticketed events for live music," notes a camper at The Outpost. Another guest enjoyed "live music and dinner one night at Canyon Rim."
Secluded camping options: Rays Campground offers more private sites. "The site we had, site 10, was large and secluded," shares one visitor. Another appreciates that "the tent area I stay in is very spacious and often you cant see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Rifrafters Campground, site location significantly impacts your experience. "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity," advises one camper. Another notes, "Some of the RV sites looked pretty close with little privacy... there's a back section of the campground that looked very new and sites had more space and scenery."
Weather and flooding awareness: Free camping areas near rivers can flood quickly. "When there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood," warns a visitor to Grandview Sandbar. Army Camp campers observed "the New River had encroached another 100ft through the woodland... even though it had not rained in 18 hours."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We were lucky and got one of the last spots, there's only 11," reports an Army Camp visitor. For glamping options, book well in advance as a Little Beaver camper notes, "We will hopefully be back!" but availability is limited.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas at family-oriented campgrounds. At Mountain Lake, "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."
Multiple activity options: Ace Adventure Resort offers numerous family activities. "The resort is awesome. They have cabins and they have hot tubs. The park has so much to do including trails, swimming, and an awesome water park," reports one visitor. Another mentions, "The main one is the Lake with multiple giant anchored inflatables to play on for all ages."
Transportation considerations: Mountain Lake Campground's size requires planning. "I would not recommend walking the campground or even using a bike to get around. I say this because on top of it being very large and spaced apart, it is also very, very hilly. You'll find yourself either having to drive your car or rent a golf cart."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many regional sites require work to level larger rigs. At Little Beaver State Park Campground, "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 with a 23 ft TT and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site."
Limited hookups: Full hookups are rare in the area. "Just water and electric. I felt as though if you stayed for more than a week they should offer a free one time honey wagon service," notes a Mountain Lake camper. At Little Beaver, "Only downside for longer term stays is no sewer hookup, but they do have a very convenient dump spot at entry."
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entrance roads. A visitor to Ray's Campground mentions the "1/4 mile gravel drive to enter the campground." At Army Camp, "It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper."