Primitive camping sites in the New River Gorge area range from 1,000 to 1,900 feet elevation with a continental climate featuring distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during day and drop to 60-70°F at night. Most campgrounds are located within a 15-mile radius of Ansted, West Virginia, with access ranging from paved roads to gravel forest service routes.
What to do
Hiking to overlooks: Stone Cliff Campground offers access to riverside trails with multiple viewpoints of the New River. "There's a great trail nearby that runs along the river," notes James A., who found the location "amazing" with "6+ isolated camp sites, all with view of river."
Mountain biking on local trails: Arrowhead Bike Farm connects directly to multiple mountain biking trails within the national park. As Charles C. explains, it's "within a short walk/bike to multiple biking and hiking trailheads. Close enough to bike into Fayetteville (a cool little town)."
Disc golf and water activities: Several courses are available in the region, including at Babcock State Park. "Babcock State Park has access to trails, a scenic drive, grist mill, and souvenir store," shares Dennis I., who noted the "spacious campground" is conveniently located near New River Gorge National Park.
Exploring abandoned mining towns: Visit nearby ghost towns dating from coal mining era. "The campground is very close to the abandoned town of Thurmond (very cool site to see) and is within earshot of the train tracks," explains Kaylee F. about Stone Cliff Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Chestnut Creek Campground, the wooded layout creates natural separation. Debra W. notes, "There are lots of trees in between many of the sites for great privacy. There is only one bath house and it can be a short hike depending on the location of your site."
Waterfront camping options: New River Campground offers sites directly on the riverbank. Thomas H. shares, "Nice campground, RIGHT ON THE RIVER. The spots not directly in the river ain't but a stones throw away. The spots on the river are darn near in the river lol. It is really cool being that close to the river."
Free dispersed sites: Some campgrounds in the area offer no-cost options with minimal amenities. At Stone Cliff Campground, James A. appreciated that "Sites are first come first served, no reservation needed. Plenty of parking with 6+ isolated camp sites, all with view of river."
Clean bathroom facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms. At Arrowhead Bike Farm, Heidi G. found that "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!!"
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted operating seasons. "We were there in the first full weekend I. November and many other campgrounds were closed for the winter," reports Cathy D. about Chestnut Creek Campground.
Pet regulations vary by trail: While dogs are welcome at most campsites, trail restrictions differ. Most hiking paths permit leashed dogs, but always check signage before heading out.
Train noise at riverside sites: Stone Cliff Campground sits near active rail lines. "Trains would go by every few hours, it didn't bother us much but it could be annoying to some people," notes Gracey L. The proximity can be either a disruption or an attraction depending on preference.
Limited cell service: Network coverage varies widely throughout the gorge. "I have Verizon and had 4 bars cellular signal and was showing LTE but it was incredibly slow if it worked at all," Thomas H. reports from New River Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites near playgrounds: Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers multiple play areas throughout the property. Katie J. shares, "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site."
Choose pet-friendly cabin options: Babcock State Park welcomes pets in some cabins, making it ideal for families with dogs. Judy W. says, "Our cabin was pet friendly, clean, well stocked kitchen, COMFORTABLE DOUBLE BEDS, firewood, it was excellent. We had the best experience!"
Reserve during weekdays when possible: Weekday stays often mean less crowding at popular swimming areas and trails. Fred J. advises, "I came here in June with my wife, daughter, and my parents. My wife, baby, and I stayed in a tent only campsite while my parents were in a pull through RV site."
Proximity to emergency services: Familiarize yourself with nearby medical facilities. Most campgrounds are within 30 minutes of basic medical services, but comprehensive hospitals may require longer travel.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness beforehand: Many campgrounds have sloped sites requiring significant leveling. At Mountain Lake Campground, Tamara W. cautions, "Most sites are not level at all, there is one single bath house for each level making some sites very far from a bathroom/shower."
Limited hookup availability: Rifrafters Campground offers various hookup options but not all sites have full connections. "Water, electric and cable service and a few sites had sewer. Campground WiFi was weak at our site (#27)," Kevin A. mentions, adding that "sites were very small and close together."
Low clearance challenges: Some access roads have steep grades and tight turns. "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," recommends Larry M. about Rifrafters Campground.
Prepare for limited shopping options: Pack essential supplies as local stores may have limited inventory. Sammii D. noted at New River Campground, "Walking distance to a market that wasn't really stocked well, mostly empty shelves (granted we were also here in covid times so that might be a factor) and a Dollar General/CVS."
Legend
