Free camping options exist within New River Gorge National Park near Ansted, West Virginia. Army Camp Campground provides 10 tent sites, including 2 accessible sites, within a single loop formation. Most primitive sites in this region lack potable water, and cell service can be extremely limited or nonexistent in gorge locations, particularly for AT&T customers.
What to do
Hiking at Kates Falls: Access the Glade Creek Trail from Glade Creek Campground for a moderate hike along an old railroad bed. "The Glade Creek Road to the campground is not too bad but there is a narrow one-lane bridge you must cross. Glade Creek Trail follows an old RR bed with easy terrain," notes Dave V.
Mountain biking: Arrowhead Bike Farm offers direct trail access for cyclists of various skill levels. "They have a big field for you to set up tents on along with RV camping areas and a place with individual sites in the back. It's also a bike shop and restaurant. They have goats and miles of bike trails," explains Corey M.
River activities: Fishing and paddling opportunities abound along the New River. "If you enjoy fishing, the New River Gorge website offers a lot of specific information about species, bait, and lures," mentions Jean C. at Army Camp, while noting the need for water safety: "Caution: Use extreme prudence if choosing to enter the New River itself. This is an incredibly popular whitewater rafting and paddling river—currents are fast, powerful and dangerous."
What campers like
Free camping options: The National Park offers multiple no-cost camping areas. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free!" writes Rachel S. about Army Camp Campground. Similarly, at Glade Creek, campers appreciate the value: "Pit toilets, but was nice to have something ++ FREE. Super cool river near by, great scenery," notes Kel J.
River access: Sites near water remain most popular. Billy C. describes Army Camp: "Area for people to swim in the river or fish. Great area." Tucker B. adds, "I enjoyed evening river dips before bed" though noting limited connectivity with "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)."
Privacy at select locations: Some campers value the less developed areas. At Glade Creek, Zayne W. notes, "Very quiet. Have new vault toilets. Heard a Barred Owl at night. Was able to let my dog off the leash down by the river to play and even played frisbee in our campsite and on the camp road."
What you should know
Early arrival essential: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Ry M. advises about Glade Creek: "I made sure to be a little early to make sure the drive in spots were not all taken." Caroline F. confirms this trend at Army Camp: "FCFS. Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles."
Limited facilities: Prepare for primitive conditions. "No sources of freshwater available @ the campground. The nearest convenient store is some miles away," warns Matt G. about Glade Creek. For Army Camp, Corda B. suggests: "Just remember you have to make that trip all the way back out if you forget anything at the store (like we did) so be prepared to have plenty of food and wood."
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating narrow, unpaved roads. "The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in," observes Corda B. about Army Camp. Similarly, at Shady Rest RV Park, Casey L. cautions: "Just beware when getting here there is a very narrow road, little to at times no room to allow for another vehicle if you happen to meet up."
Tips for camping with families
Farm-based camping: Consider Arrowhead Bike Farm for family-friendly amenities. "They are accommodating and special people. I recommend everything about this place. It's children friendly and adult friendly. They have an assortment of accessible bike trails, bike shop, AMAZING FOOD (tacos, pretzels, spinach artichoke dip, etc.)," writes Aspen H., adding that kids particularly enjoy "GOAT PENS" on the property.
Playground access: Summersville Lake Retreat offers recreational facilities for children. "A great playground too for the kids," notes Renée C., while Jennifer adds it's "Super dog friendly, clean bathrooms, and everyone who works there were great."
Seasonal considerations: Visit during warmer months for water activities. Regarding Pipestem RV Park & Campground, Andrew S. mentions: "There has been a lot of nice upgrades to the grounds and facilities as well as things to do at pipestem since my last review a few years ago... new activities to do at pipestem close to the campground on the Pipestem park property such as ziplining and swimming on the lake with inflatables."
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: For RV camping near Ansted, West Virginia, consider Summer Wind RV Park in Meadow Bridge. "Easy off and on the interstate and we fit fine driving 40' towing. If you want easy level spots row c is best (which is where 50 amps are)," advises Never Sitting S. The campground offers "pull thru 30/50 amp spots" and an "honesty box to leave payment."
Hookup considerations: Full hookups vary by location. Kristi D. at Army Camp notes: "No electric/water, so plan to be ready to be off grid. Hard to complain about free!" At Shady Rest RV Park, Casey L. confirms: "These are full hook up sites, very affordable and great proximity to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park."
Reservation processes: Booking systems differ significantly between campgrounds. At Summer Wind RV Park, Randy G. explains: "No on-site management, you have to txt for reservations." Another camper adds: "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. But there was plenty of room and everything worked out fine."
