5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Several RV parks near Athens, West Virginia provide year-round accommodation with varying amenities. Brushcreek Falls RV Resort in Princeton offers full hookup sites with 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections on gravel pads. Pipestem RV Park & Campground features spacious sites with both water and electric hookups, suitable for larger motorhomes. Shady Rest RV Park maintains level sites with full hookups including 50-amp service, though spaces are arranged in close proximity. Meador Campground at Bluestone Lake State Park provides electric and water hookups for RVs but lacks sewer connections at individual sites. "Very clean and well kept campground. Our site was level. The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... Would stay again," noted one visitor about Brushcreek Falls.
Navigating to some parks requires careful driving on narrow mountain roads. Summer Wind RV Park operates seasonally from May 1 to October 15, limiting availability during winter months. Most campgrounds welcome pets, though specific restrictions may apply. At Brushcreek Falls and Pipestem, sanitary dump stations are available for waste disposal. Cellular service varies throughout the region, with most parks reporting adequate coverage for Verizon customers. During peak seasons, especially summer weekends and fall foliage viewing periods, advance reservations are strongly recommended. A camper mentioned that at Shady Rest RV Park, "You can hear the highway, but a quiet place overall," indicating proximity to major roads while maintaining reasonable noise levels.
"Our site was level. The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms... Would stay again"
"We spent our time on the Hatfield/McCoy trails which were about 20 minutes from the campground."
"There has been a lot of nice upgrades to the grounds and facilities ad well as things to do at pipestem since my last review a few years ago. "
"We camped at Pipestem in a 37' travel trailer. We love this campground. Quiet, well spaced, nice roads for biking."
from $55 - $65 / night
"Army camp is nestled by the new river and has plenty of views of the mountains. None of us had cell phone reception, so if you’re looking for a tech free weekend then this is your spot."
"The road in is narrow and has a lot of low hanging limbs, so no big rigs here. It’s quiet apart from the sounds of the river and the bugs. Generators are allowed except for between 10p-6a."
"These are full hook up sites, very affordable and great proximity to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park. It’s definitely a no frills location."
"Never any issues .Peaceful quiet setting, we made reservations, although we were a couple days the owners were glad to accommodate. "
"quiet! Recharge here! Full hook ups, dog friendly, very level gravel site with a stunning view of the pastures."
from $30 - $35 / night
"Full hook ups. Cable TV was a luxury for us! Great WiFi the entire time; even for a couple of zoom calls!"
"Sites are close to level. Nothing severe at all. All sited are full hookups. A single washer and dryer available onsite. Great wifi and cable hookups. 2 blocks from New River Rails to Trails."
"I stayed at Lake Ridge RV Resort for quite a while. Great place to spend the evenings after work. Pond and surrounding area are very well maintained."
"We stayed in one of the cabins after the high season. Comfortable and cozy, we really enjoyed our morning walks along the trails and lake. "
from $70 - $100 / night
"Place had plenty of sites pull through which I didnt need but they were so accommodating. I had a perfect view of mountains and cow pasture Relaxation and sleep close to bathhouse and office."
"Highway access to this area is easy for all types of traveler. there are several stores in the area with just about anything you could need or want only moments away from camp and if you are there in late"
from $35 - $38 / night
"Groceries, gas, Arby’s, private showers, dog park and full hookups for a reasonable price."
"Actually watched the crew pressure washing around the gas pumps. Close to highway but sheltered from the noise."
from $45 - $55 / night
TravelerGreat access to local crags. Campsites are spacious but can be close to neighbors, so the quietness of your night depends on them. Bathhouse has male and female areas with showers, sinks, flush toilets and mirrors. Creepy crawlies make their way in but overall decent cleanliness.
GuideROAD IN IS QUITE STEEP. DEFINATELY LOTS AND LOTS OF ROOM. VAULTED RESTROOM, VERY CLEAN. DEFINATELY WOULD NOT TRY WITH A BIG TRAILER OR CLASS A. ROAD AT THE END IS VERY NARROW WITH BRANCHES HANGING DOWN, BE CAREFUL.
ScoutI have known tbe owners for 30 years, great folks ,honest caring. We stayed from April 2026 through August 2026 while building our new place. Never any issues .Peaceful quiet setting, we made reservations, although we were a couple days the owners were glad to accommodate. We highly recommend staying here to anyone from tent to toy hauler they can cover your needs.
TravelerMy first ever love's stop. Very clean and nice people. Great reception and I don't think it was too noisy for sleep. I don't recommend the dunkin, couldn't make my sandwich right.
ScoutShady Rest RV Park — one night, Nov 7–8, 2026
We stayed one night in our 31.5-ft Class C and left early the next morning because we didn't feel safe — and we couldn't sleep.
Getting in was the first warning. The road in narrows to one lane for a long stretch, and it's muddy — I nearly got stuck, and the rig coming the other way nearly went over the drop-off. There's no office and no signs telling you where to check in. I called first and got voicemail; I emailed and it bounced. (The website even says the GPS coordinates are wrong, though our RV-safe navigation brought us right in.)
A kind older woman came out of the trailer at the top of the hill, calling for 'John.' John is the property manager — he's in the blue trailer at the front of the row, landscaping equipment by the porch. The woman is the owner; her husband recently passed away, and he was the one who ran everything. That's clearly why nothing gets answered. I feel for her — truly. But the place is in chaos.
The owner and John argue constantly, in public, and it turned physical more than once while we were there. She told us John would take care of us, then whispered that she's his foster mother and that he has an intellectual disability. She couldn't tell us the rates. Later John knocked on our door with a handwritten note: $50/night, $175/week. We considered the week — we didn't take it, and I'm glad.
This isn't an RV park anymore; it's a run-down trailer park with long-term residents, only about half the trailers occupied. Sites aren't marked — a man just waved us to a spot, and we had to move because it was 50-amp and we need 30-amp. The gravel sites are unlevel and ungroomed. The electric will make you glad you have a surge protector. The water is cold, the sewer is just a hole in the ground, and the 'bathrooms' are glorified outhouses. There's a horde of cats and kittens across the road, and the whole park is their litter box — our dog found every spot. Three trailers I walked past were empty and falling apart. The one next to us had been sitting so long the grass had grown over its sewer hose.
We left at 9 AM after spending half an hour looking for someone to pay. When we finally found John and handed him the $50, the owner stormed out of her trailer demanding to know if we'd paid him, how much, and why — she's the owner, after all. Then she tackled him to get the $50 from him. It was awful to watch.
I have nothing against mom-and-pop campgrounds. But this place is disorganized, unkempt, and — with the constant public fighting — we did not feel safe there, not leaving our dog, and not leaving our whole life in the rig while we went to see the New River Gorge. (Yes, it pained me to skip the Gorge.) The whole time, I swear I could hear the Deliverance banjo.
I don't recommend it. The value just isn't there at $50 a night. It's an old park in a great location that is way past its heyday — and until someone is actually running it, it's not a resting place for RVers.
GuideVery nice camping and mill near by
TravelerVery clean, both showers and parking lot. Actually watched the crew pressure washing around the gas pumps. Close to highway but sheltered from the noise.
TravelerShowers themselves are nice but don't have privacy room to dry and get dressed. Spots are fairly close together. $50 for one night seemed kinda high. There is highway noise. You do get a discount on your cave tour.
GuideNeed an overnight stay on 81/77 this is the place. Booked is call them complete the reservation via Campspot app which they use so I had to download it. Place had plenty of sites pull through which I didnt need but they were so accommodating. I had a perfect view of mountains and cow pasture Relaxation and sleep close to bathhouse and office. They also have propane fill for your camper
The New River valley near Athens, West Virginia sits at approximately 2,400 feet elevation, with camping options spanning from riverside locations to mountain-adjacent sites. Seasonal considerations affect access to several campgrounds, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping remains available at select parks, though amenities may be limited.
Hiking on historic trails: The New River Gorge National Park offers several trails near Army Camp Campground, including the Glade Creek Trail which follows an old railroad bed. "The campground is close to the New River Trail so we walked and biked the trail every day. It was a beautiful area," shares a visitor to Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Fishing access: Multiple locations provide direct water access for anglers seeking various fish species. "The New River Gorge website offers a lot of specific information about species, bait, and lures," notes a camper at Glade Creek Campground, adding that the "second oldest river in the world" creates excellent fishing conditions.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to observe local animals. "Sit & watch deer in the valley most mornings," reports a Spring 2024 visitor to Summer Wind RV Park. Birdwatchers can also spot numerous species, with one camper mentioning, "Heard a Barred Owl at night."
Natural water features: The confluence of waterways creates swimming and paddling opportunities. "We enjoyed evening river dips before bed," reports a visitor to Army Camp, where the New River access provides cooling relief during summer months.
Spacious campsites: Several parks feature well-designed layouts with adequate room between sites. "Beautiful with large campsites and fantastic scenery," notes a reviewer at Pipestem RV Park & Campground, mentioning their accommodation of "a 37' travel trailer" with ample space.
Mountain views: The regional topography creates scenic backdrops visible from many campsites. One camper at Summer Wind RV Park described "stunning view of the pastures" and "views of the West Virginia mountains," noting the campground "overlooks a cow pasture" creating a peaceful rural setting.
Road conditions: Access to some parks requires navigating challenging roads. "The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in," warns a camper at Army Camp, while another notes, "When getting here, make sure and come early" as the limited spaces fill quickly.
Seasonal operation: Some rv parks near Athens, West Virginia close during colder months. Summer Wind RV Park operates only "May 1 to Oct 15," requiring winter travelers to seek year-round alternatives like Fort Chiswell RV Park which offers "very relaxing" conditions throughout the year.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local fauna interactions at campgrounds. "There were about a half dozen skunks. Kinda kept me on edge," reports a visitor to Meador Campground, while another camper notes, "The racoons at night have a schedule of getty any foods left out. Putting everything away is a must."
Recreation options: Multiple parks offer dedicated facilities for children. "Great campground for families. Pools, fishing, and golf cart rentals available," according to a visitor at Lake Ridge RV Resort, who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.
Campground layout: Seek areas with safe spaces for kids to play. "The road is paved making it easy for the little ones to ride bikes," notes a Meador Campground visitor, while another mentions there's "lots of space to run around for the kids."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer supervised swimming areas. "The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms," describes one visitor, while another notes Pipestem has "giant water inflatables" during summer months.
Leveling and setup: Site conditions vary across rv parks in Athens, West Virginia vicinity. "Sites are mostly level, hookups are convenient," reports a visitor to Fort Chiswell RV Park, noting its popularity for overnight stays along I-81.
Cellular connectivity: Signal strength fluctuates throughout the region. "AT&T and Verizon both 5 bars" at Summer Wind RV Park according to a Spring 2024 visitor, while another camper reports "Starlink access was excellent as there is not a single tree to obstruct the view!"
Full hookup availability: Water and electric service levels differ between parks. "We spent time on the Hatfield/McCoy trails which were about 20 minutes from the campground," noted a Brushcreek Falls visitor, appreciating the full hookups after outdoor adventures, while another mentioned the convenience of "long but pretty close together" pull-through sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Athens, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Athens, WV is Brushcreek Falls RV Resort with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 125 RV camping locations near Athens, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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