The New River Gorge region surrounding Meadow Creek, West Virginia contains multiple camping options within rugged terrain ranging from 1,400 to 3,200 feet elevation. Temperature swings of 20-30 degrees between day and night aren't uncommon due to the valley locations of many camping sites near Meadow Creek, West Virginia. Most primitive campgrounds in the area have pit toilets but no running water, requiring visitors to pack in all drinking water.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Babcock State Park Campground, trails accommodate various skill levels across 20+ miles of pathways. "Hiking was great and my young children hiked all of it with us. Overall, highly recommended," reports one camper. The park contains historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Visit abandoned mining towns: Several ghost towns including Thurmond can be explored near Stone Cliff Campground. "The campground is very close to the abandoned town of Thurmond (very cool site to see) and is within earshot of the train tracks," notes a reviewer. The town offers a glimpse into the area's coal mining history.
Water activities on multiple rivers: The region sits at the confluence of Glade Creek and the New River, providing options for fishing, paddling and swimming. "There's a great trail nearby that runs along the river. Trash bins and restroom located nearby," mentions a visitor at Stone Cliff. Most riverside camping locations have sand beaches for water access.
What campers like
Direct river access: At Glade Creek Campground, campers can literally walk from their sites to the water. "Boat ramp for anyone wanting to kayak and a big beach area to play in the water so perfect for my dog and kid," writes one camper. The creek junction with the New River creates varied water conditions suitable for different activities.
Budget-friendly camping: Free camping at several National Park locations makes the area accessible to cost-conscious travelers. "The price can't be beat-Free! Maximum length of stay is 14 days. There is definitely enough to see and do to fill 14 days!" notes a Glade Creek visitor. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables despite no cost.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests and waterways support diverse animal species. One camper at Army Camp mentions: "Very nice spot, right by the river with plenty of spaces to hammock down by there. The ground is great for tents, no rocks." Birds, turtles and other wildlife frequent the camping areas year-round.
What you should know
Seasonal flood potential: The New River rises rapidly during rainfall, especially in spring. "During our visit, in early May, it had been and was still experiencing heavy rains and flooding. Even then, it is a beautiful location," reports a Glade Creek visitor. Water levels can rise over 100 feet from campground elevations.
Train noise considerations: Multiple active rail lines run through the area, affecting several campgrounds. At Meadow Creek Campground, "The trains go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations." Earplugs are recommended for light sleepers.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically by location and provider. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," reports an Army Camp visitor. Meadow Creek offers "1 bar of unboosted cell service with ATT with some drop off if raining, but fine for streaming videos."
Weather preparedness requirements: The mountain valleys create microclimates with significant temperature swings. "The wind here is also very strong and without strong anchors could easily pull up your tent. We were having to restake the corners throughout our stay," notes a Meadow Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Little Beaver State Park Campground offers designated play areas for children. "A nice playground for children. Lots of deer about. The tent sites have water, fire ring, table and nice shade," notes one family visitor. The campground remains open April through October.
Swimming areas with safety features: Multiple locations offer natural water features. "There's a great area for people to swim in the river or fish," writes an Army Camp reviewer. Parents should note that rocky entry points and variable currents require supervision at all natural swimming areas.
Wildlife education opportunities: The diverse ecosystem creates learning experiences. "We truly enjoyed our stay at this park. Its peacefully serene setting was exactly what we needed after a weekend long festival," shares a Babcock State Park visitor. Park rangers often provide information on local wildlife species during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Many campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "It's 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 when a big grater and the park ranger came by. It's very doable," advises an Army Camp RVer. Little Beaver State Park accommodates larger rigs with specifically designed sites.
Dump station locations: Full-service options remain limited. "Sites have water and electric. Within a short drive are several additional nice hiking trails in the New River Gorge and nearby State parks," notes a Babcock State Park visitor. Little Beaver State Park offers a dump station for those needing waste disposal.
Seasonal availability differences: Year-round options are limited. "Rifrafters is open all year for RV camping" while most National Park locations and state parks have seasonal closures. The elevation differences between campgrounds can significantly affect overnight temperatures even in summer.
