Dispersed camping opportunities near Beckley, West Virginia span across the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in the rugged Appalachian Mountains at elevations between 1,400 and 2,500 feet. The region receives approximately 45 inches of precipitation annually, creating lush forest environments ideal for camping from April through October. Temperature variations can be significant with summer highs reaching 85°F during the day but dropping into the 60s at night, requiring campers to pack clothing layers even during warm months.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Army Camp Campground offers direct river access for swimming and fishing. "The view of the river is absolutely beautiful!" notes Corda B., who stayed with friends and dogs for several nights at Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Water access isn't an issue if you bring a good filtration system.
Take the mining tour: Located adjacent to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, campers can explore coal mining history. The campground is "just up the road from the Beckley Town Exhibition Coal Mine and attached to the town park," explains Jean C., who recommends the knowledgeable guides at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground.
Adventure activities: Just 20 minutes from Beckley, Ace Adventure Resort offers multiple outdoor activities beyond camping. "From whitewater rafting to the waterpark to their 15+ different adventures, Ace Adventure Resort has it all," says Sara C., who enjoyed the resort's waterpark and adventure options during her stay.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Stone Cliff Campground provides secluded waterfront sites away from crowds. "Beautiful spot on New River. Make sure you remember to print off directions if you are unfamiliar with the area. There are 4 nice spots down on the beach," reports Kaylee F., who camped at Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and appreciated the quiet setting despite being within earshot of train tracks.
Free camping options: Several campgrounds in the New River Gorge area offer no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Hard to beat a free campsite right on the river," writes Tucker B. about Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, noting he "enjoyed evening river dips before bed" during his stay.
Well-maintained sites: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at most campgrounds. The bathhouse at Rifrafters Campground was particularly praised. "The bathrooms were very nice and clean! The owners were also great," comments Melissa W., who stayed at Rifrafters Campground during a rainy period and appreciated the staff helping her find a sheltered tent site.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell phone service is spotty throughout the region. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," reports Tucker B. about Army Camp Campground, highlighting a common issue in the gorge's deep valleys.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating narrow, winding roads. "The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip," warns Corda B. about Army Camp Campground, noting you need to be prepared with plenty of supplies since returning to town for forgotten items means traveling the same rough road again.
Weather considerations: The New River can flood quickly after rainfall. "Even though it had not rained in 18 hours, the New River continued to swell beyond what I thought probable. Exercise greater wisdom than I did," cautions Dave V. about camping at Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, where the river encroached within 30 feet of his tent pad.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "A nice playground for children. Lots of deer about," describes Michelle W. about her experience at Little Beaver State Park, noting that while the tent sites have water, fire rings, tables and nice shade, the walk to restrooms might be too far for some children.
Water recreation options: Families with children particularly enjoy the lake activities at Ace Adventure Resort. "The main one is the Lake with multiple giant anchored inflatables to play on for all ages," explains Terah J., who visited Ace Adventure Resort with her family and found the lake activities ideal for children.
Site selection for safety: When camping near water with children, choose sites further from the river's edge. "This was a peaceful, nice area but when there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood," warns Chaz M. about Grandview Sandbar, highlighting the need for caution when camping with children near water.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven sites. "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," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about Little Beaver State Park Campground.
Hookup placement: At some campgrounds, utility connections may be inconveniently positioned. "Our electric post was on the opposite side of our electrical outlet," reports Bruce E. about Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground, suggesting RVers bring extension cords.
RV size restrictions: Check campground specifications before arriving with larger rigs. "The sites do have a picnic table, lantern post and firepit. Depending on the site you choose, the initial sites to the right are all below the campground roadway you wind down," explains Dave V. about Grandview Sandbar, noting that getting larger RVs down the winding roads can be challenging.
