Beckley sits at an elevation of 2,421 feet in West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains, positioned between New River Gorge National Park to the north and Bluestone Wildlife Management Area to the south. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F with significant snowfall, while summer highs typically reach the 80s with frequent thunderstorms. Many campgrounds in this region experience significant elevation changes requiring leveling equipment for RVs.
What to do
Whitewater adventures on New River: Take advantage of the world-class rapids at Army Camp Campground, where you'll be positioned directly on the river. "Army Camp is my favorite place to camp. 10 tent sites. 2 are handicap... Area for people to swim in the river or fish," notes Billy C., who gave this free campground five stars.
Hiking the Glade Creek Trail: The trail follows an old railroad bed with easy terrain at Glade Creek Campground, offering peaceful riverside walks. "Glade Creek Trail follows an old RR bed with easy terrain. Being early in the spring, there was still some deadfall across parts of the trail that required some maneuvering," explains Dave V., who recommends checking with rangers for trail conditions.
Mining history exploration: Visit the Exhibition Coal Mine located 30 minutes from Stone Cliff Campground. "Check out some of the mining history at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, about 30 minutes away, and get up early to catch the sunrise from Grandview Point," recommends Jean C., highlighting educational opportunities beyond outdoor recreation.
What campers like
Free riverside camping: New River Gorge offers several no-cost camping options with basic amenities. "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river," notes Tucker B. about Army Camp Campground. Another camper adds, "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free!"
Privacy between sites: The layout at Stone Cliff provides separation between camping areas. "We stayed at site 7 which was definitely the most private, the only downside being people walking on the trail walk right by your camp, but it wasn't a very big deal," writes Gracey L. Sites are distributed along the riverbank and in wooded areas to maximize natural barriers.
Watching wildlife: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local fauna. At Summer Wind RV Park, campers enjoy animal sightings from their sites. "Sit & watch deer in the valley most mornings," notes Randy G. This campground offers unobstructed valley views that make wildlife observation easy from your RV.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between rv campgrounds near Beckley, West Virginia. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," reports Tucker B. about Army Camp. Similarly, James A. notes about Stone Cliff, "No cell phone service." Download maps and information before arrival.
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating difficult roads. At Rifrafters Campground, "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," warns Casey L. Allow extra travel time when planning your arrival.
Seasonal availability: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Summer Wind RV Park operates on a limited schedule. "Open May 1 to Oct 15," according to official information, making advance planning essential for shoulder season visits. Some facilities reduce services during cooler months.
Wildlife concerns: Take proper food storage precautions. "The racoons at night have a schedule of getty any foods left out. Putting everything away is a must," warns Andrew S. about Pipestem RV Park & Campground. Bears are also present in the region, requiring appropriate food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy," writes Melissa O. about Rifrafters Campground. Look for campgrounds with established recreation facilities if traveling with young children.
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds provide water access for kids. At Pipestem RV Park & Campground, families can enjoy "the giant water inflatables" mentioned by Molly F. The campground's proximity to swimming areas provides cooling relief during hot summer days.
Educational opportunities: Combine outdoor experiences with learning at visitor centers. "We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," shares Molly F. about Pipestem, highlighting activities that blend recreation with environmental education.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most rv campgrounds in Beckley, West Virginia. "These are in a small open loop, largely level gravel parking and tent pads," notes Jean C. about Army Camp, one of the flatter options in the area. Bring leveling blocks for most campgrounds in this mountainous region.
Small rig recommendation: Many campgrounds have limitations on RV size. "Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds," reports Caroline F. about Army Camp. Similarly, at Hilltop Sunrise, there's just "a single RV site with full hookups on a half-acre lot" which offers "Easy access area. The host is friendly and accommodating," according to Irene C.
Reservation procedures: Some campgrounds have unique booking systems. "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox," explains Whistle P. about Summer Wind RV Park, which works on an honor system rather than formal check-in. Call ahead to understand specific processes.
