Best Camping near Bluestone Lake

Looking for the best campgrounds near Bluestone Lake, WV? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bluestone Lake. Find the best campgrounds near Bluestone Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Bluestone Lake, WV (135)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestem Resort State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestem Resort State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestem Resort State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestem Resort State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestem Resort State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pipestem Resort State Park Campground

    1. Pipestem Resort State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    90 Photos
    113 Saves
    Pipestem, West Virginia

    Pipestem Resort has endless adventure activities and is the perfect place for a couple or family retreat. Campers can enjoy everything from zip line tours to horseback riding to biking and more.

    The sprawling 4,050-acre park is located on the border of Summers and Mercer counties and features 82 campsites open year-round, 31 of which are equipped with full hookups. Nineteen sites are electric only.

    The campground is open year-round, weather permitting.

    Campsites may be reserved anytime online, by phone, or at the campground office.

    Reservations may be made for no less than two consecutive nights on weekends (Friday and Saturday) or one-night Sunday through Thursday.

    The number of vehicles or units on a site, payment, cancellations, and refunds information is good to know prior to making a reservation. Read more.

    Small pop-up tents, large RVs and everything in between are welcome.

    Campers with units over 25 feet in length may contact the park to discuss suitable sites.

    Heated bathhouses

    Coin laundry

    Campground store

    Playground area

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park

    2. Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park

    15 Reviews
    73 Photos
    112 Saves
    Camp Creek, West Virginia

    Camp Creek WV State Park and Forest is known for beautiful waterfalls and great camping. With nearly 6,000 acres of lush forest, 35 miles of trails and seven miles of seasonally stocked trout streams, there is something for every hiker, biker, horseback rider and angler to explore and enjoy. Located in Mercer County, two miles off Exit 20 on I-77, Camp Creek is ideal for family vacations and stop-overs during a long drive through the beautiful mountains of southern West Virginia.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Beaver State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Beaver State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Beaver State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Beaver State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Beaver State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Beaver State Park Campground

    3. Little Beaver State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    115 Photos
    111 Saves
    Daniels, West Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    4. Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    18 Reviews
    119 Photos
    356 Saves
    Prince, West Virginia

    This forested campground offers both tent and RV sites near the banks of the New River and the Glade Creek Trailhead. There are 6 walk-in tents sites and 5 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or campers. There is 1 accessible site. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park

    6. Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park

    9 Reviews
    28 Photos
    3 Saves
    Nimitz, West Virginia

    Meador Campground has 32 sites open to both RV and tent campers, seven of which offer electric and water hookups. Fifteen sites are electric only. The campground also offers a central bathhouse for guests. A dump station is available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Claytor Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Claytor Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Claytor Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Claytor Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Claytor Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Claytor Lake State Park Campground

    7. Claytor Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    120 Photos
    170 Saves
    Newbern, Virginia

    Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. The park has a full-service marina with docking slips, supplies, fuel, boat rentals and refreshments. Three lodges and 15 cabins overlook the 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. There are 103 campsites, 39 offering electric and water hookups. The park also offers 4 yurts (no electricity).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Wytheville KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wytheville KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wytheville KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wytheville KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wytheville KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wytheville KOA

    8. Wytheville KOA

    32 Reviews
    53 Photos
    74 Saves
    Max Meadows, Virginia

    Nestled between the beautiful Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains (just one mile off the highway), this KOA Holiday caters to everyone, from families looking for a memorable destination to travelers looking for a quiet location after a day on the road. Check out the improved big rig friendly RV sites, Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins and Tent sites. Enjoy the pool with double water slide, fully stocked camp store, gaga ball, mini golf, corn hole, playground, mining sluice, court games, and our catch-and-release fishing pond.

    This campground's Bowling and Family Fun Center is home to indoor batting cage, arcade games, pool tables, skee ball, outdoor mini golf, and the AOK Cafe, which features made to order pizza, wings, and doughnuts! The Bowling and Family Fun Center Pavilion hosts summer weekend activities that include a ride on the KOA Express train, an authentic 1924 fire truck, wagon rides, tie-dye/crafts and a candy hunt (kids 12 & under). This KOA Holiday has brought a new addition to The Fun Center; a first of its kind: a six-lane BOWLING ALLEY complete with automatic scoring for your enjoyment. Nearby, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, animal park, wineries, antique malls, and the Town of Wytheville's historic attractions and restaurants (some will even deliver to your site).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $50 - $170 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Brushcreek Falls RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushcreek Falls RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushcreek Falls RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushcreek Falls RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

    9. Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    5 Photos
    21 Saves
    Athens, West Virginia

    Brushcreek Falls RV Resort is conveniently located just 1.8miles off I-77 EXIT 14 near Princeton, WV. Situated in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Brushcreek Falls offers four cottages and 52 RV/Camper sites with power, water, and sewer.

    Southern West Virginia is a trail riders paradise. Use Brushcreek Falls as your base camp to explore the Hatfield & McCoy ATV and UTV trail system.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground

    10. Rifrafters Campground

    29 Reviews
    94 Photos
    174 Saves
    Fayetteville, West Virginia

    Rifrafters Campground provides tent and RV camping and economy cabins in the woodlands near Fayetteville, West Virginia (WV) -- only two-miles south of the New River Gorge Bridge. Our cleanliness, accessibility, and quiet family atmosphere have earned us a place among West Virginia's most-popular camping areas. You'll also find a friendly full-time staff, exceptionally clean showers and restrooms, and plenty of space for small gatherings and walks in the woods behind the campground. Use our website to explore our camping amenities and find out more about the New River.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $44 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 135 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Bluestone Lake

Recent Reviews in Bluestone Lake

592 Reviews of 135 Bluestone Lake Campgrounds


  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Campground
    Dec. 4, 2024

    Sportsman Campground

    Washed out by Hurricane Helene

    This campground was pretty much washed out by Hurricane Helene.  It apparently was owned by the family that owns the gas station on site.  The gas station was flooded out and will need to be completely rebuilt.

    The dirt under the campground remains and there are a few campers here still despite there being no more services available.  Two tents were set up.  One had a generator.  One trailer was here.  The water level is down now but there's still debris that needs cleaning up.  The roads were not washed out so this is still a fairly easy to access site being it is right off I-81.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Ridge RV Resort
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Lake Ridge RV Resort

    SO MUCH FUN!

    We were able to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the park. 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.  We spent one evening playing in the arcade room where I may currently hold the high score on one of the pinball machines and got to have lazy days around the park.  We enjoyed the area so much!  The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. 

    They are continuously improving the park love seeing what they are doing as they keep going.

  • Benjy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Outpost at New River Gourge
    Nov. 14, 2024

    The Outpost at New River Gourge

    Loved it here!

    As a car camper I was initially hesitant about paying for a partial hookup RV spot knowing that I wouldn’t be fully utilizing what I was paying for, but man am I glad I chose to stay here.

    The location is great for getting in and out of town and the park alike, and it was the ideal location for a hike base. In terms of the campground itself, I think it set a new standard for me that’ll be pretty hard to beat. The bathrooms were incredible, and the shower was so good that it was almost annoying (I’m jealous and want it at home now too).

    Checking in and out was easy, and the staff was very kind in accommodating me extending my stay another day on two separate occasions. I’d been most in and out in the dark, but finally on the last day got to check out the rest of the place and it really is super nice with a great aesthetic to match.

    The big kicker for me was the lodge/Wi-Fi situation. As someone camping in a Prius, it can get pretty tight at times, so having a nice big space with great internet to get some work done was a huge bonus. Even in my car, the WiFi was plenty good enough to use, albeit not quite as snappy fast as the lodge.

    All in all, I’d happily come back here again and again if I were to find myself back in the area. Could not more highly recommend.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Nov. 14, 2024

    Meadow Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Calm Tent-Only Campground- with Trains

    I’ve stayed here several times. It’s always been a great visit. There are around 12 sites with tables, grills, and fire rings. Pit toilet and dumpster. The place is monitored via videocamera as signed. No RVs- that is enforced. 1 bar of unboosted cell service with ATT with some drop off if raining, but fine for streaming videos. The coal trains run through at all hours of the night- and blow their horns (earplugs). Open year round- a no hunting campsite.

  • Kim L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Rifrafters Campground

    Nearest CG to New River Gorge bridge and visitor center

    Very comfortable and quiet campground. Camp hosts (owners?) and staff are very friendly and helpful. Close to local towns for services. The full hook up RV sites seem crowded, but the electric only sites were spacious and shady. I had a little deck with a picnic table. Even though the land is hilly, almost every site was level. The area where I camped had a single porta potty, but the main service area had clean showers and reasonably priced laundry. Short hiking trails are nearby. A children’s area is available but looked little used.

  • Molly R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Rifrafters Campground

    Well managed everything you need.

    Beautiful area, close to New River National Park. Very accommodating staff. Includes wifi, PBS TV, small dog run, small playground, picnic shelter, laundry, bathhouse, firewood, ice,etc. Clean, friendly without all the fancy extras. Reasonably priced.

  • Anna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Jay Campground — Camp Creek State Park
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Blue Jay Campground — Camp Creek State Park

    Simple but sufficient - great location with miles of trails!

    All 12 non-electric sites appeared to have fire ring, picnic table, trash can, flat parking area. They did vary a bit in size. I was there on Friday and Saturday and there were no more than 4 other sites occupied. I was surprised that the bathrooms had running water! Overall, everything was quiet and relaxing. Some traffic from people driving by, but not bad at this time of year. It was delightful falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the creek! There are miles and miles of trails, I hiked 16 and only encountered 1 couple. The other campgrounds in the park have more amenities, too.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Very relaxing spot

    Very nice spot, right by the river with plenty of spaces to hammock down by there. We were lucky and got one of the last spots, there’s only 11. Fire rings with grill, and bench at each site. The ground is great for tents, no rocks. If you’re planning on coming here, make sure and come early. Pit toilets also available.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Jay Campground — Camp Creek State Park
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Blue Jay Campground — Camp Creek State Park

    Peaceful now but....

    One of three campgrounds in Camp Creek State Park; this is the primitive one (the other two are a horse camp and a developed one with hookups). Most sites are on the creek, but the road runs right past them. On a weekday in the fall, the road was very quiet, but I imagine that in the summer when carloads of people head to Campbell Falls, it would be a different story and would take away from the peacefulness of the campground. 

    This campground would not be suitable for large RVs, but our campervan fit just fine in the mostly level (but rooty) sites, Obviously, good for tents. 

    There are two vault toilets – one for women and one for men. They were in reasonably clean condition. 

    Campbell Falls is just down the road from the campground and there is access to many hiking trails.

    No one other than us was there on a weekday in mid-October so it was very peaceful and quiet.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate Overnight Park
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Interstate Overnight Park

    *******B E W A R E*****

    Do not stay here! 

    Sex offenders & homeless people come knocking on your doors at night! 

    Corrupt & not safe!

    Cracker Barrel across the street & lovely campgrounds off 81exit 84

  • Casey L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Meadow Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Spacious Sites with No Shade

    Nice NPS campground. There are 17 sites, all free FCFS tent only sites. We thought we’d have a hard time finding a spot on a Friday night but it was less than half full the whole 4 nights we were there. Only one vault toilet was open. Sites are flat, large and spaced out. However the trees are very newly planted so they provide no shade or privacy. Quick access to 64 and Sandstone Visitor Center. The biggest con to this is the multi-track railroad right next to the campground. They go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations. But otherwise was a good base camp for exploring New River Gorge.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushcreek Falls RV Resort
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

    Great stop right off of the highway

    We stayed a night on a long trip up the coast and had a great experience. The shop was well appointed with necessities and wine from local. It was easy to get around the campground, and there were many nice spots and cabins to choose from. We had plenty of room to park our RV and there was a very nice new swingset Nearby. Noticed multiple people utilizing the fishing pond and there was a cornhole tournament going on at the other side of the park. That looks like a lot of fun. The only downside was that the shower house had one shower stall per gender and was not very clean. It also would’ve been nice to have some more places to set belongings or hooks.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Rifrafters Campground

    Great overnight stop very shaded and peaceful

    We stayed overnight on our way up the coast and had a great visit. I wish we could’ve stayed longer. The campground was very peaceful and shaded people were very friendly and the facilities were exceptionally clean.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stony Fork Campground
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Stony Fork Campground

    Well maintained and quiet

    Staff were GREAT!! Very clean bathrooms and hot showers. Grounds were clean and well maintained. 50+ sites with 4 bathrooms scattered in campground and 2 host sites. Wildlife abundant.

  • Hazel S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Glen Lyn Town Park & Campground
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Glen Lyn Town Park & Campground

    Campground

    Cute place off the freeway with water access and a playground, 6 mile hiking trail to waterfall and not far from town. There is a train station nearby and the trains are loud. They come by every now and then night and day, they do live music some nights and church gatherings where a man basically yells all night long. Lots of freeway noise so the nightly fee is kinda stupid considering you won't get any sleep if you stay here. The river is super planted so I wouldn't swim here either sadly.. and the showers have NO water presser yet you gotta pay for a bathroom key otherwise there's porta-potties by the dumpster.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Great spot!

    Great quiet spot. All primitive, does have a bathhouse with toilets only. Pretty good drive to any stores, so pack in what you need. It is about a 7 mile ride down a gravel road. I did the trip on a motorcycle so the road isn’t bad. I got there at 6pm on a tuesday and got the last spot! Get there early to make sure you get a spot. Very well maintained.

  • Susan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Army Camp - New River National Scenic River
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Army Camp - New River National Scenic River

    2-3 dispersed sites before this campground

    The Campground is small...Maybe 15 sites. It was full when we arrived. Luckily, there are 2 or 3 dispersed sites along the road into the Campground. They are on the river, too. Perfect for an overnighter.

  • Ryan B.
    Camper-submitted photo from New River Junction Campground
    Sep. 3, 2024

    New River Junction Campground

    Ear Blaring Trains, Gross Bath house, Rocky River.

    THE TRAINS: HOLY HELL. The trains alone are reason enough not to camp here. Especially with a tent. Five trains between midnight and 5am. Every one of them blew the horn well past the crossing. This is not an exaggeration; it sounded like the trains were going to come through the tent. We might as well have been on the tracks themselves. We had to cover our 3yo daughters ears to keep her from getting scared awake during every train passing. The tent camping is closest to the tracks which makes zero sense to me as the RV's would be less subject to the noise and would block a lot of it from reaching the tents. The train schedule probably varies, but I assure you, it's not worth the roll of the dice. I would find somewhere else to camp, especially if you like the peace and quiet(which is a huge part of camping). I know this isn't really in their control, but it kind of is. They do mention that the trains do come through and that the guests don't usually mention it after the second night(probably because they leave after the first night LOL JK). They definitely sugar coat it. However, they need to have that in BOLD RED LETTERS"THE TRAINS ARE LOUD AS F**K". I would've just canceled the trip immediately and camped elsewhere. They need one of those huge sound blocking walls you see along the interstate. The Bathrooms: Bathrooms need work. The toilet seats are gross, the walls have mold on them, the shower curtains are piss yellow. All of which would cost around$80 to fix. Those are the"Campers Only" bathrooms. The"Tubing Showers" are basically a wooden shack with a pull string valve. Looks like something out of a horror film. Not sure why they even have them because the river will get you cleaner than those ever will. The River: The river is beautiful. Great views of the mountain sides. The views and fishing were the only saving grace. I was able to catch a small-mouth bass pretty quickly and missed a few others. The water ranges in depth, but nothing deeper than waste deep really. It's rocky and slippery so it's dangerous and not very family friendly. Especially for young children and older people. Honestly, my wife hated the river because it was so hard to move around. So while it looked nice and fished well, that was about it. Tubing: I didn't do the tubing, but I had family with me that did and they said it was NOT worth the money. The water level was said to be good for it, but they said they dragged their butts the majority of the way. I also think that their base level tubes they rent out are not enough to keep you high enough out of the water. They look like inner tubes from some sort of truck and they are not beefy enough for this application, you'll just droop through the middle. If you do tube, bring your own river tube or rent the premium versions with the bottom sewn in. The People: The people were very nice to us during our short stay. This was a non-issue. However, I think they should worry less about the grass and more about the amenities getting updated(build a new bathhouse building). For Young Kids: Nothing really available for younger kids to play on. No playgrounds or anything other than a few ride around toys and a basketball hoop. They have plenty of room for an awesome playground for much younger kids, but I don't think that's their focus. Conclusion: Would I ever stay at New River Junction again? Absolutely not. For me, camping is about getting away from the noise and my house is quieter than this place and I live on a busy street. The trains are awful for tent camping and I'm sure the thin-walled travel trailers too. Had it not been for the trains, the place would have been okay, but even the good parts weren't that great. I didn't set this trip up, a family member did. I'll never let her live this one down lol. Don't let the positive reviews mislead you. The majority of the reviews are from people there just for tubing. In all my years of tent camping, this was the worst trip I've ever had.

  • Tia B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    First come first serve river front camping

    We arrived from Cleveland late on a Thursday evening and every one of the 7 sites was full, luckily we met another couple who let us share their site for the night which was great because they let us have their site when they left in the morning. We were on site 2/3 which are right at the bottom of a large staircase down from the parking lot. We put our tent a few feet away from the water facing the river and our canopy further up in the woods by the firepit. Access to a hiking trail at the end of the parking lot - Stonecliff Trail, garbage bins and bathrooms available, no running water so bring hand sanitizer, Dunloup waterfall ~8 min down the road right off the side of the road was beautiful and a great place to swim, hiked a few trails down to town of Thurmond which is a a great little historical train town with a nice visitors center

    Cons - No picnic tables on any of the sites, carrying our things up the 3 flights of stairs to the parking lot was a little exhausting but not bad if you’re more of a minimalist camper, road access to campground is well paved but is very very narrow and windy so be careful of other cars flying around the bends, trains go by on other side of the river ~2-3 times per night, be careful of glass in the sand as well as bees, sites 2-5 are all right on top of each other (within 10 feet) with minimal trees in between so they’re good for groups but not if you don’t want to be right next to people.

  • Pete M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rifrafters Campground
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Rifrafters Campground

    Nice location and a great location.

    Rifrafters is a wonderful family run campground that was the perfect location for us to explore New River Gorge NP and the surrounding area. The area is very hilly and the campground is no exception but they did a good job of creating roomy, mainly level campsites. Unlike Bear Mountain Campground, Rifrafters is far enough off of US 19 to avoid most of the road noise. The bath house was VERY clean and the showers had great water pressure and plenty of hot water. Cell reception for Verizon was 3 bars, but the campground Wi-Fi was awesome! It was strong enough and had enough bandwidth for my wife to work remotely while the kids and I went whitewater rafting(go with ACE Adventures, they're great). The details make or break your stay and Rifrafters gets them all right. Good, steady power and water at the site, Wi-Fi, dry firewood, great bath house and clean/tidy everywhere. Lastly, the location was perfect for us. You''re just a few miles from the bridge and visitor's center to the north and a few miles to shopping/necessities to the south. Having stayed here made us realize we'd rather camp near US 19 and use our toad to drive the windy roads into t


Drive Time


Guide to Bluestone Lake

Camping near Bluestone Lake, West Virginia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to adventurous trails, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Babcock State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “We enjoyed several of the hiking trails and other features like the historic Grist Mill.” The park is a great base for hiking adventures.
  • Boating and Fishing: At Claytor Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy boating and fishing. A reviewer noted, “Ideal for boating,” highlighting the lake's appeal for water activities.
  • Wildlife Watching: Mash Fork Campground is a great spot for spotting wildlife. One camper shared, “The campground staff was very friendly, and the amenities were clean and kept up,” making it a pleasant place to enjoy nature.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Babcock State Park Campground. A visitor said, “The bathrooms were clean, although the drainage for the showers wasn’t working right and would flood,” indicating that while there are minor issues, overall cleanliness is a plus.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Claytor Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “The power/water sites are very large and wide, so you get plenty of space,” which is great for families or groups.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers at Glade Creek Campground love the peaceful setting. A camper noted, “It was so quiet except for the railroad every so often! Just serene,” making it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: At Grandview Sandbar Campground, amenities are basic. A reviewer pointed out, “Pit toilets were relatively clean,” but be prepared for a more primitive experience.
  • Road Conditions: Accessing Glade Creek Campground can be tricky. One visitor warned, “Roads are riddled with potholes. Careful in low rise cars,” so plan accordingly if you’re driving a smaller vehicle.
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds, like Stone Cliff Campground, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper mentioned, “We arrived late on a Thursday evening and every one of the 7 sites was full,” so arriving early is key.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Pipestem Resort State Park Campground offers plenty of activities for kids. One parent said, “This park is absolutely beautiful and wildlife is abundant,” making it a great spot for family bonding.
  • Look for Amenities: Families will appreciate the facilities at Little Beaver State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “The shower house has hot water and very clean,” which is a big plus for families with kids.
  • Plan Group Activities: At Ace Adventure Resort, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. One reviewer mentioned, “This is an adventure resort that has zip lines, rafting, ropes courses,” perfect for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should be mindful of site sizes at Mash Fork Campground. A camper shared, “The site was nice and wide with plenty of space on each side,” which is important for larger rigs.
  • Bring Extension Cords: At Pipestem Resort State Park Campground, it’s wise to have long cords. One visitor noted, “Electrical hookup is on the opposite side than the water and sewer,” so be prepared.
  • Watch for Tight Roads: Navigating to Army Camp can be tricky. A reviewer mentioned, “It has a small loop of campsites near the river,” but the access road can be narrow, so take care with larger RVs.

Camping near Bluestone Lake, West Virginia, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for your next outdoor getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions