Army Camp in New River Gorge National Park offers free camping with 5 drive-in sites and 6 walk-in tent sites. The campground provides fire rings, pit toilets and direct access to the New River. Several RV parks near Caldwell accommodate larger rigs with full hookups, while primitive camping options exist in nearby state forests. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds reporting no AT&T coverage.
What to do
Trail access near the river: Glade Creek Campground features multiple hiking paths directly from the camping area. "The camp is steps away from the Glade Creek Trail and the New River Gorge. The flowing Gorge can always be heard, the low rumble is peaceful at night," reports one camper at Glade Creek Campground.
Water activities: Greenbrier River Campground offers direct river access for kayaking, tubing and swimming. "We loved this park. Had so much fun there. Rented tubes and floated down the river. The staff was great and the grounds well kept," notes a visitor. The two-hour tubing float ends directly at the campground sites.
Bluestone Lake recreation: Meador Campground provides both water and land-based activities. "The park is awesome with beautiful views and many roads to bike on. Also significant trails," writes one reviewer at Meador Campground. The campground includes access to an outdoor pool within walking distance and connects to multiple trailheads.
What campers like
Free camping options: Army Camp Campground offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river. Still, it wasn't crowded and I enjoyed evening river dips before bed," shares a camper at Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Each site includes a picnic table, grill, fire pit and dual lantern post.
Spacious wooded sites: Greenbrier State Forest provides well-separated camping areas with significant tree cover. "The sites are well-appointed, well-maintained, wooded, and peaceful. The bathroom and shower facility is super clean and maintained daily, each campsite even has its own trashcan with daily trash pick up," according to a visitor at Greenbrier State Forest.
Mountain and river views: Summer Wind RV Park offers scenic vistas from level sites. "Amazingly beautiful! Relaxing! Quiet! Recharge here! Full hook ups, dog friendly, very level gravel site with a stunning view of the pastures," reports one camper. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with another guest noting, "Sit & watch deer in the valley most mornings."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Army Camp, "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," reports one camper. Download maps and information before arrival.
Water access issues: Many campgrounds lack onsite drinking water. For Glade Creek Campground, "Note: vitally important to realize there is no running water at any of these campgrounds. You must bring water or filter it from the New River...which I wouldn't recommend."
Campground filling patterns: Free camping areas fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Summer Wind RV Park, reservation processes can be informal: "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. But there was plenty of room and everything worked out fine."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Bluestone State Park offers swimming options for children. "There is an outdoor pool within walking distance of campground but the playgrounds need upgraded. Lots of space to run around for the kids. It rained one day we were there and we took a quick drive to Pipestem and swam in the heated, indoor pool that is included in camping fee."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to see local animals. At Greenbrier River Campground, one camper reports, "I grew up on this campground. It was my home away from home during the summer for Years... It's a great campground with kayak and canoe trips. Lots of fishing and swimming available."
Activity options for various ages: Pipestem RV Park provides numerous recreation choices. "We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," mentions a camper staying in a 37-foot travel trailer.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: RV campgrounds near Caldwell, West Virginia often have narrow approach roads. For Shady Rest RV Park, "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. Some large rigs got through it just don't go fast."
Internet connectivity: Summer Wind RV Park offers reliable connectivity. "Starlink access was excellent as there is not a single tree to obstruct the view! The views are nice, the bathrooms were clean and all of the amenities worked normal," reports a visitor. This makes it suitable for remote workers needing reliable internet access.
Tunnel clearance reality: When accessing Brushcreek Falls RV Resort, RV travelers should note actual clearances versus posted signs. "The hosts made it super easy to reserve, check in etc. Truly nice people. The place is not too big or small, just right. Very clean. Nice tenants! Spots are long but pretty close together."
