The New River Gorge region near Danese, West Virginia features significant elevation changes, with campsites positioned between 1,400 and 3,200 feet above sea level. Access roads to campgrounds often navigate steep mountain terrain with numerous switchbacks. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with some RV parks operating year-round despite winter snowfall averaging 35 inches annually.
What to do
Riverside trails: At Army Camp Campground, hikers can explore accessible paths along the New River. "There's an accessible site and also accessible trail to a bench along the river," notes one camper, while another mentions, "One trail on far side of parking area that I haven't been on yet."
Biking: The trails at Arrowhead Bike Farm connect directly to National Park routes. "Within a short walk/bike to multiple biking and hiking trailheads. Close enough to bike into Fayetteville (a cool little town)," reports a visitor. The campground includes "a bike shop with rentals and repairs, restaurant, and bar."
Whitewater activities: Riverside camping provides direct water access at multiple locations. A camper at Stone Cliff Beach enjoyed "evening river dips before bed." However, safety precautions are critical as "currents are fast, powerful and dangerous."
Mining history tours: The region's industrial past is accessible through guided tours. One visitor recommends "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."
What campers like
Free camping options: The National Park Service operates several no-cost campgrounds. "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river," says one visitor to Stone Cliff Campground. Another appreciates that "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free!"
Secluded spots: Several locations offer privacy despite popularity. A Glade Creek visitor found that "Even with the rainy weather the area wasn't too muddy and the campsite we stayed at was level so there wasn't any issue." Another camper noted the campground has "5 drive-in sites and more walk-in sites on the edge of the camp."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Summer Wind RV Park, guests can "Sit & watch deer in the valley most mornings." Another visitor described it as having "stunning view of the pastures."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain good sanitation. Rifrafters Campground has "bathrooms [that] were clean and well maintained" according to a visitor, while another noted that "the restroom facilities were quite nice."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. A Glade Creek Campground visitor warns "The Glade Creek Road to the campground is not too bad but there is a narrow one-lane bridge you must cross."
Site availability: First-come-first-served sites fill quickly during peak seasons. An Army Camp visitor observed that "spots fill quickly" and recommends arriving early to secure a spot.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. A visitor noted "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)" while another camper experienced "No cell service, so download your maps."
Water access: Many campgrounds lack potable water. "No sources of freshwater available @ the campground. The nearest convenient store is some miles away," notes one camper. Visitors should "bring your own" water supply.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Rifrafters received positive feedback from one family: "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy."
Shallow water areas: Several riverside campgrounds feature water access points with gradual entry. A visitor to Pipestem RV Park & Campground enjoyed "lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables."
Wildlife encounters: Children should be properly supervised as wildlife is abundant. A camper at Stone Cliff Beach "saw the largest spider I've ever seen in the hollow of one of the trees at the campsite."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be significant. One camper noted "It was veryyy cold in the mornings but that was due to going in spring. I can't see it being a problem during the summer."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Most RV sites near Danese, West Virginia offer standard amenities but vary in size. At Brushcreek Falls RV Resort, "The sites were long but pretty close together," and another visitor noted "Like a lot of private RV parks, the sites tend to be very close to each other."
Leveling needs: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring blocks. One camper at Arrowhead Bike Farm found "site 5 was very un-level," requiring adjustments for comfortable camping.
Utility reliability: Full hookups are available at several locations, though quality varies. A Summer Wind visitor mentioned "These are full hook up sites, very affordable and great proximity to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options are limited. A visitor noted that Rifrafters is "open all year for RV" while most other campgrounds in the area close for winter.
