Oak Hill sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation in south-central West Virginia, with camping options ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet above sea level. The topography creates challenges for cell reception, with most primitive campgrounds having limited or no service except on ridge tops. Temperatures can vary by 15°F between riversides and mountaintop camping locations, with morning fog common along water courses.
What to do
Disc golf access: Arrowhead Bike Farm features an on-site course popular with families. "They have a disc golf course on the property, goats, a pump track, and are directly linked to some great mountain biking trails. Staff are always willing to suggest routes based on your experience level."
Kayak launching points: Launch sites along the New River provide easy water access without crowds. A camper at New River Campground notes: "I love bringing my kayak here to paddle around! There is a boat ramp right next to it, and you can fish right from your site."
Historic site exploration: The region contains numerous historic structures beyond the well-known gristmill. "Military history buffs will appreciate the remains of an Army training encampment along the gravel road driving in. Known for equipping soldiers to build floating bridges across rivers to move troops and heavy artillery."
Winter hiking options: Unlike most area activities that close seasonally, trails remain accessible year-round. "We stayed in Cabin 5, which offered a few wooden bunkbeds... We were there in winter with impending storms, so chose to rent rather than tent camp."
What campers like
River access for swimming: The New River offers swimming holes with varying conditions. At Glade Creek Campground, "There is river access for small boats/rafts. The creek joins the New River here, you can hear the water from the sites."
Geological features: Rock formations provide exploration opportunities beyond established trails. "Island-In-the-Sky is a great climb through a tunnel of rhododendron that eventually winds up and around a rock shelf. To get to the top you have to climb up a couple ladders and over rocks."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best wildlife sightings. "Heard a Barred Owl at night. Was able to let my dog off the leash down by the river to play and even played frisbee in our campsite and on the camp road."
Train watching: While trains can disrupt sleep for light sleepers, many enjoy the scenery. At New River Campground, "The railroad is right across the river, so pretty nice to watch but at night it can be a little loud if you need silence to sleep."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. At Babcock State Park Campground, "The last couple miles of road getting here are rough…if you have an SUV you should be fine but i have a sportier suspension and it was not fun. Also, if you are pulling a trailer, some turns are tight so be prepared."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies dramatically between locations. "They have an outside 'kitchen' sink by bathrooms for filling up water and washing dishes. We brought our own gear but they do have sites with tents already set up."
Flood risk: Riverside campgrounds can flood quickly, sometimes without recent local rainfall. "During our visit, in early May, it had been and was still experiencing heavy rains and flooding. Even then, it is a beautiful location."
First-come basis: Most primitive sites in the national park fill by mid-afternoon on weekends. "I made sure to be a little early to make sure the drive in spots were not all taken. There are also spots right down the new river which in reality are nicer."
Tips for camping with families
All-in-one amenities: Ace Adventure Resort offers activities without leaving the property. "The park has so much to do including trails, swimming, and an awesome water park. The campground is very clean and the staff were very helpful."
Swimming safety: River currents can be dangerous for children. "Caution: Use extreme prudence if choosing to enter the New River itself. This is an incredibly popular whitewater rafting and paddling river…currents are fast, powerful and dangerous."
Site selection: Look for sites away from major walkways. "We stayed at site 21, which was the middle of a loop and it was space and flat. It had another site next to it but it was further apart than other sites."
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly. "We spent the weekend of 3/13/20-3/15/20 and had fairly good weather despite the damp mornings. The camp had clean latrines (no running water) and was easily accessible from an offroad-like gravel entrance road."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many sites require significant adjustment. "It is very much built into a big hill - I was a little worried our Avion (similar to airstream) that had low clearance would bottom out as we came in and out of entrance hill to road but we had no issue."
Power options: Rifrafters Campground provides reliable power even during storms. "We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so hospitable. We purchased firewood and they walked it to our campsite. Our site was plenty large and the concrete pad was perfectly level."
Alternative locations: Back sections often provide better sites. "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity."
Facilities access: Bathroom access varies by campground. "The bathrooms were very nice and clean! The owners were also great. It was pouring when we checked in and they gave us a different tent site than originally booked so that we had a shelter out of the rain to set up our tent."
Guide
