Camping options in Edmond, West Virginia sit within the Appalachian Mountain range at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. This New River Gorge region typically sees winter temperatures dropping below freezing from November through March, affecting campsite availability and access. Most campground roads aren't plowed during winter weather events, requiring 4WD vehicles during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Access directly from Arrowhead Bike Farm at 8263 Gatewood Road in Fayetteville. This campground offers tent and RV sites within walking distance of multiple trailheads. "Great campground near New River Gorge National Park. Mt biking from the campground - a bike shop, food and beverages, showers, and goats! Great for families, too," notes camper Cydney S.
Whitewater adventures: Book guided trips at Ace Adventure Resort which provides direct access to New River rafting trips. The resort combines camping with outdoor activities. "We were able to go whitewater rafting one day and then explored the surrounding area on another day. The resort has so much to do including trails, swimming, and an awesome water park," reports Bridget H.
Fishing access: Cast from riverfront sites at New River Campground in Gauley Bridge. "You can fish right from your site. The owner is very nice and will go out of her way to help make your stay a good one," reports Jim C. The campground has a boat ramp for kayaks and small watercraft adjacent to the camping area.
What campers like
Proximity to climbing areas: New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club provides wooden tent platforms and community amenities for rock climbers. "This campground is well maintained and located in the heart of the New. It's a quick walk to the Junkyard Wall or a short drive to many other classic crags," reports Eric K. Each site includes a 10'x10' wooden platform to set up tents on uneven ground.
Wooded tent sites: Chestnut Creek Campground in Lansing offers secluded camping under tree cover with $15 per person rates. "All sites are big and you can pick from any available. The host is just a text or call away and he replies very quickly," according to Sienna L. The campground's non-electric focus creates a quieter atmosphere than larger facilities.
Bathroom facilities: Multiple campers mention clean bathrooms as a highlight. "Babcock State Park has access to trails, a scenic drive, grist mill, and souvenir store. The facilities were clean and well maintained," notes Dennis I. Similarly, at Stone Cliff Campground, campers appreciate the maintained pit toilets: "There are several easy to access trash cans, a picnic area, and plenty of parking as well."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region close between late October and mid-April. Winter camping options are extremely limited due to water systems being shut down to prevent freezing. Rifrafters Campground operates seasonally with most reviews mentioning "April 1 to November 1" as their standard operating schedule.
Train noise: Riverside camping means potential nighttime train disturbance. "Trains passing in the night are oddly soothing," reports one Stone Cliff camper, while another at Grandview Sandbar Campground notes: "The really bad thing is that there is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7."
Flooding potential: Spring rains can affect riverside camping areas. "This was a peaceful, nice area but when there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood," cautions Chaz M. about Grandview Sandbar Campground. Sites closest to the water are most vulnerable during heavy rainfall events, particularly in April and May.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: The lake at Ace Adventure Resort offers family entertainment. "The main one is the Lake with multiple giant anchored inflatables to play on for all ages. Others include white water rafting (day trips and overnighters), ziplines, mud course, biking and more," describes Terah J. The water park requires a day pass purchase separate from camping fees.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play structures for children. "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy," says Melissa O. about Rifrafters Campground. The activity areas provide alternatives when hiking or water activities aren't possible.
Animal attractions: Farm animals at some campgrounds delight young campers. At Arrowhead Bike Farm, one visitor notes: "The roaming goats are a treat!" Another camper, Aspen H., adds, "They have an assortment of accessible bike trails, bike shop, AMAZING FOOD, spectacular local beers, GOAT PENS, camping, a pump track, and lots of cool things to do."
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Many New River Gorge campsites have challenging approaches. "Note, the drive from Rt 19 to the campground is 8% grades both uphill and down, with twists, turns, and practical uturns with my 35ft," reports Chris S. about driving to New River Campground. Approach roads to primitive sites often require high-clearance vehicles.
Unlevel sites: Be prepared with leveling blocks at most campgrounds. "Site 5 was very un-level," reports Tanner W. about Arrowhead Bike Farm. Similarly, at Adventures on the Gorge, a camper notes "a few sites are un-level but ours in site 15 was great." Bring additional leveling equipment for most regional campgrounds.
Hookup variations: Full hookup sites are limited at most facilities. At Rifrafters Campground, Larry M. advises: "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." Many campgrounds offer a small selection of electric sites with the majority being primitive or water-only access.
