Camping sites near Edmond, West Virginia cluster around the New River Gorge National Park with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet. The area's steep terrain creates diverse microclimates where summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during the day and drop to 55-65°F at night. Most campgrounds in this region operate from April through October, with limited winter camping available at primitive sites.
What to do
Disc golf course: 15-minute drive from Chestnut Creek Campground where campers can enjoy this activity directly on the property. "They have a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course," notes Debra W., who appreciated the recreational options beyond hiking and climbing.
Whitewater rafting: Class III-V rapids through the gorge for experienced paddlers. At Ace Adventure Resort, "We had a blast at the lake and rafting! Beautiful area as well," reports Terah J. The resort offers guided rafting trips throughout the season.
Train spotting: Railroad heritage visible from riverside camping areas. "There is a train on the other side of the river. There were some geese and ducks congregating in the water near my camper at night, was pretty cool to see so many in one area," shares Thomas H. at New River Campground, noting the interesting combination of wildlife and rail activity.
Mountain biking: Extensive trail systems with options for various skill levels. "Mt biking from the campground - a bike shop, food and beverages, showers, and goats!" explains Cydney S. about Arrowhead Bike Farm, highlighting the convenience of having trails accessible directly from camp.
What campers like
Natural site separation: Many campers appreciate the buffer between sites at Stone Cliff Campground where "There are 4 nice spots down on the beach... and two up a small hill close to the parking lot and trailhead. We stayed at #6. Had plenty of space and were far enough away to not hear our neighbors," according to Kaylee F.
Well-maintained facilities: Regular cleaning schedules are maintained even at primitive campgrounds. "The bathhouse was clean, had several stalls, showers, sinks and electricity," notes Debra W. about Chestnut Creek Campground, emphasizing the high standards despite the rustic setting.
River proximity: Direct water access is a major draw for campers. James A. describes Stone Cliff as having "Plenty of parking with 6+ isolated camp sites, all with view of river. There is a great trail nearby that runs along the river."
Pet-friendly policies: Most campgrounds welcome dogs throughout their property. "It is a heavily forest area with lots of sing birds. The owner was friendly. They have one clean shower house with toilets and hot water," shares Matt C. about the dog friendly campgrounds near Edmond at Chestnut Creek.
What you should know
Per-person pricing: Several campgrounds charge by headcount rather than site. "The campground charges per person which was different from what I'm used to, but it was very reasonable and comparable to other campgrounds in the area," explains Debra W. about Chestnut Creek Campground.
Weather considerations: Rapid temperature changes and potential flooding affect camping areas. At Grandview Sandbar Campground, Todd V. observed, "It rained the entire time I was there, yet I still enjoyed my stay. Campsite was clean and the other campers were quiet."
Train noise: Railroad operations run continuously near riverside sites. "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," notes Tiffany D. about her experience at New River Campground.
Cell reception variability: Signal strength fluctuates throughout the area. "Cell reception was great all throughout this area. That's not a camping necessity for us, but we all noticed that everyone's phone had great reception with a variety of network providers," shares Debra W. about the connectivity at Chestnut Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: The area offers multiple swimming options beyond rafting. "My young children hiked all of it with us. Overall, highly recommended," says Kaley A. about Babcock State Park Campground, noting the kid-friendly trail system alongside the park's lake access.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "A fairly new playground sits right next to the bathhouse. All the equipment was well-maintained and freshly mulched," Keith B. notes about Babcock State Park, emphasizing the family amenities available.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal encounters provide educational experiences. "The goats are a treat!" exclaims Theresa D. about Arrowhead Bike Farm, where domestic animals are part of the camping experience and children can interact with them.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping available at specific locations. "The only con, as this was our first time camping in WV, was the no alcohol rule and the fact that no passes are given for vehicles indicating they were staying on site," shares Travis C. about Babcock State Park, noting the regulations that affect family camping.
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "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. Fun for me, not for my wife lol," reports Chris S. about New River Campground, highlighting the driving challenges.
Site levelness: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Electric back in site. Water and bathhouse available across the road in the other part of the camp ground. Unusual set up," notes Edison F. about Babcock State Park's RV accommodations.
Limited hookup options: Many campgrounds offer electric but not full service. Thomas H. explains, "I have Verizon and had 4 bars cellular signal and was showing LTE but it was incredibly slow if it worked at all," highlighting infrastructure limitations at New River Campground despite the beautiful setting.
