Camping near Fayetteville, West Virginia places visitors within minutes of both New River Gorge National Park and multiple forest recreation areas. The region sits approximately 1,900 feet above sea level, creating distinct microclimates throughout the gorge system where temperatures can vary significantly between ridgetops and river bottoms. Most campgrounds in the area maintain open sites from April through October with limited winter availability for hardier campers and RVs.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Chestnut Creek Campground offers a frisbee/disc golf course on the property. As reviewer Debra W. noted, "There are visible works in progress all over. The owner stopped us on the way out and asked for feedback. He is eager to make improvements... Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course."
Mountain biking from camp: Arrowhead Bike Farm connects directly to trail systems. "Great campground adjacent to New River Gorge National Park. Within a short walk/bike to multiple biking and hiking trailheads. Close enough to bike into Fayetteville. Onsite bike shop with rentals and repairs, restaurant, and bar," explains reviewer Charles C.
Inflatable water obstacle course: During summer months, Ace Adventure Resort maintains a unique water attraction. "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," says Terah J.
Riverside camping access: Stone Cliff Campground provides direct river access for free. "Location was amazing. Sites are first come first served, no reservation needed. Plenty of parking with 6+ isolated camp sites, all with view of river. There is a great trail nearby that runs along the river," according to James A.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Chestnut Creek Campground offers natural separation between campsites. "This is a quiet campground, with lots of space and site options, run independently by a family. Most sites are simple with just a picnic table and fire pit. There are lots of trees in between many of the sites for great privacy," mentions Debra W.
Individual bathroom facilities: New River Campground assigns private bathrooms to tent campers. Kenneth K. explains, "Waterfront tent site with access to clean, personal bathrooms/showers assigned to each site. Camp store is on premises, but other items can be picked up at the small stores within a half mile."
Campground goat residents: Arrowhead Bike Farm features unique animal residents. Aspen H. reports, "They have an assortment of accessible bike trails, bike shop, AMAZING FOOD (tacos, pretzels, spinach artichoke dip, etc.), spectacular local beers and PBR, GOAT PENS, camping, a pump track, and lots of cool things to do in the local area."
Historic grist mill views: Babcock State Park Campground features one of West Virginia's most photographed structures. "The park is spectacular. The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around," explains Jonda M.
What you should know
Seasonal water temperature issues: Campground shower water varies dramatically with seasons. Cody M. reports about American Alpine Club Campground: "Coin-operated showers. Definitely can tell it's a climber's campground. Had a very Miguel's-like vibe to it."
Narrow access roads: Several campgrounds have challenging approaches. Dennis I. notes about Babcock State Park: "Limited large rig sites and roadways are very narrow."
Train noise considerations: New River Campground has regular train traffic across the river. "Pro/con: 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," explains Tiffany D.
Primitive site limitations: Stone Cliff Beach sites have minimal facilities. "The bathrooms were a pit latrine, which is private but not necessarily clean or comfortable lol. Also trains would go by every few hours, it didn't bother us much but it could be annoying to some people," notes Gracey L.
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming options: For families concerned about river currents, Ace Adventure Resort offers safer water play. "We had a blast going whitewater rafting. The staff there is so friendly and nice. Hope we get the chance to go again some day!" says Renee G.
Playground access: Rifrafters Campground provides play facilities for younger children. Melissa O. mentioned, "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy. We would stay here again, especially for a weekend to see the area."
Cabin rental options: Multiple campgrounds offer cabin accommodations for families without camping gear. About Adventures on the Gorge, Scott B. notes: "Really enjoyed our stay here. Beautiful resort style property and close to the National Park. Sites are big, a few are un-level but ours in site 15 was great. Clean facilities. Great pool and restaurants."
Dedicated family sections: Some campgrounds separate tent sites from noisier areas. "There are 4 nice spots down on the beach (we opted against these since we didn't want to clean sand out of everything when we packed up) and two up a small hill close to the parking lot and trailhead," explains Kaylee F. about Stone Cliff Campground.
Tips from RVers
Variable site leveling: Many campgrounds require additional work to level RVs. At Rifrafters, Larry M. shares: "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."
Limited winter availability: Most campgrounds restrict services during colder months. Jeff from Rifrafters Campground notes: "Clean 'little' camp ground. It would be a nice little place to spend the night if you were in the area doing other things. Not a place to spend a long weekend unless you have other plans around the area."
Wi-Fi considerations: Connectivity varies greatly between campgrounds. Tucker B. explains about Rifrafters: "The fact that they had reliable WiFi throughout the park was a huge bonus for a remote worker."
