Tent camping near Fayetteville, West Virginia ranges from primitive riverside locations to more developed sites with amenities. The area sits at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet above sea level, creating distinct temperature variations between river valleys and ridge tops. Summer nighttime temperatures often drop into the 50s even when daytime highs reach the 80s, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.
What to do
Hiking access: At Chestnut Creek Campground, campers can quickly reach popular trails. "This campground is less than a mile from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the Bridge and only 15 minutes from Summerville Lake," notes Sienna L., highlighting the convenient location for day hikes.
Disc golf course: Chestnut Creek offers an on-site disc golf course for campers seeking recreation without leaving the grounds. "Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course. Close to rivers, climbing and hiking activities," mentions Debra W., describing the recreational amenities.
Train watching: Railroad enthusiasts can watch trains from several campsites along the river. At Meadow Creek Campground, "The trains are fun to watch but very loud and frequent," according to David, offering a unique attraction that doubles as a potential sleep disturbance.
What campers like
Climbing proximity: The New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club provides specialized accommodations for rock climbers. Cory D. notes it's "great for climbers and others alike" with amenities like a "campus board in season," catering specifically to the climbing community.
River access: Many campers appreciate the direct water access at Stone Cliff Campground. James A. describes it as having "6+ isolated camp sites, all with view of river. There is a great trail nearby that runs along the river," providing both scenic views and recreational opportunities.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Plum Orchard Lake WMA, Elaine L. reports, "We were able to see deer, raccoons and some nice looking birds," making it appealing for nature enthusiasts.
What you should know
Tent platforms: Some camping areas provide wooden platforms to create level sleeping surfaces. At the American Alpine Club campground, Mollie R. explains, "each site has a wooden tent platform (10'x10') to set up on, which is a huge plus since the ground is so uneven throughout."
Variable bathroom conditions: Facilities range widely across campgrounds. Chestnut Creek offers "a clean bathhouse with good hot water and water pressure," according to Lisa K., while others may have more rustic options.
Weather considerations: Wind can be a challenge in the river valleys. At Meadow Creek Campground, David warns, "The wind here is also very strong and without strong anchors could easily pull up your tent. We were having to restake the corners throughout our stay."
Cell coverage: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. Debra W. observed at Chestnut Creek, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose tent sites away from communal areas for more privacy. At the American Alpine Club campground, Cody M. advises, "The sites on the lower loop, say low 20's and up, looked lovely, tucked among boulders and rhodies," indicating better family-friendly locations.
Local attractions: Families can combine tent camping with nearby activities. Sienna L. recommends Chestnut Creek because it's "only 15 minutes from Summerville Lake," providing swimming options beyond the campground.
Budget planning: Many campgrounds charge per person rather than per site. At Brooklyn Campground, camping is free, making it budget-friendly for families, though Cody T. cautions about the setup: "You just arrive and pick a site. We came out of regular camping season so we couldn't find anywhere near by that sold firewood."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Several campgrounds have terrain restrictions. Patrick W. describes the approach to Plum Orchard Lake WMA as a "Long, bumpy dirt road to reach the campsite—it could be fun in the right vehicle," suggesting four-wheel drive may be beneficial.
Size restrictions: Many tent camping areas explicitly prohibit larger vehicles. At Meadow Creek, the park now enforces tent-only policies, as David explains: "The ranger informed us someone who stayed here in a rv had a close call crossing the train tracks and now they have decided to make this campground a tent only place."
