21 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites in the New River Gorge area near Fayetteville, West Virginia range from established campgrounds to primitive riverside sites. Stone Cliff Campground within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers walk-in tent sites along the river, while Chestnut Creek Campground provides wooded tent sites with more amenities. The American Alpine Club's New River Gorge Campground caters specifically to tent campers with wooden platforms designed for level tent setup in the otherwise uneven terrain.
Most primitive tent sites in the New River Gorge require campers to carry gear short distances from parking areas to their campsites. Stone Cliff features sandy, walk-in sites with vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring tent campers to bring their own supply. Chestnut Creek offers more amenities with a bathhouse containing hot showers, though sites remain rustic with just picnic tables and fire rings. Several campgrounds have no reservations system, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly those within the national park boundaries. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, though cleanliness varies significantly based on usage and maintenance schedules.
The riverside tent camping experience at Stone Cliff provides direct water access, though a visitor commented that "there was SO MUCH BROKEN GLASS" on the beach area. Tent platforms at the American Alpine Club campground create level sleeping surfaces in the rocky, uneven terrain typical of the region. Sites in the lower loop are described as "lovely, tucked among boulders and rhodies." Train noise affects several campgrounds, particularly Meadow Creek where "trains are fun to watch but very loud and frequent." Strong winds can challenge tent setups in valley locations, with one camper noting they were "having to restake the corners throughout our stay." Despite these challenges, the tent camping options provide excellent access to climbing areas, hiking trails, and water activities throughout the New River Gorge region.
"Small primitive, family run campground in the heart of the gorgeous new river gorge area. Owner was super nice,helpful, and welcoming."
"No electric or water at site but bathhouse with showers. Mostly tent sites in wooded area Our visit was the first full weekend I. November and many other campgrounds were closed for the winter."
from $10 - $11 / night
Check Availability"I used one of the walk in sites about half a mile into the trail. There was plenty of room for 4 tents right along the river. It was a little rocky, but nothing a sleeping pad wouldn't take care of"
"Tucked away by the river past Thurmond. Great secluded sites. Trailhead for hiking from camp."
"This is a very well thought out campground and is a great option for climbers visiting the area. each site has a wooden tent platform (10'x10') to set up on, which is a huge plus since the ground is so"
"Super clean bathrooms and flat platforms for tent camping. It’s a little pricey in my opinion but it’s easy to get to and close to lots of climbing."
from $8 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Ok vault toilets. Luckily we had an axe, we had to chop a tree that fell overnight blocking the road out of the campsite."
"Plum Orchard Lake is a wildlife management area with rustic tent and camper sites. You do need to obtain a permit from the manager."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"We came out of regular camping season so we couldn’t find anywhere near by that sold firewood. There is 1 handicap site and 4 sites by the river."
"South side junction trail is right there and leads to thurmond ; an almost abondoned coal mining town"
"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."
"Recovering RV park, now tents only. Watched a cluster of fireflies that looked like a lightning storm. Just off the river and just off the highway, no water."
"Firewood is available and bathrooms too with no running water or electric makes for a beautiful dark night under the stars filled with only the sounds of nature and the occasional CSX train."
"The location was easy to get to and there were lots of open spaces. I practically had the campground to myself. The sites are spacious and each site has a sturdy metal table and BBQ pit."
from $12 - $160 / night
Check Availability"West Virginia at its finest! Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here."
"Camp ground was clean, bathhouse was clean and neighbors were all spaced out pretty good. Staff was kind and helpful. We enjoyed ourselves and will for sure go back."
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutGreat campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
TravelerHuge campground. Well maintained. The lake is gorgeous, great for kayaking or paddle boarding
ScoutThe website is dead and so is the phone number. No reservations possible.
GuideBeautiful area but not really campervan friendly. Great location and climbing areas. But vehicle sites are very level.
RangerThis campground provides an off the main road and in the woods experience. Tents have grassy spots and elevated platforms overlooking the area. There are several camper/RV spots along with cabins of various sizes. A calm creek runs through the property and within minutes of the New River National Park visitor center, downtown Fayetteville, and other adventure businesses.
TravelerEasy to get to, parking and bathrooms nearby, kayak access, 3+ mile trail access, cell service is reliable
GuideNice place to camp very relaxing.
GuideWe where the only ones there
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fayetteville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fayetteville, WV is Chestnut Creek Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fayetteville, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Fayetteville, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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