Glamping near Fayetteville, WV

Dispersed camping options abound in the New River Gorge area near Fayetteville, West Virginia, where the elevation ranges from 1,400 to 2,500 feet throughout the region. The area experiences distinct seasons with fall temperatures averaging 50-70°F during peak camping season, making it ideal for campers seeking cooler mountain weather. Several campgrounds remain open through October, with a few offering year-round accommodations for cold-weather camping enthusiasts.

What to do

Hiking the Endless Wall Trail: Near Grandview Sandbar Campground, campers can access the popular 2.4-mile Endless Wall loop trail. "Near by is a beautiful hiking trail that is a must! It's called the Endless Wall Trail, it's a 2.4 mile loop that follows along the New River Gorge about halfway through it is a diamond peak, a spot that offers breath taking views of the Gorge," shares one visitor.

Disc golf and water activities: Ace Adventure Resort offers multiple recreation options without leaving the property. "On the campground there is disc golf and then a lake for swimming that has the huge inflatable courses on it (think like the game show wipeout) you can buy a day pass for a reasonable price to play on them all day," notes a camper who visited with family.

Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds maintain trail systems ideal for cycling. "Lots of biking and equestrian trails available," mentions a reviewer of Ace Adventure Resort, while another notes, "Mountain bike and hiking trails all over. This is an awesome place to stay. So much stuff to do right down the hill without even leaving the resort!"

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious, shaded camping areas. At Rays Campground, "The site we had, site 10, was large and secluded," reports one reviewer, while another notes, "This is my fiance and I's favorite spot. The tent area I stay in is very spacious and often you cant see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house."

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses. At Little Beaver State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the "Cleanest bathrooms and showers I've seen," and note that "The bathhouse is very clean with great water pressure and hot water."

Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping in Fayetteville, West Virginia, Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers comfortable yurt accommodations. The campground features "hammock sites to large full-hookups" and has "so many amenities (shower houses, laundromats, pools, ice cream store, and playgrounds)," according to recent visitors.

What you should know

Campsite positioning: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. At Army Camp, "Parking and tent pads are gravel…(making tent peg placement laborious)." Similarly, at Little Beaver, "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 with a 23 ft TT and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site."

Environmental factors: Be prepared for local wildlife and insects. "Lots of spiders around our site...but hey you are camping! Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" reports a Mountain Lake camper.

Weather and water considerations: Heavy rains can affect camping conditions. At Grandview Sandbar, a ranger noted, "During rains, tributaries flow into the New River causing it to overflow its banks with some regularity in the spring and early summer." Many primitive campgrounds have no running water, so campers must "bring water or filter it from the New River."

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with young children. At Mountain Lake, one parent shared, "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site."

Kid-friendly activities: Babcock State Park Campground offers various options for families. "Hiking was great and my young children hiked all of it with us. Overall, highly recommended," shared one parent. The park also features a grist mill, scenic lake, and multiple playgrounds.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer historical features. At Army Camp, "Military history buffs will appreciate the remains of an Army training encampment along the gravel road driving in. Known for equipping soldiers to build floating bridges across rivers to move troops and heavy artillery."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. A Mountain Lake visitor warned, "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out. It should be paved, no exceptions for that hill."

Hookup limitations: Know what connections are available. At The Outpost at New River Gorge, "Be prepared to dry camp as there are no water hookups. That would be the only negative for us," shared an RVer. Another camper at Little Beaver noted, "Only downside for longer term stays is no sewer hookup, but they do have a very convenient dump spot at entry."

Electric reliability: Power can be inconsistent during peak usage. At Mountain Lake, one camper reported, "A/C power was an issue. 1 camper had 30 amp breaker blow 2 days in a row and my 50 amp ran A.C. units fan but didn't cool all day."