Karissa R.
Scout
ScoutArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Perfect camp spot
Perfect camp spot has a fire ring and table lots of trees around
Camping near Lansing, WV
130 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Lansing, West Virginia serves as a gateway to some of the region's most sought-after camping destinations, particularly those within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Chestnut Creek Campground, located directly in Lansing, provides tent-focused accommodations with basic amenities including drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Within a short drive, visitors can access the American Alpine Club's New River Gorge Campground, which operates seasonally from March through early December, weather permitting. The surrounding area features a mix of established campgrounds like Rifrafters in nearby Fayetteville and more adventure-oriented options such as Adventures on the Gorge and Arrowhead Bike Farm, which cater to outdoor enthusiasts with tent sites, RV hookups, and glamping accommodations.
Road conditions throughout the New River Gorge region vary considerably, with many campgrounds accessible via winding mountain roads that can be challenging after dark or during inclement weather. As one camper noted, "Driving backcountry roads in West Virginia at night is not my idea of fun," referring to encounters with wildlife and limited visibility on curving routes. Cell service remains spotty or nonexistent at many locations, particularly at primitive sites within the national park. Weather patterns in this mountainous region can change rapidly, with significant temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some RV-friendly locations remain open year-round.
The proximity to water features prominently in camper experiences throughout the area. "The river is beautiful, the hiking excellent, and the fantastic rail trail is right there," reported one visitor to nearby Watoga State Park. Riverside camping options range from developed sites with hookups to primitive national park campgrounds like Stone Cliff and Grandview Sandbar. Wildlife sightings are common, with several reviewers mentioning encounters with black bears, necessitating proper food storage. The region's topography creates distinct microclimates, with riverside locations often experiencing morning fog and cooler temperatures. Campers consistently praise the area's natural beauty but note that bathhouse facilities vary widely in quality and availability, with primitive sites offering only basic pit toilets and no running water.
Best Campgrounds near Lansing (130)
1. Rifrafters Campground
"Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."
"They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Babcock State Park Campground
"The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."
"Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"
from $33 / night
Check Availability3. Chestnut Creek Campground
"Great tent campground very near the New River gorge and close by Summerville Lake and the Gulley River. Multiple campsites in heavily forested area. Drive up to the sites."
"They have showers and clean bathrooms just a short walk from any site. All sites are big and you can pick from any available. The host is just a text or call away and he replies very quickly."
from $10 - $11 / night
Check Availability4. Arrowhead Bike Farm
"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 (a cool little town)."
"Good amenities plenty of space, and walking distance from some of the best views in the park!"
from $10 - $85 / night
Check Availability5. Ace Adventure Resort
"Nearby are showers and restrooms. They have individual rooms that can be locked that has the restroom in with the shower stall. Lots of biking and equestrian trails available."
"We were able to go whitewater rafting one day and then explored the surrounding area on another day. The resort is awesome. They have cabins and they have hot tubs."
from $15 - $600 / night
Check Availability6. Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
"Tucked away by the river past Thurmond. Great secluded sites. Trailhead for hiking from camp."
"We put our tent a few feet away from the water facing the river and our canopy further up in the woods by the firepit."
7. New River Campground
"I told them I did not have these capabilities in my rig and they gave me sole access to the handicapped shower."
"The owner goes around the campground at 430p offering firewood for $5/bundle. The view from our full hookup campsite is hands down amazing!! We're situated directly on the New River in Gauley Bridge."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability8. Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek
"This spot was a short drive away from awesome rock climbing in the New River Gorge."
"The white water rafting was incredible and the staff all around was FANTASTIC. The only downside would be the campsites (tent camping) being very close to one another."
from $7 - $69 / night
Check Availability9. Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
"New River, just outside of Prince, WV off Route 41 offers upclose and personal riverside camping."
"Through Traffic: Access to the boat ramp is through the campground. Though, traffic is minimal, folks on the way to the ramp and picnic area often drive pretty fast."
10. Battle Run
"Whether it's weekend camping with friends/ family or some where to crash after a long day on the lake/ river you won't regret staying in beautiful West Virginia."
"The restroom & shower facilities were easily within walking distance. The facilities could use a deep clean but overall were fine."
from $24 - $40 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 22 min from Beckley, WV
- 1 hr 40 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 1 hr 48 min from Huntington, WV
Recent Camping Photos near Lansing, WV
219 Photos of 130 Lansing Campgrounds
Tracy Z.
Chestnut Creek Campground
Emily C.
New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club
Scott B.
Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek
Michael B.
Rifrafters Campground
Stephanie P.
Rays Campground
The Dyrt
Brooklyn Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gary W.
Ace Adventure Resort
Jean C.
Babcock State Park Campground
Thomas H.
New River Campground
John R.
Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Patrick W.
Plum Orchard Lake WMA
Jennifer B.
Tawney Farm
Recent Reviews near Lansing, WV
619 Reviews of 130 Lansing Campgrounds
- AAdee W.Scout
Rifrafters Campground
Homey feel, spotless grounds, and top-notch hospitality!
We had a wonderful stay at Rifrafters! The campground is remarkably clean, well-organized, and has a truly welcoming, homey feel. The dog park is large, open, and was a great spot for our dogs to run around and burn off some energy.What really sets this place apart is the incredible owners. They are as friendly, accessible, and easygoing as they come. They guided us into our spot perfectly on the first attempt, constantly checked in to ensure we were comfortable, and even recommended a great local mechanic when our truck needed service. You can really tell they care about their guests. We will definitely be staying here again next time we're in the area!
- BBen L.Scout
Rays Campground
Nice Place
Very low key place. Self check-in. Bath house is old but clean, plenty of hot water. Washing machine and dryer available. Free coffee every morning.
Andrew S.
GuideRifrafters Campground
Great Campground, TERRIBLE owners.
The owners of this campground are among the rudest people we have ever come across in the camping world.
On our first attempt at reserving a site, we reserved the site three months in advance. When we arrived, they moved us to a different spot to accommodate 'other campers' with zero explanation. When we tried to explain we reserved that site in advance and specifically, the older bald guy, became unprofessionally furious and threatened to kick us off the grounds without a refund. The second year we tried to stay there,we again, reserved a specific site AND paid the lock-in fee, thinking, surely, this will not happen again. Unfortunately, the campground is rather beautiful, so we simply tried to fully abide by THEIR OWN rules the second time to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Nope. When we arrived, they moved us AGAIN to a terrible site. Bottomline, these people are power-trippers. They're argumentative, they're rude, they're short, and if you even try to ask about the reservation process, they will just kick you off the property with no refund and no campsite.
And again, they do not calmy explain what they're doing or why. They just do it...and if you question them, they will escalate the situation to an incredulous level of arguing.
This place could be incredible, but the owners have completely ruined it. We will never be trying to stay here again, and will pass it along to anyone trying to stay in that area.
- EEric W.Guide
Summer Wind RV Park
Super convenient & peaceful
An exceptional setting, this RV park is conveniently located next to I-64 in the mountains of WV. While during the day one can hear the traffic, it’s not that bad, and it’s not loud at night. The park sits adjacent to a cattle ranch nestled in the mountains. All arrangements are made via text and payments are made via cash or Venmo. You definitely get a sense of community with the other campers here as all seem to be very courteous and cordial at the time of my stay. Sites are gravel and fairly level. A very clean and well kept bathhouse is on the premises. Laundry can also be done here with a load costing $2 to wash and $2 to dry. Currently there is no camp host but the park does have quite the surveillance camera set up. WiFi is also available and it works extremely well! All sites are pull-thru. I only planned to stay for one night but enjoyed it so much I decided to stay for two. I most certainly will be staying here during my next trip through WV!
Jonathan G.
TravelerBee Run Campground — Sutton Lake
Quiet quick stop off the highway
We picked this spot because we were trying to make some miles on our way South and it was conveniently close to the highway. Only about 5 minutes off the freeway exit, it was extremely peaceful and quiet. We went to the camping loop a little further up the road rather the more RV oriented area closer to the highway. There were 12 small pull-through spots, suitable for trailers or RVs up to about 30 ft. No facilities other than pit toilets and a single water spigot. First come first served reservations by scanning a QR code on the picnic table at your site. There was a campground host trailer there, but we never saw the host themselves. Only one other camper when we were there. We didn't have time to explore the area much, but it is a national recreation area with a lake and the elk River nearby. There was a sign for a trail leading right out from the campground, we walked it and it quickly disappeared into a network of Little Jeep roads that might have been fun to explore.
- CChris F.Guide
Babcock State Park Campground
Quiet, out of the way
We stayed here for 3 nights, occupying site 32. Although is was close to the bath house, I would not recommend this specific site, as it is not very level.(But, there are plenty of other nice sites around the park.) When you arrive, you check in at the small building along Clifftop Rd. They have ice($3/bag) and firewood(skip it...find another place to buy wood as the park's is too green to burn).
The campground is a maze of fairly unmarked roads winding lazily through the trees.(Seriously, put up a sign or two for direction.) The bath house is dated, but relatively clean. Showers take a minute or two to heat up and lack serious pressure, but they work. Sites are generally spaced far enough apart and noise is kept to a minimum. The weekend we were there had a lot of kids riding bikes, playing in the playground and doing kid stuff. Good to see.
The park is out of the way, but only a short drive to the New River Gorge and park system. Cell service was 5G for both Verizon and T-Mobile. The park has wi-fi, but we never needed it.
- KKathy C.Traveler
Battle Run
Nice park
This is a core engineer built Park sites are fairly level. Bath houses are old but clean. Electric only at sites. There’s water and a dump station at the entrance of the park. Which makes a little difficult if you here more than a few days and need water, you have to store everything in your motorhome pull in the electric cord, drive out and fill up with water and then come back and get leveled again.
Tatiana I.GuideRippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds
Great campground
Full hookup. $55 per night. Possibly to enter after office working hours. Bathrooms. Very friendly staff
Guide to Lansing
Camping near Lansing, West Virginia positions visitors at the gateway to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, with access to whitewater, climbing, and hiking opportunities throughout the 70,000-acre protected area. The region sits at elevations between 1,400 and 2,500 feet, creating distinct temperature differences between river valleys and ridge tops. Seasonal transitions happen quickly, with spring and fall often seeing temperature swings of 30+ degrees within a 24-hour period.
What to do
Hiking through abandoned towns: The region's industrial history is accessible via trails near Stone Cliff Campground, where visitors can explore remnants of mining communities. "The campground is very close to the abandoned town of Thurmond (very cool site to see) and is within earshot of the train tracks," notes one camper.
Mountain biking from your campsite: Dedicated bike trails connect directly to Arrowhead Bike Farm, allowing riders immediate trail access without driving. "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 (a cool little town)," shares a visitor.
Winter activities: While many campgrounds close seasonally, winter camping options exist for cold-weather adventurers. A visitor to Adventures on the Gorge reports, "We stayed in one of the cabins for Christmas. We were one of a handful of visitors staying at that time of year. The staff were accommodating of our late-night arrival. The cabins are heated, which kept us plenty warm in the middle of winter."
What campers like
Uncrowded weekday camping: Many campgrounds experience significant visitor differences between weekends and weekdays. At Chestnut Creek Campground, one camper noted, "We went in the middle of the week, on a Tuesday. It had been raining a lot the days before but did not rain at all the three days we stayed. It was incredibly private, we were the only ones staying overnight."
Early morning river views: Riverside sites provide unique dawn experiences due to the gorge's geography. At New River Campground, a visitor observed, "Shade trees and a light morning mist on the river made a beautiful sunrise."
Climbing access: The area attracts rock climbers with specialized accommodations. A visitor to New River Gorge Campground described, "We were lucky to get campsite 23, which had a tent platform high up on a boulder. The campsite was fairly quiet and cozy!"
What you should know
Train noise impacts river sites: Railroad tracks parallel the New River, creating noise considerations at waterfront campgrounds. As one camper at Grandview Sandbar Campground explains, "The really bad thing is that there is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7."
Shower facilities vary widely: Campground shower setups range from modern to minimal. One camper notes, "They have individual rooms that can be locked that has the restroom in with the shower stall," while another mentioned, "Showers run on 1 minute increments," at different facilities.
Flash flooding risk at river sites: Riverside camping areas can flood during heavy rain. A Grandview Sandbar visitor cautions, "This was a peaceful, nice area but when there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters as education: Several campgrounds feature farm animals or wildlife viewing opportunities. At Arrowhead Bike Farm, a visitor shares, "They have goat pens. They are very loving and go by any name you can think to name them."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A Rifrafters visitor noted, "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy."
Kid-friendly water features: Water activities suitable for various ages are available. An Ace Adventure Resort visitor explains, "We had a fabulous stay here. We camped in our tent for 2 nights on the mountaintop. The park has so much to do including trails, swimming, and an awesome water park."
Tips from RVers
Steep access roads: RV drivers should prepare for challenging mountain roads. At Babcock State Park, a camper warns, "Limited large rig sites and roadways are very narrow."
Site leveling challenges: The mountainous terrain creates uneven campsites. An Arrowhead Bike Farm visitor noted, "Great spot and very close to the national park, but site 5 was very un-level."
Seasonal utility limitations: Full hookups are not universal, with some campgrounds offering only partial connections. At Adventures on the Gorge, a camper advised, "Be prepared to dry camp as there are no water hookups. That would be the only negative for us."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping amenities are available near Lansing, WV?
What camping amenities are available near Lansing, WV?
Campgrounds near Lansing offer a range of amenities to suit different camping preferences. Summer Wind RV Park provides stunning mountain views, reasonable prices, and 30-amp electric service, making it perfect for RV travelers. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Chestnut Creek Campground offers basic amenities including water and toilets. Other nearby campgrounds feature facilities like showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump stations. Several locations also provide access to recreational amenities including hiking trails, swimming areas, fishing spots, and boat launches.
Where are the best camping spots in Lansing, West Virginia?
Where are the best camping spots in Lansing, West Virginia?
Lansing and the surrounding area offer excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. New River Gorge Campground is conveniently located in Lansing itself, providing easy access to nearby attractions. For those seeking riverside experiences, Battle Run is a fantastic option with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, and water sports. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the area's natural beauty, whether you're planning a weekend family trip or need somewhere to stay after a day on the water.
When is the best time of year to camp in Lansing, West Virginia?
When is the best time of year to camp in Lansing, West Virginia?
The optimal camping season in Lansing runs from late spring through early fall (May-October), with each period offering unique advantages. Summer (June-August) delivers warm temperatures perfect for water activities at locations like Summersville Lake Shelters. Fall (September-October) transforms the area with spectacular foliage, making Babcock State Park Campground especially scenic with its famous grist mill. Late spring (May) offers comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers. While some campgrounds remain open year-round, many reduce services or close during winter months when temperatures can drop significantly and snow is possible.
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