The Hernshaw area sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet, creating varied camping terrain along the Coal River watershed. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with occasional fog in low-lying camping areas. The region's mix of deciduous forest and riverside terrain offers distinctive glamping opportunities beyond traditional campsites.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: 7 minutes from campsites at Ace Adventure Resort where rafting experiences cater to various skill levels. As one visitor mentioned, "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!"
Fishing access points: Easy walk from sites at Army Camp Campground where the New River offers multiple species. A camper noted, "Army Camp is my favorite place to camp. Area for people to swim in the river or fish." The fishing spots are accessible via short trails from most campsites.
Disc golf courses: Available on-site at some campgrounds with regulation equipment often available for rent. "On the campground there is disc golf and then a lake for swimming that has the huge inflatable courses on it," explained one visitor at Ace Adventure Resort, highlighting the diverse recreational options beyond water activities.
Historic sites exploration: 15-minute drive to the remains of mining operations and early settlements. Old building foundations and interpretive signs explain the coal industry's local impact. According to a reviewer, "The New River Gorge Bridge is not too far and I highly recommend going there to see it. This area is gorgeous and should not be missed."
What campers like
Natural water features: Accessible swimming areas at Grandview Sandbar Campground provide relief during hot summer days. "Tent spots have the best access to and views of the river, which is glorious. Car spots lack the view, but they're quiet," shared one camper, highlighting the riverside camping options.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer separation between camping areas, especially at Babcock State Park where sites are arranged to maximize privacy. "We camped at site 21, which was the middle of a loop and it was space and flat. It had another site next to it but it was further apart than other sites," noted a visitor describing the layout.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and dusk bring deer, foxes, and numerous bird species through camping areas. Multiple reviewers mentioned seeing wildlife, with one camper at Mountain Lake Campground noting, "We even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" These encounters typically occur along the edges of camping areas.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses maintained regularly at most established sites. "The bathhouse was pretty nice and had three showers," reported a Babcock State Park visitor, though they noted that "the water had some issues while we were there (as in the sink was so hot it physically hurt to wash your hands) but seemed to be a fluke and was fixed by the time we left."
What you should know
Flood potential: River proximity means monitoring weather is essential, especially in spring. "When there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood," warned a reviewer at Grandview Sandbar, highlighting the importance of site selection during rainy seasons.
Reservation requirements: Some sites fill quickly during peak season from May through September. A camper at Army Camp advised, "Stayed here for a few nights with 3 other people. Spots fill quickly," emphasizing the need for advance planning or early arrival, particularly on weekends.
Train noise: Rail lines run near certain campgrounds affecting light sleepers. "There is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7," shared a Grandview Sandbar visitor, suggesting bringing earplugs for better sleep.
Limited cell service: Signal varies significantly throughout the Hernshaw area camping options. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," mentioned a camper at The Outpost at New River Gorge, though they praised the campground's other amenities. Some sites offer Wi-Fi in common areas while others remain completely disconnected.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas at Mountain Lake Campground for easier supervision. "We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup," recommended one parent.
Activity planning: Schedule morning adventures when temperatures are cooler, saving water activities for afternoon heat. "The lake swimming was fun (something I am not used to since I am from Florida)," shared a visitor who enjoyed the varied recreation options with their child.
Safety considerations: Select elevated sites when camping near water with small children. A family noted, "Our campsite 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," emphasizing the importance of visibility for family camping.
Glamping for beginners: First-time family options with upscale amenities make transitions to outdoor camping smoother. "This place is awesome for anyone looking to pack a day full of activities. The white water rafting was incredible and the staff all around was FANTASTIC," reported a visitor to Adventures on the Gorge, highlighting how glamping in Hernshaw, West Virginia provides comfort while still enabling outdoor adventure.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks as many campsites have slight to moderate slopes. "Sites are big, easily accessible, clean, and not too close to your neighbors," shared a Mountain Lake Campground RVer, though others mentioned terrain variations requiring leveling equipment.
Road access considerations: Some access roads are narrow with tight turns and occasional rough sections. "The road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds," noted an Army Camp visitor, suggesting advanced research for larger RVs.
Hookup availability: Water and electric only at most sites, with few offering full hookups. "RV sites are limited, but they're very nice. I wish they had water, and sewer would be an added bonus," explained a visitor to Adventures on the Gorge, reflecting the typical setup in the region.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management as some campgrounds lack on-site facilities. "No sewer hook up in the rv/trailer sides just water and electric," mentioned a reviewer, recommending mapping nearby dump stations before arrival if staying for extended periods.
