Free primitive camping options near Hico, West Virginia offer a stark contrast to paid RV parks, with Army Camp providing tent sites along the New River at no cost. The area features dramatic elevation changes, with river valleys sitting below 2,500-3,200 foot mountains. Camping conditions vary significantly between primitive national park sites with no amenities and more developed private campgrounds that remain accessible year-round.
What to do
Hiking at Glade Creek: Experience old railroad bed trails that branch into various scenic paths at Glade Creek Campground. "Glade Creek Trail follows an old RR bed with easy terrain. Being early in the spring, there was still some deadfall across parts of the trail that required some maneuvering and even though it is a raised old narrow gauge RR bed, it still got muddy," notes one camper who found several worthwhile trail offshoots.
Fishing opportunities: The New River and surrounding lakes offer excellent fishing spots. "If you enjoy fishing, the New River Gorge website offers a lot of specific information about species, bait, and lures," writes a reviewer about Army Camp. Multiple fishing spots exist along riverfront campgrounds, with Elk River Camp providing direct river access.
Water activities: Summersville Lake provides 2,790 acres of clear water for recreation. "It is one of the clearest lakes in the east, so scuba diving is also very popular here. Rock climbing is also a great use of these cliffs that surround the lake as well as cliff jumping," explains a Battle Run camper. The lake features approximately 60 miles of shoreline for exploration.
What campers like
Free camping options: Army Camp Campground attracts budget-conscious travelers. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free! Good amount of spiders and ants but didn't notice any mosquitoes in mid May," shares a visitor who enjoyed the peaceful setting.
Privacy levels: Campgrounds offer varying degrees of seclusion. "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity," reports a Rifrafters Campground guest. Some primitive sites provide more separation than tightly packed RV parks.
Natural features: River sounds create peaceful camping atmospheres. "The flowing Gorge can always be heard, the low rumble is peaceful at night," notes a Glade Creek camper. Many sites offer direct river or lake access, allowing campers to enjoy water features throughout their stay.
What you should know
Access challenges: Several campgrounds have narrow or difficult access roads. "Just beware when getting here there is a very narrow road, little to at times no room to allow for another vehicle if you happen to meet up. Some large rigs got through it just don't go fast," warns a visitor to Shady Rest RV Park.
No water available: Primitive sites require bringing your own water. "Note: vitally important to realize there is no running water at any of these campgrounds. You must bring water or filter it from the New River...which I wouldn't recommend," emphasizes an Army Camp visitor. Even some established campgrounds have limited water facilities.
Limited cellular service: Coverage varies dramatically throughout the region. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," explains an Army Camp reviewer who still enjoyed evening river dips. Verizon generally performs better than other carriers in mountainous areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Summersville Lake Retreat offers child-friendly amenities. "Their bathrooms & showers are cleaned and well maintained. They have an outdoor sink to wash dishes. RV camping as well. A great playground too for the kids," shares a visitor who appreciated the family-friendly setup.
Water recreation: Inflatable water features provide entertainment at some locations. "We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," reports a camper at Pipestem RV Park who stayed in a 37-foot travel trailer with family.
Wildlife encounters: Kids can observe local animals in their natural habitat. "Song birds, robins and crows competed vocally during daylight hours. Interesting insects crawled the river's sandy shore and a brightly colored Eastern box turtle searched for higher-dryer ground," describes an Army Camp visitor who noted the educational wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV sites vary significantly in preparation quality. "We chose Rifrafters Campground because it's proximity to the main hub of New River Gorge. Our site (19) was roomy and level," shares an RV owner who appreciated the staff help with backing in.
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds restrict water services during cold months. "While some parks like Summersville Lake Retreat remain open year-round, their shower facilities typically operate only from April through October," notes a visitor to Elk River Camp and RV Park who appreciated the extended seasonal access but found limited amenities.
Starlink reception: Open sites work well for satellite internet users. "Starlink access was excellent as there is not a single tree to obstruct the view! The views are nice, the bathrooms were clean and all of the amenities worked normal," reports a Summer Wind RV Park visitor who stayed for a week while working remotely.
