Tent campsites near Hico, West Virginia are situated between 1,300 and 2,500 feet in elevation, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F. The region experiences unpredictable weather patterns year-round, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. Most primitive camping areas near Hico lack cell service except at higher elevations, with only spotty coverage at American Alpine Club and Brooklyn campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking to viewpoints: Access the Endless Wall Trail from Chestnut Creek Campground, which offers a family-friendly path to scenic overlooks. One camper noted, "We hiked Endless Wall Trail and Glade Creek Trail to Kate's Falls," providing multiple hiking options within a short drive of the tent sites.
Disc golf between adventures: Chestnut Creek Campground has an on-site disc golf course for campers. According to a reviewer, the campground "Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course" making it an excellent option for activity between hiking and water adventures.
Train watching: Set up at Meadow Creek Campground and witness the active railway system. A camper described the experience: "The trains are fun to watch but very loud and frequent," offering an unexpected entertainment option for those interested in industrial history.
Explore ghost towns: The Brooklyn Campground provides access to nearly abandoned mining communities. A visitor reported, "South side junction trail is right there and leads to thurmond; an almost abandoned coal mining town," creating unique historical exploration opportunities.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club features tent platforms built on unique terrain. One camper mentioned, "We were lucky to get campsite 23, which had a tent platform high up on a boulder. The campsite was fairly quiet and cozy!"
Riverside camping: Stone Cliff Campground offers tent sites directly on the New River. A reviewer described it as having "sandy sites" that are situated directly on the water, allowing for immediate river access.
Fishing opportunities: The waterfront locations provide excellent fishing access. At Plum Orchard Lake WMA, visitors enjoy "plenty of fishing and hiking areas within a 20 mile radius," making it ideal for anglers camping near Hico.
Hammock-friendly sites: Several campgrounds accommodate hammock camping setups. At Chestnut Creek, a camper noted it's "a very nice little campground set up for tents, hammock campers and some car campers," with trees appropriately spaced for hammock suspension.
What you should know
Train noise levels: Brooklyn Campground sits near active rail lines with frequent trains. A camper warned, "There is an active railroad across the river and there were probably 5-10 trains the Wednesday night that we stayed," so light sleepers should bring earplugs.
Site layout limitations: Some campgrounds have unusual configurations. At Brooklyn, "Setup is four sites in one line, so to get to the pot-o-potty or parking lot, you walk through other sites," which affects privacy between campsites.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local fauna interactions. At Stone Cliff Campground, one camper reported, "We were hanging some hammock stapes up on our last evening and saw the largest spider I've ever seen in the hollow of one of the trees at the campsite."
Wind conditions: Tent campers should bring extra stakes and guylines. At Meadow Creek, a camper warned that "The wind here is also very strong and without strong anchors could easily pull up your tent," requiring additional setup precautions.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom proximity planning: Plum Orchard Lake WMA offers basic facilities that may require planning. A visitor noted, "Latrines are provided," but they're limited in number, so select sites closer to facilities when camping with children.
Nature observation opportunities: The area provides excellent wildlife viewing chances. A camper at Plum Orchard reported, "We were able to see deer, raccoons and some nice looking birds," creating natural educational opportunities.
Insect preparation: Even in cooler months, insects can be present. A recent visitor to Meadow Creek noted, "The gnats were out even in early April, so be sure you have bug protection," making insect repellent essential for family comfort.
Communal spaces: Some campgrounds offer shared areas for group activities. At the American Alpine Club campground, a visitor mentioned, "We ended up doing all of our cooking and eating in the big covered communal porch on the shower house with lights and big kitchen sinks for cleaning up," which provides backup during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Limited access roads: Stone Cliff Campground has challenging approach roads. One RVer cautioned, "So we had no idea there was a steep gravel decline to get to the camp site," making it unsuitable for larger vehicles or trailers.
Primitive site considerations: Many tent sites near Hico lack RV-friendly amenities. A visitor to Meadow Creek Campground explained, "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," highlighting safety considerations.
Alternative options: RVers seeking hookups should look beyond the immediate Hico area. Small trailers can occasionally use Chestnut Creek Campground, but as one camper noted, it's "Definitely not for RVs or Camper trailers," directing larger vehicles to more developed sites near Beckley or Summersville.
