The New River Gorge area near Hico, West Virginia sits at elevations between 1,500 and 3,200 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region's diverse terrain. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day and can drop to 55-65°F at night, making layered clothing essential for cabin and glamping sites. Campgrounds in this region typically operate from April through October, with many facilities closing during winter months.
What to do
Hiking to stunning vistas: Access the Long Point Trail from Fayetteville, a moderate 3.2-mile round trip hike that rewards with views of the New River Gorge Bridge. "New River Gorge bridge was amazing especially Long point trail was having so scenic view of New River Gorge Bridge," reports a visitor who stayed at Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek.
Fishing in stocked waters: Cast a line at Boley Lake, a 19-acre lake stocked with fish near Babcock State Park Campground. "Boley Lake, a short drive up the mountain is picturesque and well-stoked with fish. You can paddle the 19 acre lake with personal paddle craft or rent paddleboats, canoes or rowboats from the Boley Lake Marina," notes one camper.
Mountain biking on varied terrain: Explore the extensive trail networks throughout the area. A visitor to Ace Adventure Resort mentions, "Lots of biking and equestrian trails available. 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."
Photography at historic sites: Visit the rebuilt gristmill at Babcock State Park for classic Appalachian photography opportunities. "The gristmill was very photogenic in the early Spring, but I can only imagine the splendor when the fall leaves change color," shares a camper.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many glamping options near Hico offer secluded settings. A visitor to Rays Campground explains, "This is my favorite spot. The tent area I stay in Is very spacious and often you cant see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house, with regular toilets electric and more. If you need amenities like a shower but like a private, primitive, woodsy feel this is the place."
Clean, modern facilities: Campgrounds in the area often surprise visitors with their well-maintained amenities. "Bathrooms are nicer than our bathrooms at home. Friendly and helpful staff. There was low key live music Friday and a band/party Saturday night that was super fun," shares a guest at The Outpost at New River Gorge.
Free camping options: Budget travelers appreciate the no-cost sites available in the national park. "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river. Got lucky to find a site here after trying both Grandview Sandbar and Glade's Creek on the other side of the road," notes a camper at Army Camp.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to see native animals. A camper at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins reports, "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn! They had a mini golf course, a small pool, a jumping pad, and an ice cream shop in the general store."
What you should know
Water access limitations: Some campgrounds in the area lack potable 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," advises a visitor to Army Camp.
Seasonal operations: Most glamping and camping facilities near Hico have limited operating seasons. "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," notes a winter visitor to Adventures on the Gorge.
Site levelness issues: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Little Beaver State Park, "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."
Flooding potential: Riverside sites can experience rapid water level changes. "Caution: Use extreme prudence if choosing to enter the New River itself. This is an incredibly popular whitewater rafting and paddling river…currents are fast, powerful and dangerous," warns a camper about the Army Camp area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When glamping in Hico with children, choose sites near play areas. "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," shares a family who stayed at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins.
Water activities for various ages: Look for campgrounds with swimming options. "They have 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," recommends a visitor to Ace Adventure Resort.
On-site entertainment options: Some glamping resorts offer additional activities. A visitor to Mountain Lake notes, "They had a mini golf course, a small pool, a jumping pad, and an ice cream shop in the general store. Very quiet at night."
Weekend entertainment: Several resorts provide family-friendly events. At The Outpost, "There was low key live music Friday and a band/party Saturday night that was super fun."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Full-service sites can be hard to find. "RV sites are limited, but they're very nice. I wish they had water, and sewer would be an added bonus," notes a visitor to Adventures on the Gorge.
Challenging access roads: Some campgrounds have difficult approach routes. "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," warns an RVer who stayed at Mountain Lake Campground.
Site size considerations: Research site dimensions before booking. At Rifrafters Campground, one visitor found, "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."
Dump station logistics: Plan accordingly for waste disposal. A camper at Little Beaver State Park notes, "Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump."
