State parks and forests surrounding Saulsville, West Virginia feature a diverse range of camping environments within the Appalachian Mountains. Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground, located about 15 miles northwest of Saulsville, provides year-round camping with electric hookups, showers, and accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Camp Creek State Park's Mash Fork Campground, approximately 25 miles southeast, offers similar amenities with full hookup sites along a creek. The region also includes more primitive options in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, where free camping is available at sites like Grandview Sandbar and Army Camp. These locations provide varying levels of development, from basic tent sites with pit toilets to resort-style campgrounds with modern facilities.
Narrow, winding mountain roads throughout the area can present challenges for larger RVs and trailers, particularly at primitive sites. According to camper Gage W., "The camp is steps away from the Glade Creek Trail and the New River Gorge. The flowing Gorge can always be heard, the low rumble is peaceful at night." Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with potential for snow in winter months and heavy rainfall in spring that can affect river levels. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many campgrounds, especially those in river valleys or remote areas. Reservations are recommended for state park campgrounds during peak summer months and fall foliage season, while National Park Service sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with 14-day stay limits.
Riverside camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the proximity to water recreation. The New River and its tributaries provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, though campers should exercise caution with river currents. As one reviewer noted, "It seems everyone in West Virginia seeks a riverfront spot to place their RV so they can enjoy fishing, tubing, boating, and rafting." Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks and waterfalls, with Babcock State Park's grist mill being a popular photography destination. Campers report varying levels of privacy between sites, with some state park campgrounds having more open layouts while others offer more secluded options. Wildlife sightings are common, and night skies can be exceptionally dark due to minimal light pollution in this rural region.
"There’s tons to do at this campsite from beautiful trails, to a golf course and they even had a resort at a different portion of the park as well."
"I chose this particular place because it was two hours away from family that we had not seen in a while. Coming from South MS, I had no idea how stunning WV would be."
"This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."
"Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year."
$35 - $40 / night
"This CCC State Park is very picturesque and has several hiking trails and the man-made lake is small but offers plenty of recreation possibilities. I found the layout a little strange."
"This campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet."
"The campsites are nice but a little close to each other. The facilities are excellent. The roads and views of the lake are beautiful. I recommend this campgrounds."
"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."
"Rv sites are large and easy access to back into your site. Fire pits and picnic tables. Restaurant right next door. Cabin and camper rentals very well kept. Trails are literally out your front door."
"Right next to outlaws and Hatfield McCoys plus a terrific restaurant right there at camp. We LOVE Hilltop Escape and highly recommend for all ages!"
"There is five drive-in sites and more walk-in sites on the edge of the camp. The drive-in sites filled and vacated several times throughout the weekend."
"the campsite is pretty far back into the gorge at the end of a dead end road, which inherently gives it a little bit of an advantage for those who wish to be not just off grid but away from"the madding"
"Small city RV park adjacent to the Coal Mine museum. Nothing fancy, but quiet, full hookups, paved sites with trees & lots of shade, picnic table, fire pit & grill."
"I’ve spent over 150 days camping and hiking in West Virginia n the past four years and keep finding new, wonderful places to enjoy."
"Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds."
ScoutThe meadows are a wonderful little gem, although they can be a bit loud due to their proximity to the train tracks. However, when quiet, they offer a serene joy connected to nature, and are close to the river with beautiful mountain views. A good place for stargazing.
ScoutThis was our first time staying at riftrafters. Would recommend it to anyone visiting the new river george. The owners were friendly and helpful and campground was clean and well maintained. We stayed at site 32 and it was very peaceful.
TravelerMy husband and I were looking for cheap places to park with no reservations with a dog and ended up in the sandstone visitor center after hours, the sign there said “no rv access” NOT TRUE. yes, it is on a thin dead end and you can only access it by crossing over 4 railroad tracks at once, ITS WORTH IT. Firewood is available and bathrooms too with no running water or electric makes for a beautiful dark night under the stars filled with only the sounds of nature and the occasional CSX train. And yes it’s free, a park ranger came around once to patrol but aside from that it’s a first come first serve bring your things and take-em with you. Kroger is 20 minutes away, dollar general is 15, and gas is about 10 minutes. All worth it.
TravelerBabcock SP is a nice out of the way park. Great base to explore New River Gorge with plenty of local history it could be a trip on its own.
Bathrooms were remodeled a few years ago and very clean, and they have laundry facilities.
TravelerThis was one of the quietest campgrounds I've ever been to. I heard owls and coyotes overnight which was nice! Super clean bathhouse too. The tent sites are a little small and some are on a slope, especially the ones on the outer loop. 18 was good, just a bit small and in a bend of a road which made me feel a little exposed. All in all, not a bad place to camp for a day or two.
ScoutSpacious paved, wooded sites some with water and Electric. It’s nice. They also have some first come first serve spots.
ScoutVery nice, clean and spacious. This free boondocking campground does not have any hookups or utilities, but the beauty of the surounding mountans, the view down the valley and the songs of the birds makes this campsite priceless. The vault toilets were clean and stocked. Each site has a picnic table, standing grill and a firepit. Looking forward to seeing the stars this evening in this shielded valley.
TravelerEasily accessible, stopped here for the night when we couldn’t find an open spot in Alabama Hills. Equipped with potable water, bathrooms and a fire pit at each site. Approx 80+ sites that are decently spaced and level. Beautiful views of the sierras and easy to get to in the dark
ScoutIt is a wonderful place to camp. However, it is $15 a night not five. There is a $50 deposit to get a key to the gate. There is no potable water.
Camping spots near Saulsville, West Virginia are situated in the rugged terrain of southeastern West Virginia, where elevations range from 1,500 to 3,200 feet throughout the region. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Many campgrounds in this Appalachian region are situated along waterways, with the New River and its tributaries creating natural boundaries between campsites and providing natural white noise for overnight stays.
Hiking waterfall trails: Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground offers multiple waterfall-accessible trails of varying difficulty. According to Tom H., "Very well documented and marked hiking trails. Very cool pioneer house with garden and rescue animals and (at least during my time there) LOTS OF DEER!!!"
Water recreation: Lake Stephens Campground provides lake access with swimming and fishing opportunities. Mark K. notes, "The roads and views of the lake are beautiful. I recommend this campground."
Coal mining history: The region's industrial past is accessible through educational sites. As one visitor to Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground suggests, "Check out the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine...and while you're there, take a tour of the mine, museum, and associated villages (both a coal town and an earlier pioneer community)."
Off-road trail riding: Several campgrounds provide direct access to ATV trail systems. A visitor to Hilltop Escape LLC reports, "The campground is literally on several trails. Restaurant on-site. From breakfast to supper."
Riverside campsites: Many campers appreciate direct water access. At Army Camp, one reviewer notes, "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river. I enjoyed evening river dips before bed."
Dark night skies: The rural location limits light pollution. According to Linda R. at Hilltop Escape, "The stars from the mountaintop at night are amazing."
Wildlife viewing: Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground receives high marks for animal sightings. Tiffany A. mentions, "This park has surprised us every single day. They have an abundance of trails with varying difficultly levels. We were here for almost a week and had the time only to get in about half of them."
Free camping options: Glade Creek Campground and other New River Gorge sites offer no-cost camping. As Dave V. states, "The price can't be beat-Free! Maximum length of stay is 14 days. There is definitely enough to see and do to fill 14 days!"
Weather impacts: Rain events affect river campgrounds significantly. At Glade Creek, one camper observed, "During our visit, in early May, it had been and was still experiencing heavy rains and flooding."
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal connectivity. Nicole M. notes at Mash Fork Campground, "No service for Verizon users... Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time."
Availability challenges: Competition for sites can be intense during peak seasons. A Lake Stephens visitor mentioned, "Hard to get a spot but if you do you will love it!"
Train noise: Some riverside campgrounds experience rail noise. One Grandview Sandbar visitor reports, "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."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. A Lake Stephens reviewer mentions, "The common area in the middle has a playground, restroom/showers, vending machines and some field area to play."
Seasonal activities: Some parks organize regular community events. As one visitor notes, "They have regularly scheduled events like movie night, and they even host a 'trick-or-treat' event each year that attracts hundreds."
Wildlife education: Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park offers nature viewing opportunities. Dawn M. shared, "The falls are easily accessible and were beautiful even without an abundance of water. Very relaxing stay."
Trail difficulty awareness: Families should research trail ratings before hiking. Julie B. notes, "The hiking is difficult in some areas but spectacularly beautiful."
Road conditions: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. Austin-Tarra G. advises, "Make sure your truck/vehicle towing is not underrated for what you're pulling as it is a lot of big uphill elevation and tons of windy roads and tight turns."
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Little Beaver State Park Campground, Adam and Suzanne B. observed, "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."
Dump station access: Alternative arrangements may be needed for sewage. One camper noted, "They do not have sewage hookups, so prepare accordingly."
Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds offer significantly different experiences based on site location. Chris T. from Twin Falls states, "Sites are reasonably spaced. Some are wooded, others are out in open."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Saulsville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Saulsville, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 103 campgrounds and RV parks near Saulsville, WV and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Saulsville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Saulsville, WV is Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saulsville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Saulsville, WV.
What parks are near Saulsville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Saulsville, WV that allow camping, notably R.D. Bailey Lake and New River Gorge National River.
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