The New River Gorge region offers diverse camping options across elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet above sea level. Located in south-central West Virginia, the area experiences hot summers with average temperatures of 85°F and cool evenings dropping to the mid-60s. Campers can find accommodations from primitive tent sites along riverbeds to fully equipped yurt camping near Lake, West Virginia.
What to do
Hiking trails with river views: Grandview Sandbar Campground offers a river trail that connects to Glade Creek with additional trails. "There is a river trail that will take you to Glade Creek and additional trails. Within a short drive are several additional nice hiking trails in the New River Gorge and nearby State parks," notes one visitor.
Water recreation on East Lynn: At Pappy's Creekside Camp, families enjoy creek access during summer months. "Kids love the creeks on hot days they have so much fun!!" says one reviewer who camps there regularly. The location provides easy access to the East Lynn outlaw trails for those interested in riding.
Disc golf courses: Some campgrounds maintain their own recreation facilities. As one camper at Ace Adventure Resort mentioned, "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)." The resort also offers whitewater rafting and zipline adventures.
Historical exploration: Military history enthusiasts will appreciate Army Camp's past. A reviewer explained, "Military history buffs will appreciate the remains of an Army training encampment along the gravel road driving in. Known for equipping soldiers to build floating bridges across rivers to move troops and heavy artillery."
What campers like
Peaceful river settings: Campsites situated along water get high marks for ambiance. At Army Camp, campers appreciate the location: "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river...it wasn't crowded and I enjoyed evening river dips before bed."
Clean facilities: Many reviewers mention facility maintenance as a key factor. At Little Beaver State Park Campground, visitors consistently note the cleanliness: "The bathhouse has heated, clean showers (score!). Digging this campground because it's open year round and the hiking trails are plentiful."
Spacious sites: Room to spread out matters to campers. "Sites with water and electric hookup 1-20. Spacious, private. We had #9. Level..walking trail system connected to camp sites," wrote one Little Beaver visitor. Similarly, at Army Camp a camper noted, "Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles. Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table."
Wildlife sightings: The natural setting provides opportunities to spot local fauna. "Lots of deer about," mentions a Little Beaver reviewer, while at Breaks Interstate Park Campground, a visitor noted, "White tail deer are frequent, and very tame."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Flash flooding can affect riverfront sites. A Grandview Sandbar visitor cautioned, "This was a peaceful, nice area but when there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood." At Army Camp, another camper observed, "The New River has swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline."
No connectivity: Cell service is limited or non-existent at many sites. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," noted one Army Camp visitor. Similarly, at Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground, a reviewer advised, "The campsite is 30 minutes away from a Walmart or a grocery store."
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Army Camp has no reservations, with one visitor noting, "FCFS. Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles." For reserved sites, book early as one Twin Falls visitor experienced: "The only campsite we could get was 21.. nothing else available."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in," noted an Army Camp reviewer. Similarly, a Twin Falls visitor cautioned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Huntington/Fox Fire KOA offers family-friendly water recreation. "They had so much for kids to do: a swimming pond with inflatables, gem mining, banana bikes, and more. They showed a movie at 9pm on a big inflatable movie screen outside," shared one reviewer.
Playground access: Many campgrounds maintain dedicated children's areas. At Ole Henry's Camping Retreat, "The playground are has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is blain drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite."
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer learning experiences. "Check out the restaurant at the Lodge, great food and prices!" recommended a Twin Falls visitor. Another family found value in the "pioneer house with garden and rescue animals" at Twin Falls.
Seasonal programming: Activities vary throughout the year. "Nicely decorated for Halloween and seemed like it had lots of nice amenities for kids," observed a Fox Fire KOA visitor during fall camping. Many campgrounds offer special holiday events including movie nights during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level," observed a Little Beaver visitor. Similarly, at Twin Falls, "Sites are paved and some have electric hook ups."
Limited hookup options: Know what utilities are available before arrival. At Ace Adventure Resort, they have "drinking-water, electric-hookups, thirty-amp-hookups," but no sewer connections. Twin Falls offers "electric only hook ups. There was supposed to be community water at the campsite, but unfortunately it was turned off as we were there at the end of their camping season."
Alternative lodging options: For those interested in yurt camping near Lake, West Virginia, several campgrounds offer cabin alternatives. While traditional yurts are limited, Breaks Interstate Park provides yurt accommodations alongside their cabin and RV options.
Dump station access: Many parks offer dump facilities even without full hookups. "They do have a dump site available," noted a Twin Falls visitor. At Little Beaver, a camper mentioned, "There is a dump station available. The bottom is a full inch smaller in diameter than the shoulder."
