Dispersed camping options near Lansing, West Virginia range from primitive sites along the New River to established campgrounds with hookups. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve maintains several free camping areas accessible via gravel roads, while private campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities. Winter camping is limited mainly to year-round RV parks, as most tent campgrounds close from October through April.
What to do
Trail access for hikers: Army Camp Campground provides direct river access and hiking opportunities on the Glade Creek Trail. "Army Camp is my favorite place to camp. 10 tent sites. 2 are handicap. Has always been quiet with good people camping while I was here. Area for people to swim in the river or fish. One trail on far side of parking area that I haven't been on yet," notes Billy C. from Army Camp.
Mountain biking from your site: Trails start directly from Arrowhead Bike Farm, offering immediate access to New River Gorge routes. "Within a short walk/bike to multiple biking and hiking trailheads. Close enough to bike into Fayetteville (a cool little town). Onsite bike shop with rentals and repairs, restaurant, and bar," reports Charles C.
Winter activities: While most campgrounds close seasonally, some remain open for cold-weather exploration. MB A. notes: "Purposefully came here in off season, stayed a week and used this location to hit all the area scenes and trails. The first two days it snowed. Simply stunning!"
What campers like
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the no-cost sites at national park campgrounds. "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. Peaceful and quiet!" shares Rachel S. about Glade Creek Campground.
Riverside locations: Sites adjacent to water are highly valued for swimming and fishing. Tucker B. writes about Army Camp: "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river. Still, it wasn't crowded and I enjoyed evening river dips before bed."
Wildlife encounters: The area offers good wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper at Glade Creek notes, "Heard a Barred Owl at night" while another mentions watching "deer in the valley most mornings" at Summer Wind RV Park.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. At Army Camp, Corda B. warns: "The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in. Just remember you have to make that trip all the way back out if you forget anything at the store (like we did) so be prepared to have plenty of food and wood."
Water availability: Many primitive sites lack potable water. "No drinking water, so bring your own. No hookups. The river is nearby, but none of the sites are on the river," Jean C. advises about Army Camp.
Reservation systems: Booking methods vary significantly between campgrounds. At Summer Wind RV Park, "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. But there was plenty of room and everything worked out fine," explains Whistle P.
Tips for camping with families
Goat encounters: Children particularly enjoy Arrowhead Bike Farm's animal residents. Aspen H. shares: "It's children friendly and adult friendly. They have an assortment of accessible bike trails, bike shop, AMAZING FOOD, spectacular local beers and PBR, GOAT PENS, camping, a pump track, and lots of cool things to do in the local area."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment. Melissa O. mentions about Rifrafters Campground: "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy."
Beach areas for water play: Some riverside sites feature natural beach areas. A reviewer at Glade Creek notes: "There's two pit toilet restrooms on both sides of the campground and a full area by the water for walk in tent camping. Boat ramp for anyone wanting to kayak and a big beach area to play in the water so perfect for my dog and kid."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites require additional work for proper setup. Never Sitting S. advises about Summer Wind RV Park: "If you want easy level spots row c is best (which is where 50 amps are). Easy off and on the interstate and we fit fine driving 40' towing."
Single lane access roads: Larger rigs may face tight navigation. Kristi D. reports from Army Camp: "It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper when a big grater and the park ranger came by. It's very doable."
Hookup variations: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. Casey L. notes about Shady Rest RV Park: "These are full hook up sites, very affordable and great proximity to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park. 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."
