22 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping opportunities near Lansing, West Virginia concentrate around the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, with several tent-focused campgrounds providing river access and wooded sites. Chestnut Creek Campground offers tent sites with no hookups in a wooded setting, while the New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club provides wooden tent platforms that accommodate the uneven terrain common in this mountainous region. Stone Cliff Campground in the national park provides walk-in tent sites along the river with minimal development.
Most tent sites in the area require self-sufficiency, as amenities vary widely between campgrounds. The New River Gorge Campground features coin-operated showers and clean restrooms, while Stone Cliff Campground provides only vault toilets that can become heavily used by rafting groups. Fire rings are available at some locations but not guaranteed at primitive sites. Tent campers should note that many campgrounds in the region charge per person rather than per site, as one visitor observed at Chestnut Creek where the $15 per person rate is "reasonable" but "seems to be common practice in the area." Seasonal closures affect many campgrounds, with several shutting down entirely during winter months.
Walk-in tent sites offer the most secluded camping experiences, particularly along the river. A visitor commented that Stone Cliff's walk-in sites provide "secluded, peaceful sites by the river" with good hammock spots and swimming access. Several tent sites at Stone Cliff require descending stairs from the parking area, with some campers reporting difficulty carrying gear up and down multiple flights. Train noise affects several campgrounds in the region, particularly Meadow Creek where trains pass frequently day and night. Tent campers should prepare for variable weather conditions and potentially muddy sites after rain. Most campgrounds remain partially wooded, offering some shade during summer months, though newer campgrounds may have limited tree cover until plantings mature.
"Small primitive, family run campground in the heart of the gorgeous new river gorge area. Owner was super nice,helpful, and welcoming."
"No electric or water at site but bathhouse with showers. Mostly tent sites in wooded area Our visit was the first full weekend I. November and many other campgrounds were closed for the winter."
from $10 - $11 / night
Check Availability"I used one of the walk in sites about half a mile into the trail. There was plenty of room for 4 tents right along the river. It was a little rocky, but nothing a sleeping pad wouldn't take care of"
"Tucked away by the river past Thurmond. Great secluded sites. Trailhead for hiking from camp."
"This is a very well thought out campground and is a great option for climbers visiting the area. each site has a wooden tent platform (10'x10') to set up on, which is a huge plus since the ground is so"
"Super clean bathrooms and flat platforms for tent camping. It’s a little pricey in my opinion but it’s easy to get to and close to lots of climbing."
from $8 - $30 / night
Check Availability"We came out of regular camping season so we couldn’t find anywhere near by that sold firewood. There is 1 handicap site and 4 sites by the river."
"South side junction trail is right there and leads to thurmond ; an almost abondoned coal mining town"
"Ok vault toilets. Luckily we had an axe, we had to chop a tree that fell overnight blocking the road out of the campsite."
"Plum Orchard Lake is a wildlife management area with rustic tent and camper sites. You do need to obtain a permit from the manager."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Recovering RV park, now tents only. Watched a cluster of fireflies that looked like a lightning storm. Just off the river and just off the highway, no water."
"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."
"The location was easy to get to and there were lots of open spaces. I practically had the campground to myself. The sites are spacious and each site has a sturdy metal table and BBQ pit."
from $12 - $160 / night
Check Availability"West Virginia at its finest! Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here."
"Camp ground was clean, bathhouse was clean and neighbors were all spaced out pretty good. Staff was kind and helpful. We enjoyed ourselves and will for sure go back."
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutGreat campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
TravelerHuge campground. Well maintained. The lake is gorgeous, great for kayaking or paddle boarding
ScoutThe website is dead and so is the phone number. No reservations possible.
GuideBeautiful area but not really campervan friendly. Great location and climbing areas. But vehicle sites are very level.
ScoutIf youre looking for away from people. Away from most people youll be. Well taken care of.
RangerThis campground provides an off the main road and in the woods experience. Tents have grassy spots and elevated platforms overlooking the area. There are several camper/RV spots along with cabins of various sizes. A calm creek runs through the property and within minutes of the New River National Park visitor center, downtown Fayetteville, and other adventure businesses.
TravelerEasy to get to, parking and bathrooms nearby, kayak access, 3+ mile trail access, cell service is reliable
GuideNice place to camp very relaxing.
Tent camping opportunities near Lansing, West Virginia extend beyond the immediate New River Gorge area, with additional sites available within driving distance. Elevation changes throughout the region create variable weather conditions, with summer temperatures typically ranging 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby lowland areas. Winter camping remains possible at select year-round sites, though amenities become significantly limited from December through March.
Hiking the riverside trails: At Brooklyn Campground, campers can access the South Side Junction Trail leading to Thurmond, a historic coal mining town. "South side junction trail is right there and leads to thurmond; an almost abondoned coal mining town," notes a visitor. The trail offers moderate hiking with river views throughout.
Disc golf between camping sessions: Chestnut Creek Campground features an on-site disc golf course that provides entertainment without leaving the campground. One camper mentioned it has a "Frisbee/Disc Golf Course" with enough challenge for both beginners and intermediate players. This activity requires no additional fees beyond the camping cost.
Fishing from shore: Plum Orchard Lake WMA offers shoreline fishing opportunities with multiple species available. A visitor described it as a "great place for kayaking on a beautiful lake nestled in the mountains of Fayette county." The wildlife management area maintains fishing access points separate from camping areas to reduce congestion.
Train watching opportunities: While train noise affects sleep, many visitors enjoy the daytime train watching near Meadow Creek Campground. "The trains are fun to watch but very loud and frequent," reports one camper. The tracks run alongside several campgrounds in the area, with freight trains passing regularly throughout daylight hours.
Varied terrain for site selection: Stone Cliff Campground offers diverse site options with different levels of seclusion. "There are 4 nice spots down on the beach and two up a small hill close to the parking lot and trailhead," explained a visitor. This variety allows campers to choose between waterfront sites or more elevated positions.
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Most campgrounds maintain serviceable restrooms despite limited infrastructure. At the American Alpine Club campground, a camper noted: "The bathrooms had bugs but very clean! Cute little place to stay." Facility maintenance varies seasonally, with peak summer months receiving more frequent attention than shoulder seasons.
Per-person pricing structure: Many local campgrounds charge per person rather than per site, affecting total costs for groups. At Chestnut Creek Campground, a visitor noted the "Charge was per person not per site, but reasonable at $15." This pricing model benefits solo campers but increases costs for families or groups sharing sites.
Limited cell service at remote locations: Communication capabilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Meadow Creek, one camper reported: "We have Verizon and had 1-2 bars of service while here." Service tends to weaken during rainfall or in deep valley locations.
Early arrival recommended for prime sites: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. A camper at Stone Cliff recommended: "Location was amazing. Sites are first come first served, no reservation needed." Popular waterfront sites typically fill by Friday afternoon during summer months.
Consider site accessibility: Some campgrounds require significant walking or stairs to reach campsites, challenging for families with young children. At Stone Cliff, a visitor cautioned: "So we had no idea there was a steep gravel decline to get to the camp site." Families should research site access before arrival, especially when bringing small children or carrying substantial gear.
Look for swimming access: Meadow Creek Campground provides river access for summer swimming opportunities. "You can easily walk to the river from the campground," shares one visitor. Natural swimming areas lack lifeguards and may have strong currents, requiring direct parental supervision.
Pack for variable weather: Temperature fluctuations affect comfort, particularly for tent camping families. A visitor to the New River Gorge Campground noted: "It was a very rainy weekend" but the covered communal areas provided shelter. Mountain weather changes rapidly, often requiring both warm and cool weather clothing even during summer visits.
Research access roads carefully: Several campgrounds have challenging approach roads unsuitable for larger rigs. At Plum Orchard Lake WMA, a camper warned about the "Long, bumpy dirt road to reach the campsite—it could be fun in the right vehicle." RVers should call ahead to confirm road conditions, especially after rainfall.
Limited designated RV sites: Most campgrounds near Lansing prioritize tent camping with few accommodations for RVs. At Chestnut Creek, a reviewer specifically mentioned it's "definitely not for RVs or Camper trailers." The best tent camping near Lansing, West Virginia rarely includes full hookup options, with most sites offering primitive camping only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lansing, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lansing, WV is Chestnut Creek Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lansing, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Lansing, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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