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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips for RVers
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.
