Best Tent Camping near Lansing, WV
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.
