Primitive camping options near Lookout, West Virginia extend beyond the New River Gorge area into surrounding public lands and private campgrounds. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,450 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Fall temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevation sites like Babcock State Park, requiring proper cold-weather gear even in early autumn.
What to do
Scuba diving opportunities: Summersville Lake attracts divers with its exceptional clarity and depths reaching 327 feet. At Battle Run, visitors can access this underwater playground. "Summersville Lake is man-made, built in the early 1960's…but it is clean, clear and deep!" notes one camper. Local dive shops offer rentals for certified divers wanting to explore the submerged remnants of the town of Gad.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf facilities for guests. Chestnut Creek Campground includes a course on site, with one visitor noting it "Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course" among its amenities. The activity provides a low-impact recreation option during midday when climbing and water activities might be too strenuous.
Winter activities: While most campgrounds operate seasonally, some cabins remain available year-round. A visitor to Adventures on the Gorge shared, "We stayed in one of the cabins for Christmas. We were one of a handful of visitors staying at that time of year. The staff were accommodating of our late-night arrival. The cabins are heated, which kept us plenty warm in the middle of winter."
What campers like
Lakefront access: Waterfront sites provide direct access to recreation without having to pack up and drive. At Battle Run, "most campers will have their powerboats moored at their site," while Stone Cliff Campground features "4 nice spots down on the beach" and others "up a small hill close to the parking lot and trailhead."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely across campgrounds. Mountain Lake Campground received praise for its "Clean showerhouses with hot water!" while another camper noted, "There are six private bathrooms with showers in each, one was handicap accessible" at Ace Adventure Resort. Primitive sites typically offer only pit latrines with minimal amenities.
Proximity to climbing areas: The region draws climbers from across the eastern US. Stone Cliff Campground places visitors within walking distance of routes, with one review stating, "There are so many things to come for and so many things to stay for! I've come here to climb and ended up fishing." Arrowhead Bike Farm was described as offering "Super close proximity to some fantastic climbing and the entire new river gorge national park."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. One visitor to Babcock State Park described, "The road in off the highway isn't too long, but it seemed long, winding, and up and down...especially as night fell. Driving backcountry roads in West Virginia, at night, is not my idea of fun." Similar challenges exist at Mountain Lake Campground where "the road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out."
Flood risk: Several riverside campgrounds experience seasonal flooding. At Grandview Sandbar, campers should note it is "a beautiful but can flood" area, while Stone Cliff sites require careful selection as "my suggestion is take a good look at the sites before setting up camp."
Train noise: Railroad tracks follow the river corridors, affecting some campgrounds with regular noise. At Grandview Sandbar, "there is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7." One camper observed the "trains passing in the night are oddly soothing," though light sleepers might disagree.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Rifrafters Campground offers family-friendly amenities, with one visitor noting, "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site." This setup allows parents to maintain supervision while setting up camp or preparing meals.
Water recreation options: Ace Adventure Resort features a unique attraction for families with children. "They have a lake for swimming that has the huge inflatable courses on it (think like the game show wipeout) you can buy a day pass for a reasonable price to play on them all day," explained one camper. This provides structured water play beyond simple swimming.
Wildlife encounters: Campgrounds in the area host various wildlife that can interest children. Mountain Lake Campground visitors reported, "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" While at Arrowhead Bike Farm, families can see "GOAT PENS" with animals that "are very loving and go by any name you can think to name them."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area feature uneven terrain. At Mountain Lake Campground, "most sites are not level at all," requiring blocks and leveling equipment. One Rifrafters camper appreciated that "the concrete pad was perfectly level," highlighting the value of this feature when available.
Dump station availability: Full-hookup sites are limited in the region. Many campgrounds like Babcock State Park have "sanitary-dump" facilities but not at individual sites. At Arrowhead Bike Farm, visitors mentioned "A handful of full hookup sites and open field camping for rv/van/car/tents. $11 for the field and $50 for hookup."
Power reliability: During peak summer months, electrical systems at some campgrounds become strained. One camper at Mountain Lake reported, "A/C power was an issue. 1 camper had 30 amp breaker blow 2 days in a row and my 50 amp ran A.C. units fan but didn't cool all day." This suggests bringing a generator as backup during hot weather periods.
