The New River Valley region surrounding Bluefield, West Virginia features multiple campground options ranging from established sites with hookups to more primitive camping areas. Campgrounds like Pipestem Resort State Park provide full-service options with electric hookups and shower facilities, while areas such as Camp Creek State Park's Mash Fork Campground offer tent, RV, and cabin camping in forested settings. Many of these established campgrounds are situated along rivers and lakes, providing water access for fishing, paddling, and other recreational activities within 30-45 minutes of Bluefield.
Weather conditions and river levels significantly impact camping experiences in this mountainous region. Spring and early summer often bring higher water levels on the New River and its tributaries. One camper noted, "The New River had swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline. Even though it had not rained in 18 hours, the New River continued to swell beyond what I thought probable." Most developed campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near established campgrounds and limited to no service in more remote areas along the river corridors and within New River Gorge National Park.
Waterfront camping represents a primary draw throughout the region, with several reviewers highlighting the peaceful riverside settings. A visitor to Grandview Sandbar Campground described it as offering "upclose and personal riverside camping" with sites directly on the sandy beach area of the New River. The campgrounds within New River Gorge National Park provide free primitive camping with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets, though campers must bring their own water. For those seeking more amenities, several established campgrounds within 30 miles of Bluefield offer full hookups, showers, and other services. Families particularly appreciate the state park campgrounds that provide access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and seasonal swimming areas, making them suitable for multi-day stays while exploring the region.
$20 - $30 / night
"I'm not positive what size rig this campground says can be here, but the biggest of big would be able to navigate the roads and the sites are wide or long or both."
"Close to highway and easy dump station/water station across the street."
"This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."
"Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year."
$50 - $170 / night
"Easy exit off Rt 81, with several truck stops/gas stations at the exit to fill up. The roads are a bit hilly going into the campground, but we didn’t experience any issues."
"We stayed here for 1 night, to break up an 8-hour drive home from points south. The facility is very well maintained, the staff is very friendly and the location was convenient (1 mile off of 81)."
$39 - $65 / night
"Only down fall is if you have a big fifth wheel turning into the off road area trailer may hit box of your truck. Caution may damage your vehicles."
"We stayed here to visit friends close by and we also drove to WV to raft New River, about 90 minutes away."
"Good location not far off the exit. Would stay again!"
"Like a lot of private RV parks, the sites tend to be very close to each other. Beautiful backdrop of the mountains with mist and low clouds. Gravel parking pads."
"Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia. We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.
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"There is plenty to do within walking distance or a short drive. There is hiking all around the Pipestem area. There is a lake to fish and boat on."
"Rv sites are large and easy access to back into your site. Fire pits and picnic tables. Restaurant right next door. Cabin and camper rentals very well kept. Trails are literally out your front door."
"Right next to outlaws and Hatfield McCoys plus a terrific restaurant right there at camp. We LOVE Hilltop Escape and highly recommend for all ages!"
$25 / night
"You will have the whole property to yourself to fish the 1 acre pond and hike around the 76 acre land. We want to make you feel welcome so feel free to reach out!"
"Brought our GD 24mav toyhauler with the talon to ride the Hatfield McCoy trails. I guess we got the deluxe rv spot, however the price didn't."
$27 / night
"The campsites are nice-- wooded, access to bathrooms, and near the lake. The park itself offers a LOT of great activities."
"It's tucked away in a light mountain range and there is a beautiful lake for swimming. They even have an old-school dock in the middle of the lake with platforms and boards for diving."
TravelerEasily accessible, stopped here for the night when we couldn’t find an open spot in Alabama Hills. Equipped with potable water, bathrooms and a fire pit at each site. Approx 80+ sites that are decently spaced and level. Beautiful views of the sierras and easy to get to in the dark
ScoutIt is a wonderful place to camp. However, it is $15 a night not five. There is a $50 deposit to get a key to the gate. There is no potable water.
ScoutHad a great time for our first trip out in our new-to-us pop-up! Brought the dogs and had a great time.
GuideTho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic. The trails are near and beautiful. Lovely for horseback riding or hiking, or just tent camping. Latrine are located at campground, walking distance.
Guide1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite. If its not open you have 20-30mins drive to get to resources needed. There is 5 campsites close to each other. Constant 4 wheeling and horseback riding through sites. Your really never alone. To each their own , on privacy. Some want it, some dont mind it. Very scenic! Love the Dismal waterfalls!! Love walking trails but truly a busy site during holidays. We arrived Friday morning and sites was filled by noon. Arrive early as you can to find a camp spot. Truly well kept, trash bins and latrine is in walking distance.
ScoutSpent a night here, everything needed for tent camping (although there was plenty of room for RVs), easily collectible wood in the surrounding area. This campground is off the main train tracts so I didn't hear any trains throughout the night.
TravelerDrove here to find it closed.
Guidethe host is easy to deal with. If you arrive late, pay in the morning. My wife said the restrooms were old but were in excellent condition and clean. In fact, she raved about them.
TravelerThis is a lovely little cabin resort with 3 RV sites. We are here just 1 night enroute. It is beautiful and well maintained. I would definitely come back.
Camping spots near Bluefield, West Virginia include a mix of established campgrounds and rustic options within the Appalachian foothills. The region sits at elevations between 2,400 and 3,800 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Fall temperatures can drop below freezing at night even when days remain mild, requiring proper gear for overnight stays.
Waterfall hiking: Camp Creek State Park offers multiple waterfall trails accessible from the campground. "The waterfalls are a short walk from the campground. Firewood is available and they deliver it to your site," notes Kevin E., who camped at Mash Fork Campground.
Mountain biking: Several trail systems connect to campgrounds in the area. "There is a nice biking/hiking trail along the lake. Kids had a great time!" reports Molly F. about her stay at Hungry Mother State Park.
Fishing: Many campgrounds offer stocked fishing areas. At Deer Trail Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "If you like to hike, there are also hiking trails. Deer Trail can accommodate driveable units up to 40', Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers and Tents. It also has a beautiful catch and release pond."
Stargazing: The mountain elevation provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "The night sky was amazingly clear and stars were bright," reports Kevin A. from his stay at Pipestem Resort State Park.
Secluded creek-side sites: Campers appreciate water access directly from their sites. "Our site (44) is great, right by the trail and creek. Super nice hosts and everyone we met was friendly. Very quiet place," notes Greg S. about Stony Fork Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses. At Wytheville KOA, a camper reported, "What a nice clean campground! We stayed for a few days and enjoyed it just wish everything would have been opened but with what all is going on it's understandable."
Private camping platforms: Some campgrounds feature unique site layouts. "All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The bathhouse was very clean and taken care of," shared Katrin M. about Walnut Flats.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers have options. "This is a wonderful spot. It has five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The bathroom is a pit style but it was still clean and didnt smell," explains Alice S. about Walnut Flats, a free camping area.
Cell service limitations: Communication options vary significantly. "No service for Verizon users... Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time," reports Nicole M. from Mash Fork Campground.
Seasonal bathroom access: Some parks restrict facility access in off-seasons. "Even though the campground is open year round, the bathrooms are not. We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away which was not exactly convenient," warns Jessica D. about camping at Camp Creek State Park.
Campground crowding: Popular parks fill quickly in peak seasons. "This park was had tons of amenities and beautiful scenery. Sites were close together. Park was packed to the rim. Families and kids everywhere. This is def a family oriented place and if your looking for a peaceful get away this is not the place," notes Marie B. about Pipestem Resort State Park.
Weather considerations: Mountain weather affects waterfall flow and trail conditions. "The waterfalls were very sparse when we were there so not sure about other times of the year," observed Lee D. during an October visit to Camp Creek State Park.
Check playground availability: Some campgrounds have multiple play areas. At Brushcreek Falls RV Resort, a camper noted, "We had plenty of room to park our RV and there was a very nice new swingset nearby."
Look for campground activities: Some parks organize regular events. "The wagon and train rides around the campground, the craft time, pool and the fishing! The owners ran all the entertainment and were highly visible throughout our stay," mentions Lisa T. about family activities at Wytheville KOA.
Consider cabin options: When tent camping conditions aren't ideal. "The campground is literally on several trails. Restaurant on-site. From breakfast to supper. Campfires in the evening. Lodging is comfortable and CLEAN!" shared Linda R. about Hilltop Escape LLC.
Creek access for kids: Natural water features provide entertainment. "The sites are spaced perfectly, the forest is beautiful, and the creek is super clear and clean. Our boys didn't mind- the creek was great and the whole place is paved so it was great for scooters," reports Greg S. about Stony Fork Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Mountain terrain affects site quality. "Like a lot of private RV parks, the sites tend to be very close to each other. Beautiful backdrop of the mountains with mist and low clouds. Gravel parking pads," notes Eric H. about Brushcreek Falls RV Resort.
Hookup placements: Some sites have unusual utility configurations. "Electrical hook up was on the opposite side of where they should be and in the middle of the small area. Water pressure was good and there was sewage hookups," reports Swain K. about Pipestem Resort State Park.
Road access considerations: Mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. "We're a triple axl so we had to take it nice and slow getting there with the road and even navigating the property but it was fine. Good location not far off the exit," advises Heather H.
Site selection tips: Campgrounds vary widely within the same park. "Sites 1-49 are in the woods. The sites seem small, but the perimeter sites face the woods. 44 is a large site, but the incline is severe, so appropriate for Class B or tents," explains Cynthia K. about Pipestem Resort State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Bluefield, WV?
The Bluefield area offers several excellent camping options. Pipestem Resort State Park Campground stands out with its numerous amenities including zip lines, a golf course, and splash pad, making it a great base camp for exploring New River Gorge National Park. For a peaceful experience in nature, Bull Falls Campground — Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area provides solitude along the western banks of the New River. Other noteworthy options include Old Mill Campground at Bluestone Lake State Park for water activities and Little Beaver State Park Campground with its scenic hiking trails, though winter camping is unavailable at the latter.
What amenities are available at Bluefield City Park for campers?
While specific review information about Bluefield City Park camping is limited, the park likely offers basic amenities typical of municipal parks in the region. For campers seeking alternatives with confirmed amenities, Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve provides drive-in and walk-in sites with more primitive facilities. Another option is Berrys Campground, which offers riverfront RV spots ideal for fishing, tubing, boating and rafting enthusiasts. For Bluefield City Park specifically, contact the Bluefield Parks and Recreation Department at (304) 327-2448 to confirm current camping availability, amenities, and reservation requirements before planning your trip.
How much does it cost to camp at campgrounds near Bluefield?
Camping costs near Bluefield vary by location and amenities. Summer Wind RV Park offers reasonable prices for RV spots with mountain views and 30-amp service. Payment is by check in a lockbox. Indian Mills Camping Area — Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area provides an affordable option for those seeking a quiet, natural setting. Most public campgrounds in the region range from $20-35 per night for basic sites, while private RV parks may charge $30-50 depending on hookups and amenities. State parks typically offer the best value with rates around $25-30 for standard sites with basic amenities. Some primitive sites in wildlife management areas may be available at lower rates.
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