The Ansted region sits at the heart of West Virginia's canyon country, with elevations ranging from 1,200 feet along the New River to over 2,000 feet on surrounding ridges. Campgrounds near Ansted vary from primitive riverside sites to developed facilities with electric hookups, typically experiencing temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night in spring and fall. Many camping spots near Ansted, West Virginia require advance reservations during summer months when water recreation draws peak crowds.
What to do
Paddle at Summersville Lake: Located about 20 minutes north of Ansted, this clear water lake offers excellent kayaking and swimming opportunities. At New River Campground, campers have direct water access. "Beautiful night along the New River! Waterfront tent site with access to clean, personal bathrooms/showers assigned to each site. I love bringing my kayak here to paddle around!" reports Kenneth K.
Rock climbing and bouldering: The New River Gorge area provides world-class climbing routes for all skill levels. "This place is awesome for anyone looking to pack a day full of activities. The white water rafting was incredible and the staff all around was FANTASTIC," shares Ian S. from Adventures on the Gorge, which offers guided climbing trips.
Mountain biking: Numerous trails wind through the forests surrounding Ansted. At Arrowhead Bike Farm, "They have a big field for you to set up tents on along with RV camping areas and a place with individual sites in the back. It's also a bike shop and restaurant. They have goats and miles of bike trails," explains Corey M.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Some campgrounds offer secluded spots away from crowds. At Chestnut Creek Campground, "This is a very nice little campground set up for tents, hammock campers and some car campers. No hook-ups. Definitely not for RVs or Camper trailers. All the sites are wooded and they allow you to use fallen trees/branches for your fires," notes Lisa K.
On-site activities: Many campgrounds provide recreational options without leaving the property. Thomas H. from New River Campground shares, "It's down in a valley with mountains on either side. There is a train on the other side of the river. There were some geese and ducks congregating in the water near my camper at night, was pretty cool to see so many in one area."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank highly among camper priorities. "The bathrooms were cleaned twice a day for the COVID and the showers had good pressure. Like all campgrounds, some sites are better than others," reports Travis C. who stayed at Babcock State Park Campground.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds involve steep access roads that can be difficult for some vehicles. Chris S. notes about New River Campground: "The drive from Rt 19 to the campground is 8% grades both uphill and down, with twists, turns, and practical uturns with my 35ft. Fun for me, not for my wife lol."
Seasonal operating schedules: Most camping spots near Ansted close during winter months. "We spent about a half a day which allowed us to see the main sites. Great areas for picnics so pack a lunch! Cute gift shop," explains Carissa V. who visited Babcock State Park.
Site-specific limitations: Each campground has unique restrictions or challenges. "This campground charges per person which was different from what I'm used to, but it was very reasonable and comparable to other campgrounds in the area," explains Debra W. from Chestnut Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near playgrounds: For families with young children, proximity to play areas can enhance the experience. Katie J. from Mountain Lake Campground says, "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."
Consider water recreation options: Lakes and rivers provide natural entertainment for children. "The lake swimming was fun (something I am not used to since I am from Florida). Lots of spiders around our site...but hey you are camping! Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" Katie continues.
Look for campgrounds with structured activities: Some locations offer organized events for children. Keith B. from Babcock State Park Campground shares, "A fairly new playground sits right next to the bathhouse. All the equipment was well-maintained and freshly mulched. Our site was close enough to the playground that we let our seven-year-old go by herself, since we could still hear her."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness before booking: RV campers report widely varying site conditions. "The site (19) was roomy and level. The owners were friendly. The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy. We would stay here again, especially for a weekend to see the area. We also had full hookups which was great," explains Melissa O. who stayed at Rifrafters Campground.
Be aware of hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full services. Rachel S. notes about Adventures on the Gorge, "RV sites are not private but we had great neighbors and a great weekend. Bathhouses were very clean, firewood was delivered which made things easy. Be prepared to dry camp as there are no water hookups."
Plan for narrow roads: The mountainous terrain creates navigation challenges. Larry M. from Rifrafters Campground recommends specific areas: "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity."
