Tent camping near New Cumberland, West Virginia places visitors in the Ohio River Valley region where elevations range from 660 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping months. Access to water recreation on the Ohio River and nearby Youghiogheny River creates multiple riverside camping options for tent campers seeking both established and primitive sites.
What to do
River exploration: Bring kayaks or canoes to access water recreation opportunities on the Youghiogheny River near Dravo's Landing Campground. As Lauren C. notes, this area provides "water access along the Youghiogheny River" making it ideal for paddlers looking to combine camping with water activities.
Cycling day trips: Plan segments of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, which connects to multiple camping areas. The trail follows historic railroad corridors and river valleys. Shari G. mentions that The GAP Trail Campground is "26 miles from Three Rivers Park" making it "a great place to get your head around what it might be like to ride and camp the whole way to Washington D.C."
Local agriculture exploration: Visit seasonal operations at the campgrounds themselves. Frederick B. recommends visiting Pioneer Trails during "the holiday season and purchase a tree!" when not using their camping services, highlighting the dual-purpose nature of these working farms.
What campers like
Covered structures: Protection from weather enhances the camping experience at multiple locations. Shari G. describes The GAP Trail Campground's "covered seating, dining, and cooking area" as providing the "perfect hybrid" between camping and glamping, with amenities that make outdoor cooking comfortable regardless of weather.
Campfire gathering spaces: Multiple fire rings accommodate both small and large camping groups. At Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm, campers enjoy the "beautiful overlook" of "the field and surrounding mountains," according to Ashley F., making it an ideal setting for evening campfires.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive consistent positive mentions. Frederick B. appreciated the "clean bathroom" at Pioneer Trails Tree Farm, which complemented the "office to charge electronics and a campsite with firepit" to create a comfortable experience despite the campground's rustic nature.
What you should know
Train noise: Frequent passing trains create significant nighttime disturbances at GAP trail-adjacent campsites. Shari G. warns that "it's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up" and advises to "bring good earplugs if you hope to sleep!"
Wildlife concerns: Food storage precautions are necessary, particularly at riverside locations. Lauren C. mentions that Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground is surrounded by trees that provide "quite the entertaining experience for the kids" but also harbor wildlife that necessitates proper food storage.
Bathroom accessibility: Distance to facilities varies significantly between sites. Andrew O. noted that while his family "had a great time" at Pioneer Trails, they "only wish toilet access was a little closer for the women," indicating campers should check facility locations when selecting sites.
Tips for camping with families
Tree farm exploration: Educational opportunities exist at agricultural campgrounds. Andrew O. reports that at Pioneer Trails, "the trees were quite the entertaining experience for the kids," providing natural playground spaces and learning opportunities about forestry.
Historical sites: Visit nearby landmarks to add educational value to camping trips. Lauren C. notes that Dravo's Landing is "close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire," creating memorable evening activities for families with older children.
Group camping logistics: Reserve early for larger family gatherings requiring multiple tent sites. Sarah Q. mentions that at Dravo's Landing Campground, her "group of 14 people" found "plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents" with "abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused campgrounds offer minimal or no RV services. While Dravo's Landing technically permits RVs, the accommodation is primarily designed for tents with no hookups available, making it suitable only for self-contained units comfortable with dry camping.
Alternative overnight parking: Look beyond traditional campgrounds when full hookups are needed. Frederick B., while bicycle touring, found that calling ahead to Pioneer Trails was essential as "they no longer offer the camping service due to low guest attendance" but was able to negotiate a stay since he had "no place else to camp."
Access limitations: Check road conditions before attempting to reach remote camping areas. Many access roads to these tent camping locations feature unpaved sections, tight turns, or limited parking areas unsuitable for larger recreational vehicles or trailers.
