Camping near New River Gorge National River, WV

New River Gorge National River preserves more than 70,000 acres of land and is home to some of West Virginia’s best whitewater flowing through it. In fact, the river running through it is one of North America’s oldest rivers.

The best camping near New River Gorge National River is anywhere you can find it. All campsites are primitive, first-come, first-served, and, best of all, free. Backcountry camping works the same way. You can park your van down by the river for free, as long as you’re self-sustaining. Amenities will be minimal at any of the nine campgrounds. Not all campgrounds are drive-in or RV accessible, so verify ahead of time. As long as you follow the park’s ordinances, you can camp here for up to 14 days. If you want more traditional lodging, there are a handful of cities nearby, but the main one is Beckley, WV.

Best Camping Sites Near New River Gorge National River (116)

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Recent Reviews near New River Gorge National River

499 Reviews of 116 New River Gorge National River Campgrounds



Guide to New River Gorge National River

Camping near New River Gorge National River, West Virginia, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the gorge. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking paths are awesome. Leads you to coal mining ruins OR to a beautiful waterfall you can swim."
  • Whitewater Rafting: The New River is famous for its rafting. A camper shared, "We went whitewater rafting with ACE Adventures, they're great!"
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the river for fishing or a refreshing swim. A review noted, "The view from our full hookup campsite is hands down amazing!! We're situated directly on the New River."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer said, "The bathhouse was VERY clean and the showers had great water pressure and plenty of hot water" at Rifrafters Campground.
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Babcock State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff are also friendly and attentive."
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. One visitor noted, "It was very peaceful and quiet at night" at Chestnut Creek Campground.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Grandview Sandbar Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "The bathrooms are very old and the pits stink throughout the campground."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Glade Creek Campground advised, "Get there early to make sure you get a spot."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper shared, "I’ve seen a snake in the road before lol" while visiting Glade Creek Campground.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Babcock State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a playground, group picnic area, tennis courts and a plethora of other lodging options."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family enjoyed, "The grounds are also quite large and lovely" at Babcock State Park Campground.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins noted, "The camp store was a bit of a letdown, a lot of knick-knacks, and not many actual camping supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Battle Run mentioned, "The sites are grassy with gravel, generally level parking pads, some shade."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. A camper at New River Campground appreciated, "All sites seem to have 20/30/50 amp electrical options."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A camper at New River Campground noted, "The highway noise was not noticeable" after dark.

Camping near New River Gorge National River, West Virginia, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking, rafting, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near New River Gorge National River?

    According to TheDyrt.com, New River Gorge National River offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near New River Gorge National River and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near New River Gorge National River?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New River Gorge National River is Rifrafters Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near New River Gorge National River?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near New River Gorge National River.

  • What parks are near New River Gorge National River?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near New River Gorge National River that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.