RV campgrounds near New River Gorge National River range from full-hookup parks with pull-through pads to electric-only sites open year-round. Rifrafters Campground offers 40 RV sites with full hookups, situated close to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The park's location provides convenient access to local attractions while maintaining a peaceful setting. Shady Rest RV Park features level sites with full hookups, including 50-amp service, though access requires navigating a narrow road. "The owners are so so kind and thoughtful! They made the experience here fantastic. These are full hook up sites, very affordable and great proximity to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park," noted one camper. Summer Wind RV Park, open from May through October, provides spacious pull-through RV pads with electric, water, and sewer connections in a pastoral setting with mountain views, making it ideal for RV camping enthusiasts exploring the gorge area.
Throughout the New River Gorge area, RV sites vary considerably in amenities and accessibility. Many campgrounds have sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment, particularly at Lake Stephens where sites form a semi-circle with limited privacy between neighbors. Cell service fluctuates across the region, with most parks offering at least 1-2 bars of coverage. Seasonal availability differs between parks—Adventures on the Gorge provides electric-only RV sites year-round, while others like Rifrafters close from November through March. Visitors should note that some access roads present challenges for larger motorhomes, particularly when crossing railroad tracks or navigating mountain roads. According to one reviewer, "Just be careful with what GPS app you use. Mine took me an interesting route that ended in someone's driveway."
"Rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater paddling, rafting, hiking, camping, birding?…it’s all here and more."
"Army camp is nestled by the new river and has plenty of views of the mountains. None of us had cell phone reception, so if you’re looking for a tech free weekend then this is your spot."
"quiet! Recharge here! Full hook ups, dog friendly, very level gravel site with a stunning view of the pastures."
"We wanted to be near New River Gorge National Park and the interstate. Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. "
from $30 - $35 / night
"These are full hook up sites, very affordable and great proximity to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park. It’s definitely a no frills location."
"There has been a lot of nice upgrades to the grounds and facilities ad well as things to do at pipestem since my last review a few years ago. "
"We camped at Pipestem in a 37' travel trailer. We love this campground. Quiet, well spaced, nice roads for biking."
from $55 - $65 / night
"Our site was level. The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms... Would stay again"
"We spent our time on the Hatfield/McCoy trails which were about 20 minutes from the campground."
"There is five drive-in sites and more walk-in sites on the edge of the camp. The drive-in sites filled and vacated several times throughout the weekend."
"In the New River Gorge National Park, you will not find the sprawling campgrounds found in many other national parks."
"Hilltop Sunrise has a perfect spot for those traveling to the newest National Park, skip the trip to the local Walmart and enjoy a full yard and enjoy your campfire while avoiding the crowds at the other"
"His level of service was next level and was happy to offer suggestions for food, etc. Made sure I had everything and when bad westher was coming through, he made sure I was aware and safe."
from $19 - $29 / night
"We put our tent a few feet away from the water facing the river and our canopy further up in the woods by the firepit."
"It was incredibly private, we were the only ones staying overnight. There were some visitors throughout the days, hiking, fishing, and a lot of white water rafters."
"Huge driving area, no problem maneuvering. Very simple set up. Nice bath house. RV spots are nice concrete pads and pretty level. Hookups work. Wide open skies- great for solar."
"Nice sites amenities satisfactory kids loved it!! Nice family atmosphere."
"Very comfortable and quiet campground. Camp hosts (owners?) and staff are very friendly and helpful. Close to local towns for services."
"Beautiful area, close to New River National Park. Very accommodating staff. Includes wifi, PBS TV, small dog run, small playground, picnic shelter, laundry, bathhouse, firewood, ice,etc."
from $15 - $50 / night
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
TravelerOn top of a mountain. Gorgeous afternoon and evening views but The fog is dense in the mornings, which comes with a lot of dew, but completely worth it for the afternoon view. No shade trees at our site, but they are large and offer fire rings and picnic tables. Direct access to the happy McCoy trails. We rented just down the street the side-by-side for a couple of days and had a fantastic time.
ScoutGreat campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
TravelerHuge campground. Well maintained. The lake is gorgeous, great for kayaking or paddle boarding
ScoutThe website is dead and so is the phone number. No reservations possible.
RangerThis campground provides an off the main road and in the woods experience. Tents have grassy spots and elevated platforms overlooking the area. There are several camper/RV spots along with cabins of various sizes. A calm creek runs through the property and within minutes of the New River National Park visitor center, downtown Fayetteville, and other adventure businesses.
GuideNice place to camp very relaxing.
ScoutOn west side of Summersville lake, 18 free first come campsites, drive-in, level. Vault toilets, no water. Picnic tables, grill and fire ring. Access to free swimming across road at winter boat ramp. Sandy beach swimming down the road for $5. Lake is clear and warm.
TravelerAs others have reported, the 11 sites here are well maintained and spaced apart nicely. The road in is narrow and has a lot of low hanging limbs, so no big rigs here. It’s quiet apart from the sounds of the river and the bugs. Generators are allowed except for between 10p-6a. Verizon has no service here. Half the sites get decent exposure to charge the solar, the other half are mostly shade. The protected river bottom meant no breeze for the 5 nights we were here, so it remained hot and buggy. But overall it’s a great spot away from the madness. Most of the spots got filled every night during the week at the end of August with a lot of daily turnover, so arrive early.
Free camping options are abundant in the New River Gorge area with several primitive sites situated near the water. Army Camp Campground offers 10 established tent sites in a quiet location without hookups, while others like Stone Cliff provide both walk-in and drive-in access. Cell service varies dramatically across these locations, with many free campsites having limited or no connectivity due to the steep surrounding terrain.
River recreation access: At Army Camp Campground, campers can enjoy direct river access for swimming, fishing, or launching small watercraft. "Area for people to swim in the river or fish. One trail on far side of parking area that I haven't been on yet," notes Billy C. The campground's position along the New River provides excellent opportunities for water activities during summer months.
Historic exploration: Visit the abandoned mining town of Thurmond near Stone Cliff Campground. "The campground is very close to the abandoned town of Thurmond (very cool site to see) and is within earshot of the train tracks," says Kaylee F. This ghost town offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's coal mining history with preserved buildings and interpretive displays.
Hiking opportunities: Multiple trail networks connect many camping areas, particularly at Glade Creek where an old railroad bed creates relatively easy hiking terrain. "Glade Creek Trail follows an old RR bed with easy terrain. Several trails break off Glade Creek trail and worth taking," writes one camper. The trails accommodate various skill levels and can be accessed directly from many campgrounds.
Budget-friendly options: The National Park Service maintains several free campgrounds throughout New River Gorge. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free!" says Rachel S. about Army Camp. These no-cost sites typically include basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets.
Privacy between sites: Despite being free, many dispersed camping areas offer good separation between sites. At Glade Creek Campground, "Drive-in sites are gravel, fairly level and have picnic tables, lantern poles and fire pits. Walk-in tent sites are sand," reports one reviewer. The natural terrain creates natural divisions that enhance the camping experience.
Wildlife encounters: The riverside locations attract diverse wildlife. "Song birds, robins and crows competed vocally during daylight hours. Interesting insects crawled the river's sandy shore and a brightly colored Eastern box turtle searched for higher-dryer ground," describes Dave V. Birders particularly enjoy the wood-warblers that frequent the area in spring and fall.
Flood potential: The New River can rise dramatically after rainfall, affecting riverside camping areas. "At this visit, after a night of rainfall, the New River has swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline," warns Dave V. about Army Camp. Sites closest to the water may become unusable following heavy precipitation.
Limited water access: None of the free National Park Service campgrounds provide potable water. "No drinking water, so bring your own. No hookups," cautions Jean C. Campers must bring sufficient water supplies or have reliable filtration systems for longer stays.
Railroad proximity: Many campgrounds sit near active rail lines with regular train traffic. "Trains would go by every few hours, it didn't bother us much but it could be annoying to some people," mentions Gracey L. about Stone Cliff. The train noise continues day and night, though most campers report adjusting to it quickly.
Site selection strategies: When camping with children at Army Camp, consider the layout differences. "10 tent sites. 2 are handicap. There is an accessible site and also accessible trail to a bench along the river," notes Jean C. The accessible sites typically offer more level ground and easier access for strollers or young walkers.
Weather considerations: Spring camping requires extra preparation for families. "It was also veryyy cold in the mornings but that was due to going in spring. I can't see it being a problem during the summer," shares Gracey L. Early and late season campers should pack additional layers for children, especially for mornings.
Activity planning: Pipestem RV Park & Campground offers family-friendly amenities beyond basic camping. "We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," writes Molly F. This campground provides structured activities that can entertain children during longer stays.
Road access challenges: Many rv campgrounds near New River Gorge National River require navigating narrow, winding roads. At Hilltop Sunrise, "Just beware when getting here there is a very narrow road, little to at times no room to allow for another vehicle if you happen to meet up," warns Casey L. Larger rigs may struggle with some approaches, particularly after crossing railroad tracks.
Late season options: RV camping availability varies significantly by season. "Spring 2024. Nice level Campground, easy access from I-64, AT&T and Verizon both 5 bars," reports Randy G. about Summer Wind RV Park. While many campgrounds close in fall, some remain open with reduced services or limited site availability.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. "Starlink access was excellent as there is not a single tree to obstruct the view!" shares a reviewer about Summer Wind RV Park. For remote workers or those needing reliable internet, selecting campgrounds on higher ground typically provides better connectivity than those in the gorge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV length restrictions or road limitations exist in New River Gorge National Park?
New River Gorge National Park has some road limitations and campground restrictions that affect RV camping. At Grandview Sandbar Campground, RV sites are limited and can accommodate smaller to medium-sized rigs, with some campers successfully bringing in 17-foot trailers. Access roads to many park campgrounds are narrow and winding, making navigation challenging for larger RVs. For bigger rigs, Rifrafters Campground near Fayetteville offers better access. When planning your visit, note that some in-park campgrounds like Glade Creek have limited turn-around space, so advance scouting is recommended if you're driving a longer RV or pulling a trailer.
Are reservations required for RV camping in New River Gorge, and what are the fees?
The reservation requirements and fees vary significantly between campgrounds in the New River Gorge area. National Park Service campgrounds like Grandview Sandbar Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are free to use, though they offer minimal amenities. For more services, nearby Little Beaver State Park Campground requires reservations and offers sites with water and electric hookups at reasonable rates, plus a dump station. Most private campgrounds around the park, including those with full RV hookups, require advance reservations, especially during peak season (late spring through fall). Booking ahead is strongly recommended for weekend visits from May through October.
Where are the best RV campgrounds within New River Gorge National Park?
For RV camping within and near New River Gorge National Park, Glade Creek Campground offers free camping with basic amenities but is better suited for smaller rigs. For more comfort, Lake Stephens Campground provides RV sites with hookups arranged in a circular layout, popular with Beckley residents. For a quiet forest setting with electric hookups, Greenbrier State Forest is nestled just off I-64 with water available near the campsites. Many RVers prefer staying at private campgrounds just outside the park boundaries where full hookups and amenities are more readily available, offering convenient access to park attractions.
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