Tent Camping near New River Gorge National River, WV

Tent camping options near New River Gorge National River span across several primitive campgrounds ranging in elevation from 1,400 to 1,900 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most tent sites throughout the area feature relatively flat terrain with mixed gravel and dirt surfaces, though many lack significant tree cover for shade.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: At Plum Orchard Lake WMA, campers can access multiple hiking trails. "This is a beautiful area with plenty of fishing and hiking areas within a 20 mile radius or so. The trees are a beautiful array of color - greens, reds and yellows," notes one visitor.

Rock climbing access: The best tent camping near New River Gorge National River for climbers is at New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club. A camper explains, "This campground is well maintained and located in the heart of the New. It's a quick walk to the Junkyard Wall or a short drive to many other classic crags."

Disc golf: Chestnut Creek Campground features an on-site disc golf course, providing additional recreation beyond water activities. A reviewer mentioned, "This campground has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course" and is "close to rivers, climbing and hiking activities."

Visiting ghost towns: Brooklyn Campground provides access to historical sites. A camper noted, "South side junction trail is right there and leads to thurmond; an almost abandoned coal mining town."

What campers like

Riverside camping access: Brooklyn Campground features direct riverside sites. A camper shared, "The riverfront spot is perfect and it's a quite secluded campground! And who can beat the price!"

Tent platforms: Campers at Stone Cliff Campground appreciate the well-maintained tent sites. "The camp sites are well marked and maintained. There are some right on the river and a couple more set back closer to the trail. Great spot to set up a hammock, go swimming, or walk on the nearby trails if you aren't climbing," reports one visitor.

Wildlife viewing: The area around tent campgrounds supports diverse wildlife. At Plum Orchard Lake, campers report, "We were able to see deer, raccoons and some nice looking birds."

Firefly displays: Seasonal visitors to Meadow Creek Campground witness remarkable natural displays. One camper described watching "a cluster of fireflies that looked like a lightning storm."

What you should know

Train noise: Most riverside campgrounds experience regular train traffic. At Brooklyn Campground, a camper warned, "There is an active railroad across the river and there were probably 5-10 trains the Wednesday night that we stayed."

Site spacing and layout: Chestnut Creek Campground offers good site separation. "Most sites are simple with just a picnic table and fire pit. There are lots of trees in between many of the sites for great privacy," notes a visitor.

Reservation systems vary: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others operate on first-come, first-served basis. At Meadow Creek Campground, "It's self-service, pay your $10 nightly fee."

Weather considerations: The gorge area experiences rapid weather changes. One camper at Stone Cliff noted, "The wind here is also very strong and without strong anchors could easily pull up your tent. We were having to restake the corners throughout our stay."

Tips for camping with families

Look for spacious sites: Meadow Creek Campground offers ample room for families. A visitor reported, "The sites are spacious and each site has a sturdy metal table and BBQ pit. The vault bathroom was clean at the time I visited."

Bug preparation: Even in cooler months, insects can be problematic. "The gnats were out even in early April, so be sure you have bug protection," warns one camper at Meadow Creek.

Campground amenities: Bluestone State Park campgrounds provide additional recreational options for children. A camper shared, "We enjoyed hiking the trails, swimming in the lake and sitting by our campfire."

Cell service consideration: Some campgrounds maintain usable cellular connectivity despite remote locations. A Chestnut Creek camper noted, "Cell reception was great all throughout this area. That's not a camping necessity for us, but we all noticed that everyone's phone had great reception with a variety of network providers."

Tips for RVers

Tent-only restrictions: Some campgrounds have recently changed their policies. At Meadow Creek, a camper explained, "The ranger informed us someone who stayed here in a rv had a close call crossing the train tracks and now they have decided to make this campground a tent only place."

Access road challenges: Many campgrounds feature narrow, winding access roads. As one visitor to Stone Cliff noted, "We had no idea there was a steep gravel decline to get to the camp site. My wife and I had brought our hatchback instead of our SUV- so our fault, but if this had been mentioned somewhere then we would have known."

Limited RV facilities: Even campgrounds that permit RVs typically lack hookups. A visitor to Chestnut Creek stated, "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."