Ray's Campground houses canvas safari tents, cabins, and yurts alongside traditional tent sites near New River Gorge. Situated in Hico, this glamping resort provides elevated accommodations with electricity, while still maintaining connection to the surrounding landscape. Guests at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins can choose from similar upscale outdoor lodging options including yurts equipped with beds, climate control, and private decks. Both locations offer fire pits, picnic tables, and access to clean shower facilities—amenities not typically found at basic campsites. ACE Adventure Resort provides additional glamping options with furnished canvas structures that blend rustic charm with comfort essentials. According to one guest, "We stayed in one of the yurts at Mountain Lake and the view was unmatched with all the comfort of a cabin but the feeling of being outdoors."
Visitors to these luxury outdoor accommodations benefit from proximity to the renowned New River Gorge National Park with its world-class whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking trails. Mountain Lake Campground's location provides direct access to Summersville Lake for swimming and boating between April and October. Both Ray's Campground and ACE Adventure Resort organize guided outdoor adventures including rock climbing, zip lines, and rafting excursions directly from their properties. Glamping campsites throughout the region maintain moderate to strong cellular service, unlike many primitive camping areas in the park. As one visitor noted, "The glamping sites at ACE gave us the perfect balance—comfortable beds after challenging rafting trips, hot showers, and electricity while still feeling immersed in nature." Reservations are recommended for all glamping accommodations, especially during summer months when occupancy reaches peak levels.
"RANGER REIVEW: PRIMUS 4-SEASON STAINLESS STEEL 0.3L MUG AT GRANDVIEW SANDBAR CAMPGROUND, NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER, WV CAMPGROUND REVIEW:
Grandview Sandbar Campground situated along the"
"We came in and drove through the drive up sites, but there was no question once we saw the riverfront walk-in sites. Flat sanded area, riverfront with little beaches lining the river, and a bathroom."
"The campy was absolutely overrun with Scouts from all over the world, and the owners and staff managed the situation admirably!"
"and staff are very friendly and helpful. Close to local towns for services. The full hook up RV sites seem crowded, but the electric only sites were spacious and shady."
from $15 - $50 / night
"Since we were traveling in the summer and brought our dogs along, we needed a spot where we could leave our doggos in a safe and air conditioned space while we explored."
"Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"
from $33 / night
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Army Camp Campground, New River Gorge National River, WV Army Camp Campground, New River Gorge National River, Prince, WV [https://www.nps.gov/neri/learn/historyculture/army-camp.htm"
"Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Spots are shaded. Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom."
"This CCC State Park is very picturesque and has several hiking trails and the man-made lake is small but offers plenty of recreation possibilities. I found the layout a little strange."
"The bathhouse is very clean with great water pressure and hot water. There is also a small laundry room. Sites have water and electric. "
from $35 - $50 / night
"The area and cabins looked very cozy and welcoming; however, I didn’t stay in one. We hiked and ran in the trail system on site. Beautiful vistas and great opportunities for many activities."
"We stayed in their tent camping site, and there were plenty fire pits and picnic tables, but it was a little unclear where the sites started and ended."
from $15 - $600 / night
"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."
"Staff was excellent, had a great time camping and rafting. Bath house was clean. Will definitely come back again."
"They have a large community center w/ clean bathrooms, a large green area w/ fire pits and a ton of space for a dog to run around in."
"The regular tent sites that you can drive in to are a bit crowded, but there are more secluded walk-in tent sites."
"The staff were accommodating of our late-night arrival. The cabins are heated, which kept us plenty warm in the middle of winter."
"What more can you want: campground, live music, beautiful patio bar, fire pit, volleyball court, awesome people."
from $7 - $69 / night
"Very close to the New River Gorge National Park. Back in the woods with a 1/4 mile gravel drive to enter the campground. "
"Great access to local crags. Campsites are spacious but can be close to neighbors, so the quietness of your night depends on them."
from $9 - $34 / night
TravelerGreat access to local crags. Campsites are spacious but can be close to neighbors, so the quietness of your night depends on them. Bathhouse has male and female areas with showers, sinks, flush toilets and mirrors. Creepy crawlies make their way in but overall decent cleanliness.
GuideROAD IN IS QUITE STEEP. DEFINATELY LOTS AND LOTS OF ROOM. VAULTED RESTROOM, VERY CLEAN. DEFINATELY WOULD NOT TRY WITH A BIG TRAILER OR CLASS A. ROAD AT THE END IS VERY NARROW WITH BRANCHES HANGING DOWN, BE CAREFUL.
GuideVery nice camping and mill near by
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
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.
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.
GuideThis was a quaint place to reset. Relaxing!
We came late and all of the sites were occupied, but when you are in a camper van the large day use parking area was perfect!
Pit toilets are clean! Not that we used them. No hookups of any kind.
Short walk to the river and some well maintained picnic benches.
New River Gorge National Park encompasses over 70,000 acres of rugged terrain along the New River, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. The park features one of the oldest river systems in North America, with the New River cutting through Appalachian Plateau sandstone to create steep canyon walls. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer camping conditions typically range from 50-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Hiking the Endless Wall Trail: This 2.4-mile loop follows along the New River Gorge with spectacular views. "The trail has lots of lots and stones so make sure you wear proper footwear. Another pretty spot is Canyon Rim Boardwalk, it has lots of steps to get to but it's a very pretty overlook!" notes a camper from Ace Adventure Resort.
Lake activities at Summersville: Located 30 minutes from the gorge, Summersville Lake offers clear water for swimming and boating. According to a visitor at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins, "The lake is amazing, clear and has so many visual gems that I highly suggest a visit. Busy boating weekend, quiet during the week. Awesome lookout areas."
Trail biking options: The park maintains several mountain biking trails suitable for various skill levels. "Bicycling can be done on all park paved and gravel roads (no off-road trails), as well as along the Narrow Gauge Trail," reports a camper at Babcock State Park.
Free primitive camping: Several campgrounds in the park offer no-cost options with basic amenities. A guest at Army Camp explains, "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free! Peaceful and quiet!"
Clean facilities at established campgrounds: Many visitors highlight the well-maintained bathhouses. A camper at Little Beaver State Park shares, "Bathrooms are traditional but clean and functioning well. The park has a lot of trails and a lake. Very quiet with well spaced sites."
Yurt camping with views: For those seeking a glamping experience, yurt options provide comfort with outdoor access. "We stayed in one of the yurts at Mountain Lake and the view was incredible with all the comfort of a cabin but still feeling immersed in nature," comments a visitor.
Flooding risks at riverside sites: Low-lying campgrounds can experience rapid water level changes. A camper at Grandview Sandbar warns, "This was a peaceful, nice area but when there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood."
Limited cellular coverage: Many campgrounds have spotty service. One visitor noted, "Cell reception is scarce, but that's not a problem, just an observation," while staying at Grandview Sandbar.
Train noise at some locations: Riverside campgrounds may experience train disturbances. A camper reports, "The really bad thing is that there is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7."
Seasonal availability restrictions: Many campgrounds close during winter months. According to staff at Little Beaver State Park, "Just a quick FYI, there is no camping in the winter."
Playground-adjacent sites: Some campgrounds offer sites next to play areas. "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," shares a visitor at Mountain Lake Campground.
Child-friendly activities beyond hiking: Many locations offer alternative recreation options. According to a visitor at Rifrafters Campground, "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."
Yurt camping for families new to outdoor stays: First-time campers with children often appreciate yurt accommodations. A visitor notes, "The yurts at New River Gorge provide comfortable beds, climate control, and private decks while still maintaining the camping experience kids enjoy."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 with a 23 ft TT and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site," warns a camper at Little Beaver State Park.
Limited hookup options: Full-service sites are limited in the region. A visitor at Rays Campground notes, "Most of the sites are primitive with only a few having electric, not sure on full hook ups."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out. It should be paved, no exceptions for that hill," cautions an RVer who stayed at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What luxury amenities are available at New River Gorge glamping sites?
Glamping sites near New River Gorge offer numerous luxury amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins features clean shower houses, laundry facilities, and varied accommodation options from hammock sites to large full-hookups. Rifrafters Campground provides well-maintained facilities with clean bathhouses, making it ideal for those seeking comfort. Many glamping sites in the area also offer electricity, hot water, comfortable beds with quality linens, private fire pits, communal gathering spaces, and Wi-Fi access. Some locations even provide onsite dining options, guided adventure services, and equipment rentals for activities like rafting and hiking.
Where can I find glamping accommodations near New River Gorge National Park?
For luxury camping near New River Gorge, The Outpost at New River Gorge offers a variety of upscale accommodations including full-service RV spots and a large community center with clean bathrooms. Another excellent option is Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek, which provides premium glamping experiences with easy access to the park's attractions. Both locations offer comfortable alternatives to traditional camping while keeping you close to the natural beauty of New River Gorge. The Outpost's central location makes it particularly convenient for exploring the park while enjoying modern amenities and comfortable accommodations.
How much does glamping cost at New River Gorge compared to traditional cabins?
Glamping at New River Gorge typically ranges from $120-250 per night, positioning it between traditional camping ($25-50/night) and cabin rentals ($150-350+/night). Babcock State Park Campground offers more affordable options with its mix of traditional campsites and rustic cabins, while Ace Adventure Resort provides premium glamping accommodations at higher price points. Factors affecting glamping costs include seasonality (peak summer rates can be 25-40% higher than off-season), amenities provided (luxury features like private bathrooms command premium prices), and accommodation type (safari tents typically cost less than fully-equipped glamping cabins). Many sites offer weekday discounts and package deals that include activities or meals, potentially providing better value than separate cabin rentals.
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