Best Campgrounds near Nimitz, WV

The New River Gorge region surrounding Nimitz, West Virginia features a range of campground options from primitive sites to full-service facilities. Several established campgrounds dot the area, including Pipestem Resort State Park and Bluestone Lake State Park, offering a mix of tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Army Camp in the New River Gorge National Park provides dispersed camping with more rustic amenities, while Little Beaver State Park Campground offers electric hookups and modern facilities. Most campgrounds in this mountainous region sit along rivers or lakes, providing access to water-based recreation.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating between April and October when weather conditions are favorable. Winter camping is limited, with only a few facilities like Pipestem Resort State Park remaining open year-round. The New River area experiences significant water level fluctuations that campers should monitor, particularly at riverside campgrounds. Tent pads are typically gravel or grass, with level areas that can become muddy after rainfall. Cell service varies widely across the region, with reception generally better at developed campgrounds than at primitive sites. A camper wrote, "The New River is an incredibly popular whitewater rafting and paddling river...currents are fast, powerful and dangerous."

Waterfront camping ranks highly among visitors to the region, with sites along the New River and Bluestone Lake providing scenic views and recreation opportunities. Campsites at Bull Falls Campground offer direct river access for fishing, swimming and paddling. Many campers cite the quiet atmosphere and natural surroundings as highlights of their stays. According to one visitor, "You'll sleep underneath a clear sky, with the most brilliant stars, silver shining moon and the soft lull of trees swaying in the wind." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, various bird species, and occasionally river otters. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks and water features, with popular paths including those in New River Gorge National Park. Bathroom facilities range from modern showers at state parks to basic pit toilets at more remote locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Nimitz, West Virginia (126)

    1. Little Beaver State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Daniels, WV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 763-2494

    $35 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "This campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet."

    2. Pipestem Resort State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Pipestem, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 466-1800

    "Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia.  We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.

     "

    "There is plenty to do within walking distance or a short drive. There is hiking all around the Pipestem area. There is a lake to fish and boat on."

    3. Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    19 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "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."

    "Glade Creek Campground has six (6) walk-in tent sites and five (5) drive in sites inside the loop for tents or medium sized RV/Campers."

    4. Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park

    9 Reviews
    Nimitz, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 466-2805

    "This campground rests by Bluestone Lake, which is where the Bluestone River runs runs into the New River."

    "We stayed in Meador site 14, which was the furthest away from the bath house (still only maybe 150 yards), but it was on the water & was the most secluded (just meaning it's at the end of the row not"

    5. Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    23 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "New River, just outside of Prince, WV off Route 41 offers upclose and personal riverside camping."

    "Through Traffic: Access to the boat ramp is through the campground. Though, traffic is minimal, folks on the way to the ramp and picnic area often drive pretty fast."

    6. Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park

    16 Reviews
    Camp Creek, WV
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 425-9481

    "This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."

    "Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year."

    7. Old Mill Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park

    5 Reviews
    Nimitz, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 466-2805

    "West Virginia at its finest! Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here."

    "We enjoyed hiking the trails, swimming in the lake and sitting by our campfire. The ladies working at the check-in office were absolutely the sweetest and extremely helpful."

    8. Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    12 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "I’ve spent over 150 days camping and hiking in West Virginia n the past four years and keep finding new, wonderful places to enjoy."

    "Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds."

    9. Pipestem RV Park & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Pipestem, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 466-9121

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Besides the aforementioned site hookups there are a lot of new activities to do at pipestem close to the campground on the Pipestem park property such as ziplining and swimming on the lake with inflatables"

    "Short drive to Sandstone Falls, which are stunning."

    10. East Shore Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park

    2 Reviews
    Nimitz, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 466-2805

    "site: some shaded sites. some sites along water. semi-private sites. amenities: a few campground options. pretty clean. attractions: near town. fishing. near pool. hiking. nature activities."

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Recent Reviews near Nimitz, WV

637 Reviews of 126 Nimitz Campgrounds


  • Irene C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Ace Adventure Resort

    Everything in one place

    Great place. The bathroom/showers were not great but I’m told they are updating those this summer. We came during Bridge Day but I would definitely come back in the summer.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Chestnut Creek Campground

    Great Spot

    This is the spot to be if you're visiting the NRG area and want a chill experience as opposed to the party atmosphere that goes on at the outfitters. Sites are primitive with plenty of trees for and shade and hammocks. The owner is super nice and very helpful.

  • Irene C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Hilltop Sunrise - Half acre RV Site with full hookups

    Hospitable convenience

    Easy access area. The host is friendly and accommodating. We used the 110 electric for overnight in my campervan, but the hilltop tent with outdoor shower is very cute. I would stay here again.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Babcock State Park Campground

    Spacious campground. Near RiverGorge National Park

    The facilities were clean and well maintained. Babcock State Park has access to trails, a scenic drive, grist mill, and souvenir store. WIFI is slow but there is a WiFi lounge at park store. No food store or restaurants nearby. Limited large rig sites and roadways are very narrow.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Pioneer Village

    Convenient but Hilly

    We only stayed for one night and this location is very convenient for this area when traveling Interstate 81. Easy access to pull through sites, needed one inch block on one side to level off. Rest rooms were so so, men’s room has one stall out of order. Grounds are clean and fair amount of spacing between sites. Needed extra hose to reach water spigot. But it is a hilly location. The access road in and out of the campground is a hill. Stopping at the office and you’re on a pretty steep incline. It’s on my list of repeat stops for this area.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Great area!

    This was near the water with pit toilets available but not in good condition. Areas to fish and good camping areas spaced apart. Friday night and there was only a few campers. If it’s full glade creek is four miles up the road and our personal favorite. So plenty of options and both great spots!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    New favorite!

    This area is our favorite we have been in all of the eastern states. So the sites all have fire pits and picnic tables and there’s tons of wood around to burn. There’s two pit toilet restrooms on both sides of the campground and a full area by the water for walk in tent camping. Boat ramp for anyone wanting to kayak and a big beach area to play in the water so perfect for my dog and kid. No one was around so we had the place to ourselves but each area is well spaced.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Babcock State Park Campground

    All the Amenities and then some!

    We truly enjoyed our stay at this park. Its peacefully serene setting was exactly what we needed after a weekend long festival. Ya just can’t beat a free hot shower with great water pressure and affordable laundry facilities! Ya know?! Nice trails to forage and nearby Gristmill to top it all off. If we’d had the time, we would’ve stayed an extra night.


Guide to Nimitz

Camping sites near Nimitz, West Virginia lie within the Allegheny Plateau region, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 feet throughout the New River Gorge area. The plateau's varied topography creates distinct microclimates, with temperature differences of 5-8 degrees between riverside camps and those on higher ground. Most campgrounds remain partially open during winter months, but water systems are typically winterized from November through March.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: 5 miles from Little Beaver State Park Campground, several trails lead to seasonal waterfalls. "The walking trail system connected to camp sites" provides access to numerous hiking options according to Todd S., who called the park a "little secret gem."

Zipline adventures: Pipestem Resort State Park Campground offers a zipline course among its many recreational activities. Marie B. noted "They have zipling, axe throwing, disc shooting and archery, play grounds and splash water park" making it a comprehensive outdoor recreation destination.

River fishing access: The boat ramp at Grandview Sandbar Campground provides direct river access for anglers. According to Zayne W., who camped there in September, "Was able to let my dog off the leash down by the river to play and even played frisbee in our campsite and on the camp road."

Rock scrambling: The rocky terrain throughout the area allows for beginner-friendly bouldering and scrambling. Glade Creek Campground features "trails that are to die for" according to Jonda M., who adds "The second oldest river in the world new river meet glade creek at the campgrounds."

What campers like

Quiet weekday camping: Weekdays offer significantly less crowded experiences at most campgrounds. At Grandview Sandbar Campground, Abby M. noted "There were 2 other campers on a Saturday night, which was nice and quiet," adding that each site has "a fire ring, picnic table and a pole to hang food from."

Freshwater swimming: Many campers appreciate the swimming opportunities in the New River. Tucker B., who stayed at Army Camp, wrote "I enjoyed evening river dips before bed," though cautions about strong currents that require caution.

Dark sky viewing: The limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities throughout the region. Sites at Little Beaver State Park are "spacious, private" with good spacing between campsites according to Charlie W., making them ideal for nighttime sky watching.

Seasonal wildlife: Deer sightings are common at campgrounds throughout the area. Jay N. reported "TONS of deer all around (just hanging out eating vegetation)" during a stay at Meador Campground, adding that their site was "freshly mowed, had a fire ring, picnic table, & was right on the water."

What you should know

Seasonal flooding risk: River levels can change dramatically, especially in spring. At Glade Creek Campground, Dave V. observed "the New River had encroached another 100ft through the woodland, flowing alongside the campground loop gravel drive…30 ft from our tent pad" even after rain had stopped.

Limited cell coverage: Most campgrounds have minimal to no cellular service. Mystic S. at Grandview Sandbar reported "There is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7" which can affect sleep quality.

Campground access challenges: Many campground access roads are narrow and rough. At Army Camp, Kristi D. noted "It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper."

Seasonal facility closures: While many campgrounds remain open year-round, facilities may be limited. Jessica D. at Mash Fork Campground discovered "even though the campground is open year round, the bathrooms are not. We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Mash Fork Campground offers family-friendly amenities including a playground. According to Dawn M., "This campground was very nice and very clean. The staff was awesome. Spots were nice. Campground was small but quaint."

Easy biking paths: Paved roads at several campgrounds create safe cycling areas for children. Michael at Meador Campground noted "All the roads are paved making it easy for the little ones to ride bikes."

Swimming alternatives: When river conditions are unsafe, consider the splash pads and pools. "No pool but a splash pad" is available at Pipestem Resort State Park according to Cynthia K., who also mentioned "A lake with fishing & boating. You can rent a boat."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn periods provide excellent wildlife viewing. At Bluestone State Park, Mark K. reported "We enjoyed hiking the trails, swimming in the lake and sitting by our campfire" during multiple visits to the park.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require significant leveling. Adam and Suzanne B. at Little Beaver State Park advised "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."

Dump station locations: Plan dump station visits strategically as some are awkwardly positioned. Charlie W. noted at Little Beaver, "Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump."

RV length limitations: Carefully check site lengths when booking. At Pipestem Resort State Park, Cynthia K. advised "watch the site descriptions for the incline" and noted that the 82 sites include a mix of hookup options with "1-31 have full hookup, 32-49 electric only, 50-82 water & electric."

Winter utility shutoffs: Prepare for limited water access in colder months. Jeremiah S. at Meador Campground noted "Our site was one of only a handful with water and electric but there is a dump station on the way out of the campground area."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Nimitz, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Nimitz, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Nimitz, WV and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Nimitz, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nimitz, WV is Little Beaver State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nimitz, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Nimitz, WV.

What parks are near Nimitz, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Nimitz, WV that allow camping, notably Bluestone Lake and New River Gorge National River.