Tent campsites near Nimitz, West Virginia offer camping options on varied landscapes where the New and Bluestone rivers converge at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences moderate precipitation year-round with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most primitive camping areas maintain their facilities through volunteer efforts or limited park service maintenance schedules.
What to do
Climbing access: Stone Cliff Campground provides a strategic base for rock climbers with sites near popular routes. "There are so many things to come for and so many things to stay for! I've come here to climb and ended up fishing. I've come to fish and ended up hiking and climbing," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse bird populations and nocturnal creatures. At Bull Falls Campground, campers can spot multiple species. "There's some really great bird watching in these parts, so bring your binoculars," recommends a regular visitor.
Disc golf: Certain campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond typical hiking trails. "Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course," reports one camper about Chestnut Creek, noting its proximity to other activities makes it versatile for groups with varied interests.
Historical exploration: Several abandoned mining towns provide opportunities for historical day trips from camp. "The campground is very close to the abandoned town of Thurmond (very cool site to see)," writes one camper about their experience at Stone Cliff.
What campers like
Riverside locations: Brooklyn Campground offers direct water access. "The view of the river is beautiful and you can watch trains pass on the opposite side of the river," notes a camper, highlighting the scenic setting despite some noise.
Isolation options: Many tent camping areas near Nimitz provide seclusion for those seeking quiet. "It had been raining a lot the days before but did not rain at all the three days we stayed. It was incredibly private, we were the only ones staying overnight," reported one camper about Stone Cliff.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds in the area offer free or low-cost camping. "You just arrive and pick a site," explains a Brooklyn Campground visitor, detailing the straightforward no-reservation system common at primitive sites.
Trail connections: Chestnut Creek Campground provides convenient access to regional hiking networks. "We hiked Endless Wall Trail and Glade Creek Trail to Kate's Falls," explains a visitor who appreciated the central location for exploring multiple trails.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run throughout the region, affecting sleep at multiple campgrounds. "The trains run through at all hours of the night and blow their horns. Bring earplugs," advises a camper at Meadow Creek Campground, where trains pass frequently.
Variable bathroom conditions: Facilities range widely across tent sites. "The bathhouse is open air over half of it. Had no soap or toilet paper and the toilets were all plugged up," reported one visitor to Old Mill Campground in July 2024.
Insects year-round: Bug presence extends beyond summer months at lower elevations. "The gnats were out even in early April, so be sure you have bug protection," advises a Meadow Creek visitor from early spring camping.
Site selection strategy: Campers recommend arriving early for optimal spots. "There are 4 nice spots down on the beach and two up a small hill close to the parking lot and trailhead. We stayed at #6," notes a Stone Cliff camper who weighed the pros and cons of sand versus elevated sites.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Old Mill Campground offers water recreation suitable for children. "They had a swimming pool and it was clean. I loved the lake. Big and beautiful. Great time on the water!" reports a family who appreciated the maintained facilities.
Wildlife education: Prepare children for encounters with local fauna, including spiders. "We were hanging some hammock stapes up on our last evening and saw the largest spider I've ever seen in the hollow of one of the trees at the campsite," warns a camper about Stone Cliff's natural residents.
Weather preparedness: Tent campers should secure equipment against sudden mountain weather changes. "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," advises a Meadow Creek camper.
Video monitoring: Some campgrounds employ security measures affecting privacy. "The place is monitored via videocamera as signed," notes a visitor to Meadow Creek, information parents might find reassuring or concerning depending on preference.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many tent sites near Nimitz have recently restricted RV access due to safety concerns. "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," explains a visitor about Meadow Creek's policy change.
Cell coverage: Connectivity varies widely across camping areas. "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," reports a visitor to Chestnut Creek, helpful for families needing to stay connected.
Site orientation: RVers converting to tent camping should select locations carefully. "We didn't want to clean sand out of everything when we packed up," notes a Stone Cliff camper who chose higher elevation sites despite proximity to water.
