Free primitive camping options with established facilities are available within a 45-minute drive of North Spring. Several campsites in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer no-cost alternatives to commercial RV parks. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 3,200 feet, creating diverse microclimates with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds, with some having strong coverage while others remain completely disconnected.
What to do
Water activities on the New River: At Stone Cliff Campground, campers can access swimming spots directly from their campsites. "The view of the river is absolutely beautiful!" reports Corda B., who noted the easy water access with proper filtration equipment. The campground provides opportunities for fishing and rafting, with several reviews mentioning the popularity of both activities.
Hiking through historic areas: The Glade Creek Trail follows an old railroad bed with relatively easy terrain. "An old railroad runs by glade creek and it is incredible," writes Jonda M. about Glade Creek Campground. Multiple side trails branch off from the main path, including routes to Kates Falls and other scenic spots.
ATV trail access: Some campgrounds offer direct access to the Hatfield-McCoy trail system. A review for Hilltop Escape notes, "Trails are literally out your front door. Popular place to stay yet not crowded. Don't be fooled by other places claiming to be right on the trails." These purpose-built ATV trails provide recreational opportunities for visitors with off-road vehicles.
What campers like
Free campgrounds with amenities: Primitive camping doesn't mean sacrificing all comforts. Rachel S. appreciates Army Camp: "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free!" Most free sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets despite lacking hookups.
Peaceful riverside sites: Multiple campers mention enjoying the sound of the river from their campsites. Kel J. describes Stone Cliff Campground as having "Super cool river near by, great scenery" while noting the pit toilets are "nice to have something ++ FREE." Riverside camping provides natural white noise and recreational opportunities.
Affordable cabins for non-RV campers: For those without tents or RVs, several campgrounds offer cabin rentals. J.A. from Backwoods Camping & RV Park noted, "Several cabins, RV spots and grassy tent areas. The staff are very easy to work with - they will sell and chop the wood you need." These provide alternative accommodations during inclement weather.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Mountain roads leading to campgrounds can be difficult to navigate. About getting to Twin Falls Resort State Park, Tiffany A. warns: "The road most map apps will send you to closes for part of the year. Even if you happen to come when it's open, trust me when I say take the longer route. Especially if you are in an RV. It's is as wide as a one-way street, has at least ten too many sharp curves, and is straight up the mountain."
Water availability: Most primitive sites require bringing your own water. Dave V. notes a "vitally important" point about Army Camp: "there is no running water at any of these campgrounds. You must bring water or filter it from the New River…which I wouldn't recommend." This necessitates planning ahead for water supplies.
Weather impacts: Heavy rains can cause river levels to rise quickly. One reviewer observed at Army Camp: "After a night of rainfall, the New River has swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline... Even though it had not rained in 18 hours, the New River continued to swell beyond what I thought probable."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots for kids: West Virginia Adventures Campground offers family-friendly water activities. Latisha S. reports, "Nice sites amenities satisfactory kids loved it!! Nice family atmosphere." Several campgrounds provide river access for swimming during warmer months.
Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer built-in entertainment for children. Julie M. noted at Brushcreek Falls RV Resort: "We had plenty of room to park our RV and there was a very nice new swingset Nearby. Noticed multiple people utilizing the fishing pond and there was a cornhole tournament going on at the other side of the park."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe native animals in their natural habitat. Tucker B. mentions at Army Camp: "I enjoyed evening river dips before bed." Other reviews mention deer sightings, birds, and even an Eastern box turtle searching for higher ground during rainfall.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility for larger RVs: Shady Rest RV Park accommodates full-size recreational vehicles but has challenging access. Casey L. warns: "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. Some large rigs got through it just don't go fast."
Electrical service considerations: Most RV parks near North Spring offer electrical hookups, but amperage varies. At Twin Falls Resort State Park, Austin-Tarra G. noted: "We had electric only hook ups. There was supposed to be community water at the campsite, but unfortunately it was turned off as we were there at the end of their camping season."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. Jean C. notes about Army Camp: "No hookups. The river is nearby, but none of the sites are on the river. There's an accessible site and also accessible trail to a bench along the river. There are latrines." Several reviewers mention the availability of dump stations at specific parks for longer stays.
