Best Campgrounds near Oak Hill, WV

Oak Hill, West Virginia serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences within the New River Gorge National Park and surrounding areas. Established campgrounds like Ace Adventure Resort in Oak Hill and Rifrafters Campground in nearby Fayetteville provide amenities ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabin rentals. The region includes several free primitive camping options within the national park boundaries, including Grandview Sandbar, Stone Cliff, and Army Camp campgrounds. These sites typically offer pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings but lack running water. Chestnut Creek Campground caters specifically to tent campers in a heavily forested setting, while adventure-focused destinations like River Expeditions combine camping with guided outdoor activities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Oak Hill area. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter options primarily for RVs. The region's winding mountain roads can become challenging after rainfall, particularly when accessing primitive sites. As one camper noted, "Driving backcountry roads in West Virginia at night is not my idea of fun," highlighting the importance of arriving during daylight hours. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, especially at primitive sites along the New River. Spring brings potential flooding concerns at riverside campgrounds, while summer offers ideal conditions for water activities. Fall attracts visitors with spectacular foliage, particularly around Babcock State Park's iconic grist mill.

River access represents a primary draw for many campers in the region. According to one visitor, "The New River Gorge National River has some of the best whitewater rafting in the country." Campgrounds situated along the New River provide direct water access for fishing, swimming, and paddling, though campers should exercise caution with the powerful currents. Visitors frequently mention the quality of hiking trails throughout the area, with the 2-mile Endless Wall Trail receiving particular praise. Wildlife sightings are common, with several reviewers noting encounters with deer, birds, and occasionally black bears. Bathroom facilities vary widely between campgrounds, from well-maintained shower houses at state parks to basic pit toilets at primitive sites. Many campgrounds require advance reservations during peak season, particularly on summer weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Oak Hill, West Virginia (115)

    1. Rifrafters Campground

    30 Reviews
    Fayetteville, WV
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 564-1065

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."

    "They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."

    2. Chestnut Creek Campground

    20 Reviews
    Lansing, WV
    8 miles
    Website

    $10 - $11 / night

    "Great tent campground very near the New River gorge and close by Summerville Lake and the Gulley River. Multiple campsites in heavily forested area. Drive up to the sites."

    "They have showers and clean bathrooms just a short walk from any site. All sites are big and you can pick from any available. The host is just a text or call away and he replies very quickly."

    3. Babcock State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Winona, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 438-3004

    $33 / night

    "The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."

    "Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"

    4. Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    17 Reviews
    Thurmond, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "Tucked away by the river past Thurmond. Great secluded sites. Trailhead for hiking from camp."

    "We put our tent a few feet away from the water facing the river and our canopy further up in the woods by the firepit."

    5. Ace Adventure Resort

    14 Reviews
    Thurmond, WV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 787-3982

    $15 - $600 / night

    "Nearby are showers and restrooms. They have individual rooms that can be locked that has the restroom in with the shower stall. Lots of biking and equestrian trails available."

    "We were able to go whitewater rafting one day and then explored the surrounding area on another day. The resort is awesome. They have cabins and they have hot tubs."

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

    22 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    10 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."

    7. Arrowhead Bike Farm

    10 Reviews
    Fayetteville, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 900-5501

    $10 - $85 / night

    "Good amenities plenty of space, and walking distance from some of the best views in the park!"

    "Showers run on one minute increments but aside from that it’s extremely accessible to trails and attractions around the area and staff was beyond helpful and super friendly!!"

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

    18 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."

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

    12 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    9 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."

    10. New River Campground

    14 Reviews
    Gauley Bridge, WV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 632-9821

    $30 - $40 / night

    "I told them I did not have these capabilities in my rig and they gave me sole access to the handicapped shower."

    "The owner goes around the campground at 430p offering firewood for $5/bundle. The view from our full hookup campsite is hands down amazing!! We're situated directly on the New River in Gauley Bridge."

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Recent Reviews near Oak Hill, WV

531 Reviews of 115 Oak Hill Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Kanawha State Forest

    Beautiful surroundings

    Had an overnight stay here on our way to Red River Gorge. This was a nice stop. Fairly quiet with the exception of an annoying dog that barked incessantly and the campers across from us that had to jump in their car and drive full speed to nowhere every 20 minutes. All night long…. Pick up your firewood elsewhere unless you prefer absurdly small bundles at $8.49 per. We had site 31. Some sites are on the small side. Big rigs beware. All in all, a good spot to rest and enjoy some tree therapy.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

    Nice campground

    Just a one night stay. Very clean and well kept campground. Our site was level. The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms... Would stay again

  • Renee N.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    The Outpost at New River Gourge

    The Outpost New River Gorge

    First the good: Reservation with Map and Site assignment easy pick up. Bathrooms clean and extremely modern. Quiet and very few mosquitos. Then, the not so great. Sites really tight, all large gravel, clean but really ugly. Right on road. Some Sites no shade.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground

    Off The Beaten Path!

    Small city RV park adjacent to the Coal Mine museum. Nothing fancy, but quiet, full hookups, paved sites with trees & lots of shade, picnic table, fire pit & grill. Property was well maintained. You drive through an older neighborhood on a narrow road. Lots of bigger rigs there so not really an issue. Called & made reservations through the museum gift shop the day of on a Friday in August & they had plenty of spaces. The ladies in the gift shop were friendly & very helpful. The museum was very interesting & they have tours that go into the mine along with houses & buildings of the era. Definitely would stay again.

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Rifrafters Campground

    Great Campground

    We stopped for 2 nights as part of a big cross country trip

    The campground is clean and well maintained

    It is very much built into a big hill- I was a little worried our Avion (similar to airstream) that had low clearance would bottom out as we came in and out of entrance hill to road but we had no issue

    The bathrooms were clean and well maintained

    We stayed on site 9 which we liked - very easy to get in and out of

    Staff were friendly

    Area was gorgeous!

  • A
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area

    Camp ground

    This place provides an amazing view of the gauley river just below the dam! You can hike trails to the river, even to a beautiful swimming spot just below the dam and camping sites! The views are beautiful anywhere you go and there is a gave located right above the campsites that’s beautiful to view from outside! Unknown safety on air quality or safety do not prefer going in! A park a little drive up the road right along with a swimming spot off from the beach at the lake that is perfect for kids and families! Everyone is very kind and welcoming and very helpful! If you are a beginning camper this will be an amazing spot to camp

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Chestnut Creek Campground

    Wonderful Hidden Gem

    This campground was perfect for what we needed for a 2 night stay. It was 15 dollars per person per night. They have showers and clean bathrooms just a short walk from any site. All sites are big and you can pick from any available. The host is just a text or call away and he replies very quickly. It was quiet with just faint noise from the highway, but not very noticeable. This campground is less than a mile from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the Bridge and only 15 minutes from Summerville Lake! We would definitely stay here again!

  • Nick C.
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins

    Great spot with Kids

    We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup. Nice little trail near bath house gets you down to the beach.


Guide to Oak Hill

Oak Hill sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation in south-central West Virginia, with camping options ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet above sea level. The topography creates challenges for cell reception, with most primitive campgrounds having limited or no service except on ridge tops. Temperatures can vary by 15°F between riversides and mountaintop camping locations, with morning fog common along water courses.

What to do

Disc golf access: Arrowhead Bike Farm features an on-site course popular with families. "They have a disc golf course on the property, goats, a pump track, and are directly linked to some great mountain biking trails. Staff are always willing to suggest routes based on your experience level."

Kayak launching points: Launch sites along the New River provide easy water access without crowds. A camper at New River Campground notes: "I love bringing my kayak here to paddle around! There is a boat ramp right next to it, and you can fish right from your site."

Historic site exploration: The region contains numerous historic structures beyond the well-known gristmill. "Military history buffs will appreciate the remains of an Army training encampment along the gravel road driving in. Known for equipping soldiers to build floating bridges across rivers to move troops and heavy artillery."

Winter hiking options: Unlike most area activities that close seasonally, trails remain accessible year-round. "We stayed in Cabin 5, which offered a few wooden bunkbeds... We were there in winter with impending storms, so chose to rent rather than tent camp."

What campers like

River access for swimming: The New River offers swimming holes with varying conditions. At Glade Creek Campground, "There is river access for small boats/rafts. The creek joins the New River here, you can hear the water from the sites."

Geological features: Rock formations provide exploration opportunities beyond established trails. "Island-In-the-Sky is a great climb through a tunnel of rhododendron that eventually winds up and around a rock shelf. To get to the top you have to climb up a couple ladders and over rocks."

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best wildlife sightings. "Heard a Barred Owl at night. 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."

Train watching: While trains can disrupt sleep for light sleepers, many enjoy the scenery. At New River Campground, "The railroad is right across the river, so pretty nice to watch but at night it can be a little loud if you need silence to sleep."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. At Babcock State Park Campground, "The last couple miles of road getting here are rough…if you have an SUV you should be fine but i have a sportier suspension and it was not fun. Also, if you are pulling a trailer, some turns are tight so be prepared."

Bathroom facilities: Quality varies dramatically between locations. "They have an outside 'kitchen' sink by bathrooms for filling up water and washing dishes. We brought our own gear but they do have sites with tents already set up."

Flood risk: Riverside campgrounds can flood quickly, sometimes without recent local rainfall. "During our visit, in early May, it had been and was still experiencing heavy rains and flooding. Even then, it is a beautiful location."

First-come basis: Most primitive sites in the national park fill by mid-afternoon on weekends. "I made sure to be a little early to make sure the drive in spots were not all taken. There are also spots right down the new river which in reality are nicer."

Tips for camping with families

All-in-one amenities: Ace Adventure Resort offers activities without leaving the property. "The park has so much to do including trails, swimming, and an awesome water park. The campground is very clean and the staff were very helpful."

Swimming safety: River currents can be dangerous for children. "Caution: Use extreme prudence if choosing to enter the New River itself. This is an incredibly popular whitewater rafting and paddling river…currents are fast, powerful and dangerous."

Site selection: Look for sites away from major walkways. "We stayed at site 21, which was the middle of a loop and it was space and flat. It had another site next to it but it was further apart than other sites."

Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly. "We spent the weekend of 3/13/20-3/15/20 and had fairly good weather despite the damp mornings. The camp had clean latrines (no running water) and was easily accessible from an offroad-like gravel entrance road."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Many sites require significant adjustment. "It is very much built into a big hill - I was a little worried our Avion (similar to airstream) that had low clearance would bottom out as we came in and out of entrance hill to road but we had no issue."

Power options: Rifrafters Campground provides reliable power even during storms. "We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so hospitable. We purchased firewood and they walked it to our campsite. Our site was plenty large and the concrete pad was perfectly level."

Alternative locations: Back sections often provide better sites. "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity."

Facilities access: Bathroom access varies by campground. "The bathrooms were very nice and clean! The owners were also great. It was pouring when we checked in and they gave us a different tent site than originally booked so that we had a shelter out of the rain to set up our tent."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an RV in Oak Hill, West Virginia?

While Oak Hill itself has limited RV rental services, there are good RV camping options in the area. Summer Wind RV Park offers beautiful mountain views and overlooks scenic pastures with reasonable prices and 30 amp hookups. It's a small, hospitable RV park with great views across the pastures and hills. For RV rentals, check with Rifrafters Campground near Fayetteville which occasionally offers rental units. Alternatively, look into RV rental companies in larger nearby cities like Charleston or Beckley, which can provide rental units that you can drive to Oak Hill area campgrounds.

Are there cabins available for rent in Oak Hill, WV?

Yes, cabin rentals are available near Oak Hill. Old Mill Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park offers cabin accommodations amid West Virginia's beautiful landscape with convenient access to water activities at the nearby lake and marina. Ace Adventure Resort near Oak Hill also features cabin rentals for those wanting comfort while enjoying outdoor adventures. Cabins typically range from rustic to fully equipped options with amenities like electricity, running water, and heating. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Most cabins require a minimum stay of 2-3 nights on weekends.

What are the best campgrounds near Oak Hill, WV?

Oak Hill offers several exceptional camping options nearby. River Expeditions Campsites in Oak Hill provides an all-in-one camping-to-glamping resort experience perfect for outdoor adventures in the New River Gorge. For those seeking natural beauty, Babcock State Park Campground is postcard-perfect with spectacular trails and the famous grist mill, the most photographed location in West Virginia. Other excellent options include Battle Run for water activities, and Ace Adventure Resort for adventure-focused camping. Most campgrounds in the area offer amenities like water and toilets, though reservation requirements and seasonal availability vary.