Camping near Keslers Cross Lanes, West Virginia offers diverse terrain from valley floors around 1,300 feet to ridgetop sites exceeding 2,000 feet in elevation. The region features significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities are often reduced during winter months when water systems are winterized.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Multiple camping areas serve as convenient bases for climbing at New River Gorge. Chestnut Creek Campground provides tent sites within 15 minutes of prime climbing areas. "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," notes a camper at Chestnut Creek Campground.
Freshwater scuba diving: Summersville Lake's clear waters make it a unique inland diving destination. The lake reaches depths of 327 feet with underwater features including submerged forest areas. "Summersville Lake is man-made, built in the early 1960's…but it is clean, clear and deep!" reports a visitor to the area.
Winter activities: Unlike many camping areas that close seasonally, Rifrafters Campground maintains operations year-round for RVs. "We stopped in one night on our way back to Pennsylvania. We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so hospitable. We purchased firewood and they walked it to our campsite. The cabins are heated, which kept us plenty warm in the middle of winter."
Disc golf course: Chestnut Creek Campground offers an on-site disc golf course for campers seeking recreational activities without leaving the grounds. "This is a quiet campground, with lots of space and site options, run independently by a family. Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course. Close to rivers, climbing and hiking activities."
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Sites directly on Summersville Lake or New River provide water access. At New River Campground, "From bumper of my TT to the river was about 30ft. Shade trees and a light morning mist on the river made a beautiful sunrise."
Free camping availability: Gauley Tailwaters Campground offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. "I stayed in 3 of the free campgrounds around & this one was my favorite. There was a sink w running water in the bathrooms down by the dam. I expected the campsites to feel cramped but they are set up so that you park your car next to your site, & that gives a lot of privacy."
Historical sites: The region features preserved Civil War battlefields and historic structures. Babcock State Park Campground showcases CCC-era construction. "This building and surrounding stone structures, retaining walls, and staircases were built by the CCC and are magnificent and in great shape. The beautiful gift shop was once a former park restaurant of a bygone era."
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded tent spaces with natural separation. "We had an amazing overnight stay at Rays Campground. The site we had, site 10, was large and secluded. Clean shower house and hot water and the owners were extremely friendly."
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Popular sites fill months in advance, especially lakefront locations. "Very hard to get sites. Must be booked 6 months in advance," notes a visitor about waterfront camping.
Campground documentation: Some locations have specific requirements visitors should prepare for. At Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins, a camper reported: "It is pet friendly that is a big plus for us since we have no kids with us now but 2 fur babies. However we were unaware you need their rabies certificate with you there was no mention of this when I booked the site we have stayed lots of places and have never been asked for that before."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves challenging driving, especially with larger rigs. "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." Another camper noted: "Note, the drive from Rt 19 to the campground is 8% grades both uphill and down, with twists, turns, and practical uturns with my 35ft. Fun for me, not for my wife lol."
Variable site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at certain campgrounds. "The cons most sites are not level at all, there is one single bath house for each level making some sites very far from a bathroom/shower, the showers are very rough we checked 2 different bath houses both the same."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas to monitor children while setting up camp. At Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek, "First time here and we were not disappointed. The kids absolutely loved it all. The pool, views, food were all amazing."
Multiple recreation options: Choose campgrounds with diverse activities for different age ranges. "This is a great campground! I came here in June with my wife, daughter, and my parents. This place is huge! There is so much to see and do. The camp store was a bit of a letdown, a lot of knic knacks, and not many actual camping supplies. The pool was small and very, very cold well maintained. The mini golf was fun, but unlike other campgrounds I've been to, you have to pay for it."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn! They had a mini golf course, a small pool, a jumping pad, and an ice cream shop in the general store. Very quiet at night. I would be happy to come back!"
Beach access planning: Lake swimming areas get crowded during peak summer weekends. "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited sewer hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric and water without sewer connections. "For the business the campground is doing I would expect better bath houses. They were ok but state parks in west Virginia have had better. I prefer my camper shower but here is the other issue, no sewer hook up in the rv/trailer sides just water and electric."
Site selection considerations: Campground layout affects RV placement and hookup access. "It would be a nice little place to spend the night if you were in the area doing other things. Not a place to spend a long weekend unless you have other plans around the area. Small site and on top of each other."
Electrical capacity issues: Some campgrounds struggle with power supply during peak usage. "A/C power was an issue. 1 camper had 30 amp breaker blow 2 days in a row and my 50 amp ran A.C. units fan but didn't cool all day."
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds maintain year-round RV access while closing tent sites. "Our visit was the first full weekend in November and many other campgrounds were closed for the winter."
