The Pipestem area sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet in the Appalachian Plateau, creating distinct temperature variations between river valleys and mountain ridges. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daylight hours but can drop 15-20 degrees at night, making layered clothing essential for overnight yurt campers. The New River watershed's unique south-to-north flow pattern influences local weather patterns around Pipestem.
What to do
Hiking trails connect to campgrounds: Army Camp in New River Gorge National Park offers excellent trail access. "We had 1 big tent, 2 vehicles and a few dogs and had plenty of room. The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in... Water access is not problem if you have a good filtration system. The view of the river is absolutely beautiful!!" reports one Army Camp camper.
Fishing in multiple waterways: The New River and surrounding lakes provide diverse fishing opportunities. At Little Beaver State Park, "The park has a lot of trails and a lake but we didn't have time to check them out," notes one visitor. Local species include smallmouth bass, catfish, and trout depending on the water body.
Mountain biking on established trails: Kairos Wilderness Resort offers extensive trail systems. "It sits on 1500 acres and has 41+ miles of trails," shares a visitor. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly flat sections to technical descents with significant elevation changes.
What campers like
Secluded river camping: At Grandview Sandbar, "Tent spots have the best access to and views of the river, which is glorious. Car spots lack the view, but they're quiet. Trains passing in the night are oddly soothing." The sandbar area provides direct river access uncommon at other campgrounds.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Twin Falls Resort State Park maintains high standards. "The bathhouse has heated, clean showers (score!). Digging this campground because it's open year round and the hiking trails are plentiful," notes a visitor. Most park facilities include accessible options and regularly maintained facilities.
Free camping options: Army Camp offers no-cost sites with basic amenities. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free! Good amount of spiders and ants but didn't notice any mosquitoes in mid May. Peaceful and quiet!" writes a camper. Sites typically fill by mid-afternoon on summer weekends.
What you should know
Train noise affects some riverside sites: Campers at riverside locations mention regular train traffic. At Grandview Sandbar, one camper notes: "The really bad thing is that there is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7. That includes during the night, yes."
Seasonal availability varies significantly: Most yurt camping options near Pipestem operate primarily April through October. Babcock State Park has specific seasonal limitations: "Just a quick FYI, there is no camping in the winter. We stopped by for an overnight while enroute to Ohio."
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies dramatically throughout the region. At Army Camp, one visitor noted "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)." Verizon typically provides the most consistent coverage but expect dead zones in river gorges.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playground access: Little Beaver State Park offers child-friendly amenities. "A nice playground for children. Lots of deer about. The tent sites have water, fire ring, table and nice shade. Lots of lovely trails to explore," notes one visitor with children.
Consider bathroom proximity: Facilities can sometimes be distant from tent sites. "The only drawback is that you need to drive to the restroom because the walk is a little too far. But the restroom was super clean," notes a camper at Little Beaver State Park.
Find sites with swimming options: Greenbrier River Campground offers water recreation specifically designed for families. "I love the swimming area my kids had such a great time. Bath house was so clean and amazing. Was super chill even this there was a lot of ppl," writes one parent.
Tips from RVers
Access roads present challenges: Some yurt camping areas near Pipestem have difficult approach roads. At Kairos Wilderness Resort, "The hill to climb to get there is SUPER sketchy but it's a gorgeous location. If you want to go ride dirt bikes or UTVs this place is definitely the spot."
Limited level sites at some parks: RVers note challenges finding flat parking spots. "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," warns a visitor at Little Beaver State Park.
Dumping stations available but limited: Most state parks offer dump stations, though private access varies. At Rifrafters Campground, "We spent a lot of time in the morning cleaning out our gray and black tanks. We are pretty COVID cautious given some health conditions and this campground was very comfortable."
