Best Campgrounds near Prince, WV
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve surrounds Prince, West Virginia with multiple free and established camping areas. Army Camp and Grandview Sandbar campgrounds provide first-come, first-served primitive sites with minimal amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The region includes both drive-in options for vehicles and walk-in tent sites along the New River. Several designated camping areas are operated by the National Park Service, while nearby private campgrounds such as Rifrafters and ACE Adventure Resort offer additional options with hookups and cabins for those seeking more developed facilities.
Road access to many primitive sites involves narrow, single-lane routes that may challenge larger vehicles. Grandview Sandbar features a "short, steep road that switches back," while Army Camp access requires navigating what one camper described as "a little sketch but worth the trip in." Sites frequently fill by early afternoon, particularly during summer weekends. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with some private campgrounds like Little Beaver State Park operating from April to October. No cell service exists at most riverside campgrounds, requiring advanced planning for navigation and supplies.
Along the New River, tent sites offer direct water access that draws consistent praise from visitors. "The view of the river is absolutely beautiful," noted one camper at Army Camp. Free camping represents a significant draw, with most primitive sites offering pit toilets and trash service but no drinking water or hookups. Campers should be prepared for occasional trains passing near Grandview Sandbar, which can be heard throughout the night. Wildlife sightings, including bears, have been reported at Army Camp. For those seeking more amenities, developed campgrounds in the area provide electricity, water hookups, and shower facilities at reasonable rates, though these fill quickly during peak season.
