Tent camping options near Prince, West Virginia center around the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation with dense forest cover and rocky riverfront terrain. Campsites typically experience warm summer days with temperatures averaging 80-85°F and cooler nights dropping to the 60s, making sleeping conditions comfortable with proper gear.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access multiple trails directly from Stone Cliff Campground, including the Stone Cliff Trail that follows the river. "There's a great trail nearby that runs along the river," notes a visitor to Stone Cliff Campground.
Rock climbing: The New River Gorge area features world-class climbing routes for all skill levels. A camper at New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club shares, "This place is really nice. Super clean bathrooms and flat platforms for tent camping. It's a little pricey in my opinion but it's easy to get to and close to lots of climbing."
Fishing: Multiple campgrounds provide direct river access for fishing opportunities. "There is a river nearby but it has a very strong current," warns a camper about Meadow Creek Campground, suggesting anglers should use caution when fishing these waters.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Many tent sites sit directly on the New River, offering water access and views. A camper at Brooklyn Campground reports, "The view of the river is beautiful and you can watch trains pass on the opposite side of the river."
Secluded spots: Several campgrounds offer private sites away from crowds. A camper at Meadow Creek Campground notes, "I've stayed here several times. It's always been a great visit. There are around 12 sites with tables, grills, and fire rings."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain basic but clean amenities. "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," reports a visitor to Chestnut Creek Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: Active railroad tracks run alongside many riverside camping areas. A Brooklyn Campground camper warns, "There is an active railroad across the river and there were probably 5-10 trains the Wednesday night that we stayed."
Cell service variations: Signal strength varies significantly by location and carrier. At Chestnut Creek Campground, "Cell reception was great all throughout this area. That's not a camping necessity for us, but we all noticed that everyone's phone had great reception with a variety of network providers."
Site accessibility: Some sites require walking from parking areas. "Google maps does not take you there, it took us to the other side of the river. We arrived after dark. There is no check in. You just arrive and pick a site," explains a Brooklyn Campground visitor about navigation challenges.
Weather preparedness: The area can experience sudden wind and storms. A Meadow Creek visitor notes, "The wind here is also very strong and without strong anchors could easily pull up your tent. We were having to restake the corners throughout our stay."
Tips for camping with families
Disc golf activities: Some campgrounds offer additional recreational options. Chestnut Creek Campground "has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course" that provides entertainment for children and teenagers between water activities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The surrounding forest hosts diverse animal species. At Plum Orchard Lake WMA, "We were able to see deer, raccoons and some nice looking birds," making it ideal for nature-oriented families.
Campsite selection: Choose sites based on family needs and privacy preferences. At Stone Cliff, a reviewer advises, "We stayed at site 7 which was definitely the most private, the only downside being people walking on the trail walk right by your camp, but it wasn't a very big deal."
Bug protection: Insect activity can be heavy, especially near water. "The gnats were out even in early April, so be sure you have bug protection," warns a camper from Meadow Creek.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping near Prince, West Virginia offers minimal or no facilities for RVs. At Meadow Creek Campground, "The ranger informed us someone who stayed here in a rv had a close call crossing the train tracks and now they have decided to make this campground a tent only place."
Site dimensions: When RV camping is permitted, spaces are typically small. Chestnut Creek Campground is "a very nice little campground set up for tents, hammock campers and some car campers. No hook-ups. Definitely not for RVs or Camper trailers."
Terrain challenges: Unpaved access roads can present difficulties. A Plum Orchard visitor notes, "Long, bumpy dirt road to reach the campsite—it could be fun in the right vehicle. Decent sites, heavily wooded."
For the best tent camping near Prince, West Virginia, most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak summer months is recommended. Primitive tent camping options predominate in this region, with most sites offering minimal amenities but maximum natural surroundings.
