33 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several primitive tent campsites dot the landscape around Princeton, West Virginia, offering backcountry experiences in the surrounding mountains and near waterways. Goforth Mountain Homestead provides a single private tent site on 76 acres with access to fishing in a one-acre pond. Tent campers can also find established sites at Bluestone Lake State Park, which features the Old Mill Campground and East Shore Campground areas, both offering tent-specific accommodations with varying levels of amenities.
Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic facilities with limited services. Sites typically feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. The Old Mill Campground has vault toilets but reviews note maintenance issues, while primitive tent sites at Bull Falls Campground offer more rustic experiences with no facilities. Access to many backcountry tent camping areas requires planning, as several sites are boat-in or hike-in only. Campers should check seasonal availability, as some areas like Walnut Flats Campground operate only from April through early December.
Areas farther from Princeton provide deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. The Bluestone Wildlife Management Area offers multiple tent camping options with Indian Mills providing basic tent sites where campers can enjoy star-gazing and riverside camping. Pack It In – Pack It Out Campground at Camp Creek State Park caters to hikers seeking backcountry tent camping experiences. Sites near waterways allow for fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities during warmer months. A review of the Indian Mills area noted, "You'll sleep underneath a clear sky, with the most brilliant stars, silver shining moon and the soft lull of trees swaying in the wind that will rock you to sleep each night."
"Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location."
"1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite."
"West Virginia at its finest! Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here."
"Camp ground was clean, bathhouse was clean and neighbors were all spaced out pretty good. Staff was kind and helpful. We enjoyed ourselves and will for sure go back."
"I didn’t camp here, but I took out my kayak at the boat ramp and looked around. Vault M/F toilet, BYOTP. No hookups and I didn’t see a water spigot. Plenty of shade. Closed during flood."
"Beautiful spot on the New River in Giles County, VA located right outside downtown Narrows. There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events. Well kept, clean, and perfect."
"You’ve struck gold here at Bull Falls Campground if you’re looking to get away from it all, discover solitude in the heart of West Virginia’s lush, verdant nature garden of Eden."
"No showers but there is a store 10 minutes away where you can pay to take a hot shower. In back of store."
"site: some shaded sites. some sites along water. semi-private sites. amenities: a few campground options. pretty clean. attractions: near town. fishing. near pool. hiking. nature activities."
"Most cabins also have covered porches, exterior picnic tables, and exterior fire rings. The Creekside Campground loop has water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings."
"It has 11 car camping platforms for tent only camping . There is no electric or water at each site. There is a bath house for the 11 sites."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"If you’re looking for an out-of-the-way camping spot that comes with supreme quiet, solitude and a close embrace of the best of West Virginia nature as it was meant to be experienced, then make your way"
GuideNeed an overnight stay on 81/77 this is the place. Booked is call them complete the reservation via Campspot app which they use so I had to download it. Place had plenty of sites pull through which I didnt need but they were so accommodating. I had a perfect view of mountains and cow pasture Relaxation and sleep close to bathhouse and office. They also have propane fill for your camper
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutFrom check in to our stay, large big rig drive through lot. Quiet and clean park. Even had pizza and delicious wings delivered right to our coach. Next time through we hope to stay again.
TravelerOn top of a mountain. Gorgeous afternoon and evening views but The fog is dense in the mornings, which comes with a lot of dew, but completely worth it for the afternoon view. No shade trees at our site, but they are large and offer fire rings and picnic tables. Direct access to the happy McCoy trails. We rented just down the street the side-by-side for a couple of days and had a fantastic time.
ScoutGreat campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
ScoutOwner is friendly, people staying here consist of workers and retired people for the most part so the people are very quiet, beautiful river running through the end of the campground and a nice little hiking trail and a wide open area for kids to run and play. Only “bad” part is the road noise you are about 200 yards off that highway and can here it all day and night! But if your like me and don’t mind you will love it here!
GuideThis is a small campground but the sites are very spacious. Our site (6) backed up to the creek and trail. There is no power or water on this side of the campground, but there is a water spigot by the bathrooms. There is also a water hose for filling tanks by the dump station and trash dumpster. *Word of caution, bring your own water because it was yellow/brown while we were there. The bathrooms were clean, but on our last day there one of the toilets and the sink was clogged in the ladies room. There are two bathroom buildings at this site.
GuideWhat a great find! Private sites, nice walking areas, and great hosts. Top it off with clean bathrooms with great showers and this was a win for us. It may not be suitable for bigger rigs but for our 22’ van, it was perfect.
ScoutGreat campground. Very clean. Campsites are well placed.
Tent camping near Princeton, West Virginia offers opportunities for both primitive experiences and established campgrounds across the surrounding mountainous terrain. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, creating moderate temperatures that average 75-85°F during summer days with cooler 55-65°F nights. Fall camping season extends through mid-October when nighttime temperatures regularly drop below 45°F, requiring proper cold weather gear for overnight stays.
Fishing in stocked ponds: At Goforth Mountain Homestead, campers have exclusive access to a 1-acre fishing pond on a private 76-acre property. Manager Goforth notes, "You will have the whole property to yourself to fish the 1 acre pond and hike around the 76 acre land."
Boating on Bluestone Lake: The marina near East Shore Campground offers boat rentals for fishing and exploration. Craig B. mentioned, "If you like hiking and fishing this is the place," making it ideal for combining water activities with trail adventures.
Trail hiking: Multiple hiking routes exist throughout the region, ranging from easy 1-2 mile loops to more challenging day hikes. Amber A. says about Walnut Flats, "Good hikes nearby, nothing too difficult and all are beautiful. The Appalachian Trail is close to the site, find some thru hikers and make some trail magic!"
Night sky viewing: The remote setting provides exceptional stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. Sites at Indian Mills Camping Area provide unobstructed views of the night sky in a quiet environment.
Private camping experiences: Old Mill Campground at Bluestone State Park offers well-spaced sites. Linda F. noted, "Camp ground was clean, bathhouse was clean and neighbors were all spaced out pretty good. Staff was kind and helpful."
Swimming options: During summer months, several locations provide swimming access. Mike T. shared about Old Mill Campground, "They had a swimming pool and it was clean. I loved the lake. Big and beautiful. Great time on the water!"
Access requirements: Some campgrounds require specific vehicles. At Walnut Flats Campground, Stephanie J. warns, "Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water."
Facility limitations: Bathroom conditions vary significantly between locations. At Old Mill Campground, Jeff E. reported, "The bathhouse is open air over half of it. Had no soap or toilet paper and the toilets were all plugged up."
Seasonal closures: Many sites close during winter months. Walnut Flats Campground operates from April 1 to December 7, while Bull Falls typically runs from mid-April to mid-October. Always check current operating schedules before planning trips.
Swimming safety: Bluestone Lake offers family-friendly swimming areas but lacks lifeguards. Chelsey R. mentioned her experience at Bluestone State Park: "We enjoyed hiking the trails, swimming in the lake and sitting by our campfire."
Educational opportunities: Camp Success provides multiple outdoor learning environments. According to Wendy G., "Beautiful spot on the New River in Giles County, VA located right outside downtown Narrows. There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer the best chances to spot local wildlife. Pack binoculars for bird watching opportunities, particularly around water features and forest edges.
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused areas lack RV amenities. Sue B. observed at Camp Success, "I didn't camp here, but I took out my kayak at the boat ramp and looked around. Vault M/F toilet, BYOTP. No hookups and I didn't see a water spigot."
Horse-friendly camping: White Cedar Horse Camp accommodates both tent campers and those traveling with horses. Dusty V. reported, "Big trees at the campsites, beautiful place to camp with horses, pipe corral. No showers but there is a store 10 minutes away where you can pay to take a hot shower."
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations create rapidly changing conditions. Bring additional layers for unexpected temperature drops, particularly during spring and fall camping seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Princeton, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Princeton, WV is Walnut Flats Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Princeton, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Princeton, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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