Best Tent Camping near R.D. Bailey Lake
Tent campsites near R.D. Bailey Lake in West Virginia offer several primitive options for campers seeking forested experiences. Stone Cliff Campground in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve provides riverside tent sites with first-come, first-served availability, while Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area features rustic tent camping along a mountain lake about 30 miles northeast. Most tent camping locations in this region are situated within federally managed lands, providing access to hiking trails and water recreation.
Walk-in tent sites predominate at Stone Cliff Campground, where campers must carry gear down stairs or short trails to reach sandy riverside locations. Most tent campgrounds lack amenities like running water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. Vault toilets are typically available but can be poorly maintained during peak seasons. Fire rings exist at some sites but not all, and campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival. The terrain at most tent-only areas consists of uneven ground with minimal site preparation, often requiring careful tent placement to avoid rocks and slopes. Sites at Plum Orchard Lake require visitors to travel several miles on bumpy gravel roads.
Tent camping experiences in the region feature varying levels of solitude depending on location and season. The New River Gorge area offers tent-only sites with river access, making these locations popular with paddlers and anglers. Several tent campgrounds experience periodic train noise, particularly those along the New River. The primitive camping areas provide varying degrees of shade, with Stone Cliff offering some riverside sites with limited tree cover. One reviewer noted that "sites are spaced a decent distance apart" at the primitive loop areas, though tent pads can be "sloped upwards with some very slick crushed rock," making setup challenging. Many tent campsites fill quickly on summer weekends, with better availability during weekdays or shoulder seasons.
