Free camping options near Richwood, West Virginia offer basic amenities with natural surroundings. The region sits at the edge of Monongahela National Forest where elevation ranges from 2,000-4,000 feet, creating varied camping conditions. Local campgrounds experience significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Army Camp Campground provides direct access to river trails. "The camp is steps away from the Glade Creek Trail and the New River Gorge. The flowing Gorge can always be heard, the low rumble is peaceful at night," notes Gage W., who visited in March.
River activities: Glade Creek Campground offers both fishing and swimming. "The creek joins the New River here, you can hear the water from the sites," writes Juliana, highlighting the natural soundtrack of the area.
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding Summit Lake Campground support diverse bird species. A visitor to Army Camp Campground reported: "Song birds, robins and crows competed vocally during daylight hours. Interesting insects crawled the river's sandy shore and a brightly colored Eastern box turtle searched for higher-dryer ground."
History exploration: Military history buffs can examine training structures. "Military history buffs will appreciate the remains of an Army training encampment along the gravel road driving in. Known for equipping soldiers to build floating bridges across rivers to move troops and heavy artillery."
What campers like
Free camping options: Several campgrounds in the national forest charge no fees. "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," shares Rachel S. about Army Camp.
Clean facilities: Despite primitive conditions, many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms. At Mountain Lake Campground, Christopher S. found "staff is courteous, facilities are very clean and stocked, and the property has so many amenities (shower houses, laundromats, pools, ice cream store, and playgrounds)."
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. A camper at Glade Creek noted: "The tent sites were closer than I thought, but were still nicely equipped with a fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Though all sites are separated by 50 ft or more."
Water access: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. "We had a tent site with a fire pit and picnic table on a point of land surrounded by water! We didn't fish much but the swimming was incredible!" wrote Lori S. about her experience at Battle Run.
What you should know
Weather preparation: The New River can flood quickly after rainfall. "When breaking camp, it was noted the New River had encroached another 100ft through the woodland, flowing alongside the campground loop gravel drive…30 ft from our tent pad. Even though it had not rained in 18 hours, the New River continued to swell."
Road conditions: Access roads to many rv sites near Richwood, West Virginia can be challenging. Kristi D. described driving to Army Camp Campground: "It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper when a big grater and the park ranger came by."
Campground availability: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "FCFS. Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles. Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Spots are shaded," reported Caroline F., adding that smaller vehicles have better access.
Water sources: Many primitive campgrounds lack running water. "No sources of freshwater available @ the campground. The nearest convenient store is some miles away," warns Matt G. about Glade Creek, advising campers to bring all needed water.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. At Mountain Lake Campground, Nick C. recommended: "We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup."
Wildlife education: The area provides opportunities for nature learning. One visitor described: "Dedicated photographers were out in the downpour capturing photos of rare plant-life too. Pretty cool stuff."
Deer sightings: Multiple campgrounds report regular deer encounters. Randy G. at Summer Wind RV Park observed you can "sit & watch deer in the valley most mornings," while another camper mentioned "lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!"
Safety considerations: Low or no cell service exists at many campgrounds. Tucker B. reported: "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!). Still, it wasn't crowded and I enjoyed evening river dips before bed."
Tips from RVers
Reservation system: Some rv camping near Richwood operates on minimal staff. "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. But there was plenty of room and everything worked out fine," explains Whistle P. about Summer Wind RV Park.
Service options: Full-hookup sites exist but are limited. At Elk River Camp and RV Park, Beth R. found: "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," but noted conditions were "Gravel pad, One lane road in & out, Under construction, 42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground."
Satellite connectivity: Line-of-sight for satellite internet exists at some locations. "Starlink access was excellent as there is not a single tree to obstruct the view! The views are nice, the bathrooms were clean and all of the amenities worked normal," reported a camper at Summer Wind.
Site leveling: When choosing rv sites near Richwood, inquire about ground conditions. "The sites were level and easily accessible," reported a camper who stayed in the area, appreciating the straightforward setup process.
