The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve surrounds Sandstone, West Virginia, offering camping options along elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet. Seasonal temperature shifts are significant, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter nights frequently dropping below freezing. Rain patterns affect water levels throughout the year, making conditions near the New River unpredictable.
What to do
Night sky viewing: At Army Camp Campground, visitors can experience exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "War Ridge is beautiful! I am alone up here (no other campers) and the night sky is amazing. Perk: you have cell signal. It is quiet and peaceful and the view is amazing," notes one visitor.
Fishing access: Fish multiple species along the New River from various campgrounds. The Glade Creek Campground provides direct access to both creek and river fishing. "The second oldest river in the world new river meet glade creek at the campgrounds. This place has trails that are to die for," shares a camper who appreciates the water access.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities beyond what's available at developed sites. "Heard a Barred Owl at night. Was able to let my dog off the leash down by the river to play and even played frisbee in our campsite and on the camp road," reports a Glade Creek visitor who enjoyed the natural setting.
What campers like
Free camping options: Several National Park Service campgrounds charge no fee, with Stone Cliff Campground offering a unique riverside experience. "Location was amazing. Sites are first come first served, no reservation needed. Plenty of parking with 6+ isolated camp sites, all with view of river," writes one camper who appreciated the accessibility.
Accessible facilities: Wheelchair-accessible sites are available at select locations. "Showed up Saturday evening and was able to get a great spot with a view of the river," mentions a visitor to Grandview Sandbar Campground, referencing the handicap-accessible spots that provide prime river views.
Privacy between sites: Campground layout varies significantly across the area. "Private and beautiful. We went in the middle of the week, on a Tuesday. It had been raining a lot the days before but did not rain at all the three days we stayed. It was incredibly private, we were the only ones staying overnight," shares a Stone Cliff camper about the secluded nature of certain sites.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds, affecting sleep quality. At Meadow Creek Campground, "They go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations." The tent-only campground has 17 free first-come, first-served sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites vary in quality and difficulty. The route to War Ridge Campground includes a "1 mile curvy mountain climb to get here but our 30 ft class A made it just fine!!" according to one RVer who successfully navigated the challenging terrain.
Water availability: No potable water exists at most primitive sites. "No sources of freshwater available @ the campground. The nearest convenient store is some miles away," notes a Glade Creek visitor, emphasizing the need to bring your own supplies.
Weather impact: Rapid weather changes can affect camping conditions. "It rained the entire time I was there, yet I still enjoyed my stay. Campsite was clean and the other campers were quiet," shares a Grandview Sandbar visitor who experienced typical regional precipitation.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Little Beaver State Park offers developed recreation facilities for children. "A nice playground for children. Lots of deer about. The tent sites have water, fire ring, table and nice shade. Lots of lovely trails to explore," according to a visitor who found the amenities family-friendly.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature river access suitable for supervised water play. "Big beach area to play in the water so perfect for my dog and kid. No one was around so we had the place to ourselves but each area is well spaced," reports a Glade Creek visitor who enjoyed the riverside recreation.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer regular wildlife encounters that engage children. "We enjoyed a hike around the lake and then went on our way. I will be back for their camping season and to check out more of the trails," shares a Little Beaver visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many primitive sites require effort to level larger rigs. "Summer Wind was inexpensive compared to some other places we stopped in West Virginia. Highly recommend the Sandstone Visitors Center in the national park, and a visit to Hinton," notes a visitor to Summer Wind RV Park, highlighting the advantages of a commercial campground with level sites.
Hook-up availability: Limited full-service sites exist in the immediate Sandstone area. "Amazingly beautiful! Relaxing! Quiet! Recharge here! Full hook ups, dog friendly, very level gravel site with a stunning view of the pastures," shares a Summer Wind camper about the developed facilities.
Bridge clearance concerns: Some campground access roads include narrow bridges. "The Glade Creek Road to the campground is not too bad but there is a narrow one-lane bridge you must cross," cautions a visitor about the infrastructure limitations that may challenge wider vehicles.
