Dispersed camping options near Sandstone, West Virginia offer primitive sites within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve at locations such as Army Camp, Grandview Sandbar, and Glade Creek. These free, no-reservation sites provide basic amenities including gravel tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets but lack running water or hookups. Visitors must bring their own drinking water or filtration systems, as drawing water from the river isn't recommended. The riverside camping areas require careful planning due to occasional flooding and limited cell service.
What to do
River access activities: Camping at Grandview Sandbar Campground puts visitors steps from the New River, where fishing and swimming are popular activities. According to one camper, "Tent spots have the best access to and views of the river, which is glorious. Car spots lack the view, but they're quiet. Trains passing in the night are oddly soothing." The combination of riverside recreation and peaceful camping creates an ideal base for water enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails connect directly from the campgrounds to scenic overlooks and river access points. At Army Camp Campground, "There is a trail on far side of parking area" that leads to river views. The nearby mountains rising 2500-3200 feet create spectacular vistas accessible via short hikes from most camping areas in the region.
Adventure resort activities: For those seeking organized adventures, Ace Adventure Resort offers guided experiences beyond traditional camping. As one visitor notes, "From whitewater rafting to the waterpark to their 15+ different adventures, Ace Adventure Resort has it all." Their mountain property includes hiking trails, disc golf, and an inflatable water park described as "like the game show wipeout" where day passes are available for a reasonable price.
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at Rays Campground, where "The site we had, site 10, was large and secluded." Another visitor shared, "The tent area I stay in is very spacious and often you can't see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house." This combination of primitive camping feel with access to facilities creates an ideal balance.
Clean facilities: Even at free camping areas, visitors note the maintenance of basic amenities. At Grandview Sandbar, a reviewer observed, "This is an exceptionally well maintained camping area. There are 2 separate pit toilet bathrooms with dumpsters, one by the dispersed camping and one by the main parking area." Daily maintenance was noted: "There was a man in an official forestry truck cleaning and restocking the bathrooms everyday, including the weekends."
Value and accessibility: The combination of free camping sites and reasonable fees at established campgrounds makes the Sandstone area appealing for budget-conscious travelers. At Little Beaver State Park Campground, sites with water and electric hookups are available at moderate rates. One camper described it as "This is a nice little campground. Clean and well kept. Most of the sites are wooded and would be a bit difficult for a rig our size but they are very nice."
What you should know
Weather and flooding concerns: Riverside camping requires awareness of water levels, especially after rainfall. At Grandview Sandbar, one camper warned about tent sites: "as seen in my photos are not only a bit angled, they can be a dangerous choice." Another visitor at Army Camp noted the river "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."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the area. At Babcock State Park Campground, WiFi is available but limited. One camper at Army Camp mentioned, "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)." Visitors should download maps and information before arrival.
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Army Camp, "The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in." Similarly, at Rays Campground, visitors access sites via "a 1/4 mile gravel drive to enter the campground." Larger vehicles may have difficulty navigating certain areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with young children will find dedicated play areas at several campgrounds. Little Beaver State Park offers "A nice playground for children" where kids can burn off energy between outdoor adventures. The facilities are well-maintained and provide a gathering spot for families.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can enjoy spotting local wildlife from safe distances. At Little Beaver, one camper noted, "Lots of deer about." Parents can turn this into educational opportunities about local ecosystems and animal identification.
Swimming spots: For hot summer days, Greenbrier River Campground provides safe water access. A visitor shared, "I love the swimming area my kids had such a great time." The campground also offers tube rentals for family floating adventures, with one camper describing "a 2 hour tubing float down river ending up at my campsite!"
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RVers note varying degrees of difficulty finding level sites. At Little Beaver State Park, a camper with a 23-foot travel trailer mentioned, "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site." This information helps visitors select appropriate sites based on vehicle size.
Road challenges: The narrow, winding roads accessing some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. At Babcock State Park, "Roads through the park from the campground to the main part of the park are really narrow and seem like you aren't supposed to be there but are well maintained." RVers should research access routes before committing to certain campgrounds.
Dump station logistics: Little Beaver State Park offers a dump station, though one RVer noted its unique configuration: "Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump." Understanding these logistics helps RVers plan for arrival and departure procedures to minimize stress during their glamping trip close to Sandstone, West Virginia.
