The New River Gorge region surrounding Sandstone sits at elevations ranging from 1,400-1,800 feet, creating distinct microclimates that impact camping conditions throughout the year. Tent camping near Sandstone, West Virginia offers access to the Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area and Bluestone State Park, located just 15-20 minutes from the main Sandstone area. Fall temperatures typically drop to the 40s at night, requiring proper sleeping gear for tent campers even during warmer seasons.
What to do
Climbing access: New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club serves as a hub for rock climbing enthusiasts. "This site was well kept and clean. The communal area was quiet and spacious," notes Emily C., while another camper shares it's "a quick walk to the Junkyard Wall or a short drive to many other classic crags."
Disc golf on-site: At Chestnut Creek Campground, visitors can enjoy an on-site frisbee/disc golf course. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a quiet campground, with lots of space and site options, run independently by a family." The course provides entertainment without leaving the campground, particularly valuable during rainy days.
Boat-accessible camping: Some locations offer unique water-based access. At East Shore Campground, one camper noted it's "a nice getaway" where "if you like hiking and fishing this is the place." Boat-in sites provide isolation from road noise and vehicle traffic that affects other campgrounds.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: The best sites at Brooklyn Campground face the river directly. A recent visitor explained, "The view of the river is beautiful and you can watch trains pass on the opposite side of the river." These waterfront sites require a short walk from the parking area (10-50 yards).
Clean bathhouse facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the region maintain good bathroom facilities. At Stone Cliff Campground, campers appreciate the available facilities despite the remote setting. "There's several easy to access trash cans, a picnic area, and plenty of parking as well," according to one review.
Hammock-friendly sites: Many campsites feature ample trees for hammock setups. One visitor to Stone Cliff noted, "I loved the experience I had at stone cliff. The camp sites are well marked and maintained... Great spot to set up a hammock, go swimming, or walk on the nearby trails if you aren't climbing."
What you should know
Train noise impacts sleep: Nearly every campground in the area has active train tracks nearby. A camper at Meadow Creek Campground shared, "The biggest con to this is the multi-track railroad right next to the campground. They go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations."
Limited shade at some sites: Despite the wooded surroundings, certain campgrounds lack mature trees. At Meadow Creek, a reviewer pointed out, "Sites are flat, large and spaced out. However the trees are very newly planted so they provide no shade or privacy."
Bug protection essential: Insects remain active even in early spring. A visitor to Meadow Creek observed, "The gnats were out even in early April, so be sure you have bug protection."
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly water access: For families with dogs, Old Mill Campground offers good options. One visitor remarked, "West Virginia at its finest! Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here."
Avoid steep access points: Some campgrounds require difficult approaches unsuitable for younger children. A disappointed visitor to Stone Cliff reported, "So we had no idea there was a steep gravel decline to get to the camp site... We merely stared from afar as we drove to a different campsite."
Check campfire regulations: Fire rules vary by location. Chestnut Creek Campground has a communal fire setup rather than individual sites. One camper noted, "Only downsides were communal campfire (but we made friends anyways!) and coin operated showers for hot water."
Tips from RVers
Tent-only restrictions: Several campgrounds have recently converted to tent-only. A Meadow Creek visitor explained, "The ranger informed us someone who stayed here in a rv had a close call crossing the train tracks and now they have decided to make this campground a tent only place."
Wind exposure considerations: The valley geography creates wind tunnels at some campgrounds. One RVer at Meadow Creek shared, "The wind here is also very strong and without strong anchors could easily pull up your tent. We were having to restake the corners throughout our stay."
Weather preparations: Valley locations experience temperature fluctuations and storm intensity. A camper noted, "Being in a small valley the storms were very strong... It's a shame they felt they had to close it to all rv and trailer use because of one careless act but that is what happens."
