Camping opportunities near Scarbro, West Virginia cluster along the New River at elevations between 1,300-2,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most primitive campsites in the area lack cell service, with spotty coverage at established campgrounds primarily limited to major carriers like Verizon.
What to do
Fishing access: 30 minutes from campsites at Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area, where the sandbar areas provide exceptional river fishing. "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," notes a camper who appreciated the clean facilities.
Trail hiking: Under 15 minutes from most Fayetteville area campgrounds. "The trailhead at the top of the campground was beautiful for hiking. Not great for trail runners though," reports one visitor to Glade Creek Campground. Multiple trails connect directly to camping areas.
Mountain biking: $25-45 daily rentals available at Arrowhead Bike Farm, which combines camping with immediate trail access. One visitor describes it as having "an assortment of accessible bike trails, bike shop, AMAZING FOOD (tacos, pretzels, spinach artichoke dip, etc.) spectacular local beers and PBR, GOAT PENS, camping, a pump track, and lots of cool things to do in the local area."
What campers like
Riverside privacy: Sites spaced 50+ feet apart at primitive camping areas like Army Camp, which offers a quieter experience than commercial campgrounds. "Army Camp is my favorite place to camp. 10 tent sites. 2 are handicap. Has always been quiet with good people camping while I was here. Area for people to swim in the river or fish," notes a regular visitor.
Clean facilities at state parks: Daily maintenance makes a difference at parks like Little Beaver State Park. "Sites with water and electric hookup 1-20. Spacious, private. We had #9. Level..walking trail system connected to camp sites. Cleanest bathrooms and showers I've seen. Cute little store for firewood...they bring to you. Daily trash pickup."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk deer sightings common at forested campgrounds. "The campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet," reports one visitor to Little Beaver State Park, where woodland creatures frequent the camping loops.
What you should know
Limited water sources: No drinking water available at Stone Cliff Campground and other primitive sites. "I used one of the walk in sites about half a mile into the trail. There was plenty of room for 4 tents right along the river. It was a little rocky, but nothing a sleeping pad wouldn't take care of," explains one camper who came prepared for basic conditions.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require navigating gravel access roads. "Long, bumpy dirt road to reach the campsite—it could be fun in the right vehicle," notes one camper about road conditions common to wildlife management areas.
Seasonal floods affect riverside camps: Spring rains can cause rapid water level changes. "We stayed the weekend of 3/13/20-3/15/20 and had fairly good weather despite the damp mornings. There is five drive-in sites and more walk-in sites on the edge of the camp. The drive-in sites filled and vacated several times throughout the weekend," reports a Glade Creek camper, noting the popularity despite occasional challenging conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dedicated play areas at established campgrounds provide entertainment 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. It was quiet and super clean," notes a family who visited Little Beaver State Park.
Water activities: Summer swimming spots available at several locations. One family at Rifrafters Campground appreciated the central location: "We stopped for 2 nights as part of a big cross country trip. The campground is clean and well maintained. It is very much built into a big hill- I was a little worried our Avion (similar to airstream) that had low clearance would bottom out as we came in and out of entrance hill to road but we had no issue."
Private cabin options: $75-150 nightly for families wanting more comfort. "We chose this campground because it's proximity to the main hub of New River Gorge. It was definitely quick and easy to get to from the main headquarters of the park," shared a family appreciating the convenience of Rifrafters Campground's location.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Focus on leveling: Many campgrounds built on slopes require additional equipment. "We just used this park for a night stop over on our return trip from SC. Beautiful park. Had water and electric. Fairly level gravel sites. Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump," notes an RVer at Little Beaver State Park Campground.
Hook-up availability limited: Most primitive sites lack hookups entirely. At Rifrafters Campground, one RVer shared: "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity. Ken and staff are good. We were here in a travel trailer."
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds close to RVs November-March: Winter camping options severely limited. "We didn't have reservations but the manager told us to text him when we arrived after hours. Charge was per person not per site, but reasonable at $15. This seams to be common practice in the area. No electric or water at site but bathhouse with showers," explains a camper who found Chestnut Creek Campground open when others had closed.
