Camping options near Scarbro, West Virginia sit within the Appalachian Plateau at elevations ranging from 1,400-2,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer daytime highs average 75-85°F. The region's sandstone geology creates dramatic gorges and plateaus that define camping terrain, with most sites situated within forested zones that provide natural shade during summer months.
What to do
River swimming access: Stone Cliff Campground provides multiple swimming spots along the New River. "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. There is a great trail nearby that runs along the river," notes James A. The sites are positioned for easy water entry without steep banks.
Fishing from campsites: Grandview Sandbar Campground offers direct fishing access from most tent sites. "This was near the water with pit toilets available but not in good condition. Areas to fish and good camping areas spaced apart. Friday night and there was only a few campers," according to Aly E. Bass, catfish, and muskie are common catches during warmer months.
Mountain biking from camp: Arrowhead Bike Farm provides immediate trail access. "Great campground adjacent to New River Gorge National Park. Within a short walk/bike to multiple biking and hiking trailheads. Close enough to bike into Fayetteville," explains Charles C. The farm also offers bike rentals directly from the campground for those without equipment.
What campers like
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Little Beaver State Park Campground maintains exceptional bathrooms. "Cleanest bathrooms and showers I've seen. Cute little store for firewood...they bring to you. Daily trash pickup. Beautiful trails. Scenic lake," reports Todd S. The park provides daily maintenance even during peak season.
Spacious, private campsites: Babcock State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites with natural buffers. "We camped at site 21, which was the middle of a loop and it was space and flat. It had another site next to it but it was further apart than other sites. Some of the edge site, like 19 had some sloping issues," mentions Kaley A. Most sites accommodate two vehicles plus tent space.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Army Camp Campground features regular wildlife sightings. "Got lucky to find a site here after trying both Grandview Sandbar and Glade's Creek on the other side of the road. Still, it wasn't crowded and I enjoyed evening river dips before bed," writes Tucker B. Deer, box turtles, and various bird species frequently visit campsites.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: River campgrounds can flood rapidly with little warning. At Stone Cliff Campground, "Beautiful isolated campsite. 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," states James A. However, spring rains can cause river levels to rise several feet overnight.
First-come availability challenges: Chestnut Creek Campground fills quickly on weekends. "This campground was perfect for what we needed for a 2 night stay. It was 15 dollars per person per night. They have showers and clean bathrooms just a short walk from any site. All sites are big and you can pick from any available," explains Sienna L. Arriving by Thursday afternoon significantly improves site selection chances.
Limited cellular service: Many campgrounds have minimal phone reception. "There is 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," notes Tucker B. about Army Camp. Download maps and information before arrival as most areas lack reliable connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Best play areas: Ace Adventure Resort offers extensive water recreation. "The Mountain Top Campground was quite nice. Most of the sites have shade but if it had been crowded there's a few that don't have any. The trees were great for hammocks! They have a picnic bench, fire ring and garbage can at each site," shares Terah J. Their lake features inflatable water obstacles suitable for various ages.
Short hiking trails: Little Beaver State Park provides family-friendly paths. "Lots of lovely trails to explore. It was quiet and super clean. The only drawback is that you need to drive to the restroom because the walk is a little too far. But the restroom was super clean," says Michelle W. Most trails loop back to the campground within 1-2 miles.
Campgrounds with protective barriers: Chestnut Creek Campground offers enclosed sites. "This place is run by the family that lives there and has been my go to spot for stays at the New. Great launching pad for river activities and climbing. The bathrooms are clean and spacious to accommodate the number of campers," notes Katie M. Most sites feature natural boundaries that help contain younger children.
Tips from RVers
Level site challenges: Rifrafters Campground provides concrete pads at select sites. "We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so hospitable. We purchased firewood and they walked it to our campsite. Our site was plenty large and the concrete pad was perfectly level," explains Patience W. Sites 9, 19, and 27 are recommended for larger rigs.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. "The campground 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," reports Cassondra P. RVs over 30 feet should avoid Stone Cliff and Army Camp due to narrow access roads.
Winter camping options: Select campgrounds remain open year-round. "We stayed in site 9 which we liked - very easy to get in and out of. Staff were friendly. Area was gorgeous!" notes Cassondra P. about Rifrafters. Most campgrounds close from November through March, but Rifrafters maintains several RV sites with hookups throughout winter.
