Best Dispersed Camping near Shady Spring, WV

Army Camp in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers free dispersed camping near Shady Spring, West Virginia. The campground features 10 drive-up sites and 6 walk-in sites arranged in a small loop near the New River. Each site includes gravel tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and lantern poles. According to reviews, the sites are spacious enough to accommodate 2-4 vehicles per site. The campground provides pit toilets but no drinking water, making it essential for campers to bring their own water supply.

Access to Army Camp requires navigating a single-lane paved/gravel road that can be challenging for larger vehicles. Several campers noted that while small RVs and campers can access the area, the narrow road makes it unsuitable for big rigs. The campground sits in a narrow river valley between steep, wooded mountains reaching 2,500-3,200 feet, creating spectacular views. Wildlife sightings are common, with reports of bears visiting the area on consecutive nights.

The New River is accessible via short trails from the campground, though caution is strongly advised when approaching the water. The river features powerful currents that can be dangerous, especially after rainfall when water levels rise significantly. No cell phone service is available at the campground, so visitors should download maps in advance and prepare for a technology-free experience. Campers report the area remains relatively quiet with sites filling quickly, particularly on weekends. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted, making early arrival advisable to secure a spot.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shady Spring, West Virginia (2)

    1. Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    12 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "Spots are shaded. Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel."

    "It has a small loop of campsites near the river."

    2. Walnut Flats

    4 Reviews
    Staffordsville, VA
    37 miles

    "Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"

    "There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."

Show More
Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Shady Spring, WV

14 Photos of 2 Shady Spring Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shady Spring, WV

16 Reviews of 2 Shady Spring Campgrounds


  • Caroline F.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Quiet, nice free campground

    FCFS. Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles. Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Spots are shaded. Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds.

  • Kristi D.
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    You cant beat free!

    We spent a night here on our way to Ohio. It has a small loop of campsites near the river. It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper when a big grater and the park ranger came by. It's very doable. Campsites were mowed and it was a short walk to a really nice spot on the river. No electric/water, so plan to be ready to be off grid. Hard to complain about free!

  • Dave V.
    May. 21, 2018

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    RANGER REVIEW: Primus Trailbottle S/S 1.0 liter at Army Camp Campground, WVk

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Army Camp Campground, New River Gorge National River, WV

    Army Camp Campground, New River Gorge National River, Prince, WV https://www.nps.gov/neri/learn/historyculture/army-camp.htm

    If you have never treated yourself to the beautiful diversity of the New River Gorge National River, you are truly missing out!

    Rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater paddling, rafting, hiking, camping, birding?…it’s all here and more. I’ve spent over 150 days camping and hiking in West Virginia n the past four years and keep finding new, wonderful places to enjoy.

    There are three very nice, somewhat primitive, free, campgrounds located within six miles of each other right outside Prince, WV. Grandview Sandbar and Glades Creek along one side of the New River and Army Camp across the Rt 41 bridge and downriver.

    Note: vitally important to realize there is no running water at any of these campgrounds. You must bring water or filter it from the New River…which I wouldn’t recommend.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3QnnaIl-xgE

    Each site has a picnic table, grill, fire pit, dual lantern post and pit latrines. Of the three New River Gorge National River campgrounds in this immediate area, Army Camps pit latrines are maintained but in dire need of paint. Parking and tent pads are gravel…(making tent peg placement laborious). Plenty of hammocking opportunities.

    Army Camp is open for day use fishing and picnicking. The campground consists of one small loop with five sites on the outside perimeter and five on the inner perimeter. Scattered mature trees dot the inner circle with open line of sight. Outside perimeter sites are wooded and offer more privacy. Though all sites are separated by 50 ft or more.

    Army Camp lies in a narrow river valley between steep, wooded 2500-3200 ft mountains offering spectacular views.

    Military history buffs will appreciate the remains of an Army training encampment along the gravel road driving in. Known for equipping soldiers to build floating bridges across rivers to move troops and heavy artillery.

    Though all campground trails are short and directly to the edge of the New River…innumerable trails are a short drive away.

    Caution: Use extreme prudence if choosing to enter the New River itself. This is an incredibly popular whitewater rafting and paddling river…currents are fast, powerful and dangerous.

    At this visit, after a night of rainfall, the New River has swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline.

    Song birds, robins and crows competed vocally during daylight hours. Interesting insects crawled the river’s sandy shore and a brightly colored Eastern box turtle searched for higher-dryer ground. The powerful drone of the New River never subsides.

    **When breaking camp, it was noted the New River had 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 beyond what I thought probable. Exercise greater wisdom than I did.

    Product Review: New Primus Trailbottle S/S 1.0 liter

    The new Primus Trailbottle stainless steel line offers a 0.6L, a 1.0L, a vacuum 0.5L, and a vacuum 0.8L. For purposes of this review, I’m putting the 1.0L S/S Trailbottle through its paces. https://primus.us/products/trailbottle-s-s-1-0l?variant=38421366546

    The Primus Trailbottle 1.0L comes in four (4) color options: black, red, light green and powder blue. Being on the trail or kayak in direct sunlight, I opted to not pursue the black so I could keep fluids cooler. The added bonus of brighter colors decreases the chances of me losing the bottle.

    As a Review Ranger for TheDyrt, these products were provided by Primus https://primus.us/ .

    I have been using various Primus stoves for many years with great success while backpacking and paddling, so I look forward to their new innovative and trustworthy products.

    The new Primus Trailbottle S/S 1.0L appears larger than it is. I was initially surprised by that illusion and feared it wouldn’t fit in my Gregory Baltoro Sidewinder Bottle holster…but fitment was actually easier than most water bottles. The bottom is a full inch smaller in diameter than the shoulder.

    Dimensions:

    •Height: 9” Base to Top of cap

    •O.D. Base: 10.25”/ O.D. Top: 11.25”

    •Weight: 10 grams

    Materials:

    •18/8 Food Grade stainless steel

    •Tritan lid (BPA free)

    One clear benefit of the S/S…it doesn’t possess or retain flavors…you get only what put in it.

    While the Primus Trailbottle S/S version has lightweight, thin walls that can likely dent with misuse…longevity of use sets this apart from the basic plastic or Lexan bottle. The mouth of the bottle is fairly large, making it easier to fill or add ice. Not being double walled, exterior sides sweat with ice cold beverages, but the painted surface has just enough grip texture not to slip when wet. The temperature of the Trailbottle contents will be felt by your hand.

    The screw-on lid has an additional small screw-on tethered cap. Instead of knurling around the sides of both caps, Primus uses a triangle pattern that mimics the cutout pattern on their stove/pot cooking systems Primus states the bottle opening and thread pattern fits some water filtration systems, but not my Katadyn Vario…nor does my Sawyer Mini thread onto the cap, as the threads are located on the inside of the spout..

    The rubber lanyard attaches to the small threaded cap by a recessed ring, then snakes through a bar on the larger bottle screw lid and attaches to that lid via a rubber style pop-rivet. Personally, I would not attach the Primus bottle to my pack by this rubber lanyard, but will run some para cord through the integrated bar on the lid…to carabiner to my pack (if I didn’t have a water bottle pocket).

    When partaking of its contents through the smaller lid opening, it is like any other solid-sided bottle. However, I found it was much easier pouring Trailbottle contents into a cup than a wide-mouth bottle.

    Final Thoughts

    I like it’s distinctiveness, versatility and light weight. I’m looking forward to many years of service from the Primus Trailbottle S/S 1.0 liter.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Free camping near, but not on the river

    This is another of the free national park campgrounds in the New River Gorge, with sites that are more developed than many of the others. These are in a small open loop, largely level gravel parking and tent pads. They have picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern poles. No drinking water, so bring your own. No hookups. The river is nearby, but none of the sites are on the river. There’s an accessible site and also accessible trail to a bench along the river. There are latrines.

    If you enjoy fishing, the New River Gorge website offers a lot of specific information about species, bait, and lures

    If you can't find a site at one of the other campgrounds or you have a slightly larger rig, ths may be a better option for you. No cell service, so download your maps. The New River Gorge also offers rafting, and hiking options. Check out some of the mining history at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, abuut 30 minutes away, and get up early to catch the sunrise from Grandview Point.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Very relaxing spot

    Very nice spot, right by the river with plenty of spaces to hammock down by there. We were lucky and got one of the last spots, there’s only 11. Fire rings with grill, and bench at each site. The ground is great for tents, no rocks. If you’re planning on coming here, make sure and come early. Pit toilets also available.

  • Dennis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Walnut Flats

    Nice place

    5 sites, stayed. In the double site. Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2025

    Walnut Flats

    Free Campground

    This is a wonderful spot. It has five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The bathroom is a pit style but it was sti clean and didnt smell. There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage.


Guide to Shady Spring

Army Camp offers free dispersed camping near Shady Spring, West Virginia within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The campground sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in a mountain valley, with sites arranged in a small loop configuration. Several walk-in tent sites complement the drive-up options, providing flexibility for different camping styles. The area receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, which can significantly impact river levels and camping conditions throughout the seasons.

What to do

River activities with caution: The New River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and wading, though currents require extreme caution. "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river... I enjoyed evening river dips before bed," notes Tucker B. from Army Camp. Water levels can change rapidly during rainfall periods.

Hiking access: Short trails connect directly to the river, with more extensive networks available within driving distance. "If you enjoy fishing, the New River Gorge website offers a lot of specific information about species, bait, and lures," shares Jean C., who also recommends exploring the mining history at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, about 30 minutes away.

Wildlife observation: The forested mountain setting provides habitat for diverse wildlife. "Song birds, robins and crows competed vocally during daylight hours. Interesting insects crawled the river's sandy shore and a brightly colored Eastern box turtle searched for higher-dryer ground," reports one camper describing the natural surroundings.

What campers like

Free established sites: The absence of fees while still providing basic amenities stands out to visitors. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free!" writes Rachel S., who visited in mid-May and noted fewer mosquitoes than expected.

River proximity: The sound and sight of the New River enhances the camping experience. "Very nice spot, right by the river with plenty of spaces to hammock down by there," reports Rhys R., who appreciates the hammocking opportunities near the water.

Natural tranquility: The secluded setting creates a peaceful atmosphere. "Peaceful and quiet!" notes Rachel S., while Billy C. confirms Army Camp "has always been quiet with good people camping while I was here." The combination of mountain views and river sounds contributes to the relaxing environment.

What you should know

Site availability strategy: With limited sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, timing matters. "We were lucky and got one of the last spots, there's only 11... If you're planning on coming here, make sure and come early," advises Rhys R. Weekends fill particularly quickly during peak seasons.

Water planning required: No potable water exists on-site, requiring visitors to bring their own supply. "No drinking water, so bring your own," emphasizes Jean C. Some campers filter water from the river, though this requires proper equipment and knowledge.

No connectivity: Prepare for a technology-free experience in the gorge. Tucker B. notes, "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)." Download maps and information in advance since navigation apps will not function in the area.

Ground conditions: The tent sites offer level, gravel surfaces with minimal natural obstructions. "The ground is great for tents, no rocks," confirms Rhys R., though this solid surface may require campers to bring specialized tent stakes for securing shelters on gravel.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for space: Choose outer perimeter sites for more privacy and room. "Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles. Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Spots are shaded," describes Caroline F., which provides helpful guidance for family setups.

River safety measures: Establish clear boundaries when camping with children near the powerful New River. The river's "currents are fast, powerful and dangerous" according to experienced campers, and water levels can rise substantially after rainfall.

Insect preparation: While one camper noted "good amount of spiders and ants but didn't notice any mosquitoes in mid May," bringing appropriate insect protection remains advisable, especially during summer months when activity increases.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: The narrow access road presents challenges for larger vehicles. "Road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds," advises Caroline F. Kristi D. adds, "It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper."

Self-sufficiency essentials: The remote location requires complete off-grid preparedness. "No electric/water, so plan to be ready to be off grid. Hard to complain about free!" notes Kristi D., emphasizing the need for RVers to arrive with full tanks, charged batteries, and sufficient supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shady Spring, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shady Spring, WV is Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.