Free camping options abound in the New River Gorge area, approximately 15-20 miles from Shady Spring, West Virginia. This region sits at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,800 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping areas. Many campgrounds experience temperature drops of 15-20 degrees at night compared to daytime highs, even during summer months.
What to do
River activities and swimming spots: Army Camp Campground offers direct river access for swimming and fishing. "The powerful drone of the New River never subsides," notes one camper at Army Camp, who also mentions that "after a night of rainfall, the New River has swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline."
Historic exploration: Stone Cliff Campground provides access to abandoned mining towns. "The campground is very close to the abandoned town of Thurmond (very cool site to see) and is within earshot of the train tracks," writes a reviewer at Stone Cliff Campground. Many visitors combine camping with trips to nearby coal mining historical sites.
Family recreation amenities: Pipestem offers structured activities beyond basic camping. "We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," explains a camper who visited Pipestem RV Park & Campground with a 37' travel trailer.
What campers like
Free camping options: Several free campgrounds exist within 20 miles of Shady Spring. "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river," writes one visitor about Army Camp. Another notes about Glade Creek: "One of my favorite places on this planet. The second oldest river in the world new river meet glade creek at the campgrounds."
Privacy between sites: Glade Creek Campground offers well-spaced sites for those seeking seclusion. "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," reports a visitor.
Level sites for various setups: The campgrounds generally feature flat terrain suitable for tents and small-to-medium RVs. "We had 1 big tent, 2 vehicles and a few dogs and had plenty of room," mentions a camper at Army Camp. "The ground is great for tents, no rocks," confirms another visitor.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically throughout the area. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," reports a visitor to Army Camp. At Stone Cliff Campground, another camper notes "no cell phone service" throughout their stay.
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds have restricted access roads. "The road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds," writes a camper at Army Camp. For Summer Wind RV Park, a visitor notes, "Easy off and on the interstate and we fit fine driving 40' towing."
Water availability concerns: Many campgrounds lack potable water. "No drinking water, so bring your own. No hookups," warns a reviewer about Army Camp. Campers often filter from nearby rivers or bring their own supply for the duration of their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer excellent wildlife spotting. At Meador Campground, a visitor reports: "There were also TONS of deer all around (just hanging out eating vegetation) during our short one night stay."
Safer swimming areas: Look for designated swimming spots with calmer water. "Area for people to swim in the river or fish," notes a camper at Army Camp, though another cautions about the main river: "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."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "Very clean pit toilet bathroom," reports one Army Camp visitor, while another camper at Stone Cliff notes "The bathrooms were a pit latrine, which is private but not necessarily clean or comfortable."
Tips from RVers
Full hookups vs. partial services: RV sites near Shady Spring, West Virginia range from primitive to fully equipped. At Brushcreek Falls RV Resort, a camper notes: "The spots tend to be very close to each other" but appreciates that "the hosts made it super easy to reserve, check in etc."
Accessibility for large rigs: Not all parks accommodate bigger motorhomes. At Summer Wind RV Park, a reviewer explains: "If you want easy level spots row c is best (which is where 50 amps are). Easy off and on the interstate and we fit fine driving 40' towing." For more remote camping, "Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds" at Army Camp.
Weather contingency planning: The mountain terrain creates unpredictable conditions for RVers. "The campground is quiet and well spaced. Our site was one of only a handful with water and electric but there is a dump station on the way out of the campground area," reports a visitor to Meador Campground, adding that "It rained one day we were there and we took a quick drive to Pipestem and swam in the heated, indoor pool."
