Best RV Parks & Resorts near Shady Spring, WV

Amy and I spent the Labor Day Weekend in Fayetteville, WV. The New River Gorge area is amazing. We camped at Rifrafters Campground. It is family owned and operated. The owners were great and made a point to stop by our site and see how we were doing. The campground is clean, well maintained and conveniently located. It is only about 7 minutes from the New River Bridge welcome center.

There were several long term campers, sites were very small and close together. Fire ring and picnic table ended up under our awning. Water, electric and cable service and a few sites had sewer. Campground WiFi was weak at our site (#27).

While this was a positive stay, we prefer State Parks versus RV campgrounds.

My family stayed in a cabin last week in this state forest and checked out the campground. Our cabin was charming and immaculate! The very large bathroom had amazing white towels all folded and hung over towel bars like a nice hotel. The kitchen was very well equipped. Each bed had sheets, a very soft wool blanket, and a quilt and nice pillows. The cabin had a fireplace for heat (free firewood) and two AC units (bedroom/living room) and a ceiling fan in the LR. The cabin area is so beautiful! While there are 14 cabins, they are spread out enough that you don’t feel like they’re too close. Most are under trees. Each cabin has a grill and a fire pit, and there at least three larger ‘community’ fire pits trough the cabin area. Our cabin and others are pet friendly!!! The only issue with the cabin was the beds. They were both very uncomfortable. One was a new fold out couch.

The campground was very wooded and seemed at first to be more like most rustic campgrounds in appearance, but it does, in fact, have electric at some sites. There are pull through sites, camper/tent sites and tent only sites. It’s beautiful, and I hope to camp there this fall!

There are many hiking trails throughout the park and a nice pool. The cabin and camping areas are pretty far from the pool area. Guests in either area would more than likely drive to the pool.

This state forest is within five minutes or so from a four lane highway (64) and several restaurants (Subway, Wendy’s, McDonald’s and a privately owned one) and gas stations. A Food Lion grocery store is about 15 minutes away in White Sulfur Springs, and there’s a hospital about 15 min away in Lewisburg, recently voted the Coolest Small Town in America! While this forest is very close to convenient amenities, we still felt away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Sandbar: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: Free Usage during visit: 80% full Site Privacy: 4 Pretty good if you’re backing in a trailer or van Site Spacing: 4.0. Pretty good Reservations: First come - first serve Campground Noise: 5. Very Quiet while there Road Noise: 5. None. May be some boat noise Through Traffic: None. Campground is a circle drive. Electricity: No Water: No Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Yes Showers: No Pull Throughs: Most, if not all we’re back-ins. Short pads .
Cell Service (Verizon): 3 Fair .
Setting: 4.5 Very nice setting surrounded by deciduous forest. The trailer sites are all on the outer perimeter of a circle drive. Large diameter , so not close to the folks across the way.
Fixed Roof Solar: A couple sites might be okay Host: None Rig size: Some sites look like they will only accommodate a 20’ - 25’ trailer., Carefully check website There is enough room on the pad to park vehicle next to the trailer.

Moncove Lake is a State Park in West Virginia right over the Virginia border and about 40 mins from Lewisburg in Gap Mills, WV.  This park is off the beaten path, so be prepared to drive a ways on country roads to get there.

It is a small park, but so beautiful and scenic. There are two campground loops here, one is for electric sites and one is for non-electric. The non-electric site where we stayed are large and spacious wooded sites, some more shaded than others. They come with all the basic amenities of fire pit, picnic table etc. All campsites are walking distance to the lake and they will deliver firewood to your campsite.  The bathrooms are in desperate need an update and a good cleaning.

The lake is so gorgeous! We brought our canoe and were able to row around the whole lake. They also offer kayak, boat and paddle boat rentals. There is a nice playground for the kids and some great hiking trails. There is a pool here (you have to pay to get in- it's not included if you're camping). Bring cash if you want to swim in the pool. There is no ATM at the campground and the closest town is like 40 mins away. 

There is no cell or internet service here so we were really able to unwind and relax! Summer camping in the WV mountains is one of my favorite things. No bugs, cool nights, and beautiful views!

Greenbrier West Virginia State Forest campground - very nice, but limited amenities. Electric-only hookups, and no dump station on site. Water is available a short distance from the campsites. This small campground is nestled in the forest only a few miles off I-64 near Caldwell, WV. There are only about 20 RV sites, well-spaced for privacy. The dense tree canopy blocked StarLink satellite connection at our site, though it appeared that a few of the spaces with clearer views might be able to make a connection. Clean bathrooms. Good hiking trails, but watch out for poison ivy found in many spots. The small town of Lewisburg, about 8 miles distant, offers numerous good restaurants and small shops. Accessing the campground involves driving 3 miles off I-64 on State 60/14, Harts Run Rd, a winding and narrow two-lane road, which might be a challenge for larger RV trailers and motorhomes, especially if there is traffic from the picnic/events, area a mile before reaching the campground. Shortly after turning onto Harts Run Rd there is a small, narrow one-way-only tunnel that you must go through to enter the State Forest. There is a misleading sign indicating that the tunnel is only 9'2" tall, which is wrong. As one gets closer to the tunnel there is another sign that shows the maximum height (center of the arch) to be 15'4". We had no trouble getting through the tunnel with our 23" Airstream, and we saw other much longer and taller travel trailers at the campsite, so access is possible. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, although heavy thunder showers on 3 nights interrupted sitting by the campfire. We would be happy to return.

GLADE CREEK - New River Gorge (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good 70 yr olds in 17’ trailer: Overall Rating: 4.5 Price. Free Usage during visit: Trailer sites usually filled up by the end of the day. Site Privacy: 2. Little understory plants Site 1 is very private. Site Spacing: 5. Very large sotes Site surface: Gravel/ mud Reservations: First come, first serve Campground Noise : 5. Very little Road Noise: 4.5 Glade Rd is behind site 1., but not close. Site 1 is still the best trailer site. Traffic can hardly be seen through the trees. Minimal traffic and minimal noise . Through Traffic: Access to the boat ramp is through the campground. Though, traffic is minimal, folks on the way to the ramp and picnic area often drive pretty fast. Electricity: No Water: River only - bring drinking water. Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Nice pit toilet near site 2(a nice handicap site.
Showers: No Pull Throughs: Most sites Cell Service (Verizon): No Setting: 5. We can hear the river from all sites, which is just a short walk away. Weather: Rain, clouds, sunshine Bugs: None Solar: Minimal and surely less when the trees leaf out more. Site 2 looks to have the best solar for a roof mount. Still minimal . Host: None Rig size: Limited by a narrow one lane . bridge on Glade Rd . A 30’ trailer arrived. There is plenty of room in the 5 trailer sites.
Access: 20 minute drive from 41 on maintained and pretty smooth gravel road. UPON ARRIVAL, IF PULLING A TRAILER , I SUGGEST THAT YOU OCCUPY THE FIRST SITS YOU SEE. That is because reentry into the campground, while pulling a trailer, requires extra driving away from the campground entry for turn around. Sites: Site 1 is best for a trailer - isolated from the rest . Site 2 is a handicap site, which is not enforced by park service . Sites 3-5 are nice and large but not very private . Site 6, as looping back around, is the absolute best site, right on the river. It is suitable for truck campers, vans, and tents. A small trailer which can be hand maneuvered will also work there. There are some walk-in tent sites I did not evaluate.
Notes: There are reports from others of safety concerns. I checked with park ranger officers and they said there are no safety concerns, “especially way back here.” We didn’t experience any issues. That said, this issues reported in other reviews took place at the boat ramp, which is in ear shot of the walk-in sites, for sure.

In preparation for spending time in our RV after retirement, we have spent the last few years being seasonal campers at Deer Trail Park. We love it so much that tonight we bought our dinner and took it to the RV to eat. This quaint little family owned park is beautifully manicured with a a babbling brook that the kids can wade in . There is literally something for everyone. Playgrounds, Noah’s Ark, a clean heated pool, a game room and a beautiful catch and release pond. If you are from out of state you wont have to pay a hugh fee to fish because this private pond doesn't require a fishing license. If you like to hike, there are also hiking trails. Deer Trail can accommodate driveable units up to 40’, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers and Tents. It also has cabins onsite so all you have to bring are your linens. Because of its remote location cell service is all but non existant and Wifi is spotty, but when your enjoying God’s handywork who needs electronics? Oh did I mention that wildlife abounds? I encourage you to stop at Deer Trail Park in Wytheville, VA. You will be welcomed by the owners Ted and Kathi Martin whi will do all they can to insure that your time with them is fun and relaxing. Dont take my word for it. Stop on by. You wont be disappointed.

RANGER REIVEW: PRIMUS 4-SEASON STAINLESS STEEL 0.3L MUG AT GRANDVIEW SANDBAR CAMPGROUND, NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER, WV

CAMPGROUND REVIEW:

Grandview Sandbar Campground situated along the New River, just outside of Prince, WV off Route 41 offers upclose and personal riverside camping. https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

This and the other riverside campgrounds in the New River Gorge National River offer a minimal number of sites, no water, no electric, no modern facilities…however, they are free and its all about location. Site availability is first come, first served. Length of stay is limited to 14 days.

On the higher, wooded loop to the right as you travel down a very narrow, serpentine gravel road, there are 10 campsites. There are gravel parking pads that could accommodate a small RV/Camper/Pop-up…and a couple Pop-ups were present. How they navigated the winding steep park gravel road, is a mystery to me…the rains were eroding corners causing my truck to scrape.

The sites do have a picnic table, lantern post and firepit. Depending on thr site you choose, the initial sites to the right are all below the campground roadway you wind down. The pit latrine is a short walking distance and directly next to the host site in the River Access parking lot and boat ramp area.

The 8 tent sites are located on the far side of the boat ramp parking area and all but the two Handicap sites require a short walk to reach.

Numbers are on the lantern posts and blend together but are distinguished by the firepit. These are directly on the sand "beach" area of the New River…and as seen in my photos are not only a bit angled, they can be a dangerous choice.

The two handicap accessible sites are bordered by timbers, leveled and much more desirable, but you must possess a handicap placard/permit. It is not permissible to utilize them as overflow without a placard/permit.

The walk-up tent area has its own pit latrine. Nothing special…but private.

There is a river trail that will take you to Glade Creek and additional trails. Within a short drive are several additional nice hiking trails in the New River Gorge and nearby State parks.

Note: This is a busier campground with the public access boat ramp and very busy on weekends. A very popular spot for locals. While alcohol is prohibited, there was substantial physical evidence to the contrary, mere steps from the dumpster. Also keep in mind, during rains, tributaries flow into the New River causing it to overflow its banks with some regularity in thr spring and early summer.

Spring weekdays still saw several campers, even with the torrential rains and flooding. Free is a big draw.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

PRIMUS 4-SEASON STAINLESS STEEL 0.3L MUG

https://primus.us/products/four-seasons-mug-35l-stainless-steel?variant=358039683090

The Primus 4-Season Stainless Steel 0.3L Mug is a great option for the outdoorsperson searching for a do-all cup.

With it's all stainless steel double wall construction, it offers rust resistance, a clean appearance, the ability to keep contents their desired temperature longer, and remains odorless/tasteless. The mug is lightweight at just under 4 ounces.

The 0.3L/10 oz. mug is convenient and held single servings of beverage and food. However, I might migrate to Primus' other offering in the 0.2L/8 oz. mug for the volume I prefer.

The only potential achilles heel, would be the same with any other mug and that is the handle. Though I experienced no issues and don't foresee any…if there were to be one, it's likely with a mug's handle.

All in all, a great mug choice!