Camping opportunities near Thurmond, West Virginia extend throughout the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences moderate rainfall year-round with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. Campers often face temperature variations of 15-20 degrees between daytime highs and nighttime lows, even in summer months.
What to do
Hiking historic trails: The Glade Creek Trail follows an old railroad bed with easy terrain suitable for most skill levels. "There are plenty of gravel parking pads for large RV/Campers at all the sites and are angled for trailer back-in. Tent pads are not defined and grassy (or a muddy mix depending on weather and usage)," notes a visitor at Babcock State Park Campground.
Fishing diverse species: Multiple fishing spots exist along the New River where campers can catch smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish. "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," explains a camper from Army Camp.
Mountain biking: Networks of trails run throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. "The park has so much to do right down the hill without even leaving the resort! Restaurant and general store at bottom of the hill and a nice pond to wake up and fish in. Mountain bike and hiking trails all over," shares a visitor at Ace Adventure Resort.
Exploring abandoned towns: History enthusiasts can visit Thurmond and other mining communities. "The campground is very close to the abandoned town of Thurmond (very cool site to see) and is within earshot of the train tracks," mentions a reviewer staying at Stone Cliff Campground.
What campers like
River access: Many campsites provide direct access to the New River for swimming and paddling. "Sites directly on the riverbanks tend to receive the highest ratings, though some campers mention train noise as a minor distraction. "Glade Creek Campground is 4,127 acres, so there is plenty to see and do. Bicycling can be done on all park paved and gravel roads," notes a visitor at Glade Creek Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Several campgrounds offer walk-in tent sites away from RV areas. "The walk-in tent area has its own pit latrine. Nothing special...but private," reports a camper at Grandview Sandbar.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping exists at multiple locations in the national park. "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," explains a visitor about Army Camp.
Clean facilities: Even primitive sites typically maintain clean restrooms. "The bathhouse was very nice with good hot water and water pressure. We were in site 9 which we liked - very easy to get in and out of," writes a camper staying at Rifrafters Campground.
What you should know
Site availability varies: Free camping areas fill quickly during peak season. "We were the first one there, getting there around noon. 3 guys came in about an hour or 2 after me and they took up 5 sites," warns a camper at Grandview Sandbar Campground.
Weather impacts: River levels can change rapidly after rainfall. "During our visit, in early May, it had been and was still experiencing heavy rains and flooding. The New River had swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline," cautions a visitor at Army Camp.
Train noise: Railroad tracks run along portions of the New River affecting some campsites. "There is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7. That includes during the night," notes a camper at Grandview Sandbar Campground.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable in many areas. "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," shares a visitor at Army Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Several campgrounds offer dedicated areas with amenities for children. "There are 2 separate pit toilet bathrooms with dumpsters, one by the dispersed camping and one by the main parking area. The sites have established fire rings, metal picnic tables, and hooks for food/trash," mentions a camper at Grandview Sandbar.
Water recreation options: Beyond the river, some locations offer additional water features. "They have a pond with inflatables for fun & a beach area. Everyone has to wear a life jacket which is kind of a pain," notes a visitor to Ace Adventure Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk provide the best animal sighting times. "I enjoyed this campground. 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," shares a camper at Little Beaver State Park.
Playground access: Some state parks include dedicated play areas. "Clean campground and sites are not stacked on top of each other. Very nice shower house about a 3 min walk from the campground. The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy," reports a visitor at Rifrafters.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Most of the sites are wooded and would be a bit difficult for a rig our size but they are very nice. The bathhouse is very clean with great water pressure and hot water," explains a visitor at Little Beaver State Park Campground.
Access road conditions: Some campground roads may challenge larger vehicles. "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," advises an RVer at Army Camp.
Hookup availability: Water and electric sites are limited to specific campgrounds. "We spent the Labor Day Weekend in Fayetteville, WV. Water, electric and cable service and a few sites had sewer. Campground WiFi was weak at our site (#27)," notes a camper at Rifrafters.
Dump station locations: Plan waste disposal carefully. "Just stayed for one night passing through and we were sad we couldn't stay longer. Only downside for longer term stays is no sewer hookup, but they do have a very convenient dump spot at entry," shares an RVer at Little Beaver State Park.
