Tent camping sites near Union, West Virginia range from primitive spots along the New River to established campgrounds with basic facilities. Located in Appalachian Mountain valleys at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, the region experiences summer highs averaging 85°F with frequent evening cooling. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though specific operating dates vary by location.
What to do
Kayaking the New River: Access the water at Indian Mills Camping Area where campers recommend getting on the water early. "While the current on the New River isn't strong, it's definitely a workout if you get on there midday, so if you're down for a bit of kayaking, get out on the water early, otherwise, you'll be fighting harder currents later in the day," notes one visitor.
Hiking trails: The Greenbrier River Trail offers multiple access points with paths suitable for day hikes. "Several mall cascades lined the West side of the trail, which is ordinarily the side cut from the mountain for the railway," reports one hiker who explored the area extensively.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple spots for anglers exist throughout the region. As one camper at Indian Mills noted, "Bring lures for all the different types of bass – they have them all here!" Fishing is particularly productive in spring and early summer when water levels are higher.
What campers like
River access: Campers appreciate the proximity to water at East Shore Campground. "If you like hiking and fishing this is the place," reports one visitor. The shoreline access points allow for easy fishing without needing a boat.
Secluded sites: The primitive camping areas provide isolation from crowds. At Indian Mills, "Most of the sites are pretty level and have solid privacy with bushes, shrubs and trees all around you," making it ideal for those seeking quiet.
Stargazing conditions: Rural locations with minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. One Indian Mills camper described, "You'll sleep underneath a clear sky, with the most brilliant stars, silver shining moon and the soft lull of trees swaying in the wind."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Union experience frequent train disturbances. A camper at Meadow Creek Campground warned, "The coal trains run through at all hours of the night- and blow their horns (earplugs)." Another noted, "They go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations."
Weather considerations: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly strong winds in valley areas. One camper at Meadow Creek reported, "The wind here is also very strong and without strong anchors could easily pull up your tent. We were having to restake the corners throughout our stay."
Bathroom facilities: Expect basic amenities at most locations. At Old Mill Campground, a camper noted, "The bathhouse is open air over half of it. Had no soap or toilet paper and the toilets were all plugged up." Many sites have only pit toilets or vault facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Several locations offer safe water access for children. At Bluestone State Park, a visitor mentioned, "There is a marina where we got to rent a boat and the catfish were plentiful... They had a swimming pool and it was clean."
Local dining options: When family meals need a break from campfire cooking, consider nearby towns. For Indian Mills campers, one visitor suggested, "If you get tired of eating fireside, eat at Shawnitta's Diner just due south of Red Sulphur Springs – where they have all the typical diner food you would expect."
Shade considerations: Some camping areas lack tree cover. At Meadow Creek Campground, a camper observed, "Sites are flat, large and spaced out. However the trees are very newly planted so they provide no shade or privacy."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: The best tent camping near Union, West Virginia often involves narrow access roads. At CB Ranch, visitors appreciate the cabin options when tent camping isn't practical. One visitor noted, "The cabin was decorated very nicely and was clean and the bed was very comfy also. The farm is 4 miles from a quaint small town with shops and great restaurants."
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have shifted to tent-only policies. A Meadow Creek visitor explained, "The ranger informed us someone who stayed here in a rv had a close call crossing the train tracks and now they have decided to make this campground a tent only place."
Alternative accommodation: When weather makes tent camping challenging, consider cabin rentals. At CB Ranch, guests appreciate "The fire pit to the beautiful tails on the property to seeing the farm animals."
