Free camping options exist near Victor, West Virginia with several primitive sites located within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Army Camp Campground features 10 tent sites with basic amenities situated along the New River. The narrow river valley is flanked by steep, wooded mountains rising 2,500-3,200 feet, creating a distinct camping environment that contrasts with the commercial RV parks in the region.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Army Camp Campground offers a short trail leading directly to the New River shoreline. "There's an accessible site and also accessible trail to a bench along the river," notes Jean C. about Army Camp.
Water recreation options: Enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddling at Battle Run Campground on Summersville Lake. "It is one of the clearest lakes in the east, so scuba diving is also very popular here. Rock climbing is also a great use of these cliffs that surround the lake as well as cliff jumping," explains Hannah V. about Battle Run.
Mountain biking trails: Arrowhead Bike Farm provides direct access to mountain biking trails. "They have a big field for you to set up tents on along with RV camping areas and a place with individual sites in the back. It's also a bike shop and restaurant. They have goats and miles of bike trails," shares Corey M. about camping at Arrowhead Bike Farm.
What campers like
Free riverside camping: Army Camp offers no-cost camping with river access. "Free camping & Beautiful Scenary... Pit toilets, but was nice to have something ++ FREE. Super cool river near by, great scenery," explains Kel J. about their experience at Army Camp.
Lakefront accessibility: Battle Run's waterfront sites allow boat access directly from your campsite. "We were able to get two sites along the Lake, it was peaceful and had a beautiful view. The bathrooms were clean, the only issue we had were the geese that liked to come up and use the campsites for their own," mentions Natalie B. about Kanawha State Forest.
Restaurant and facilities: Campers appreciate on-site food options at certain campgrounds. "They have an assortment of accessible bike trails, bike shop, AMAZING FOOD (tacos, pretzels, spinach artichoke dip, etc.) spectacular local beers and PBR, GOAT PENS, camping, a pump track, and lots of cool things to do in the local area," notes Aspen H. about Arrowhead Bike Farm.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, often nonexistent at primitive sites. "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," reports Tucker B. about Army Camp.
Water availability: Many campgrounds lack potable water sources. "No drinking water, so bring your own. No hookups. The river is nearby, but none of the sites are on the river," notes Jean C. about Army Camp.
Weather considerations: River levels can change rapidly after rain. "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," warns Dave V. about Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Basketball and volleyball courts are in the center of the campground, as is a horseshoe pit…and kids activity area. The campground beach and boat ramp are located down the road," mentions Dave V. about Battle Run.
Pet restrictions: Not all campgrounds allow pets. "No Pets!" reminds Dave V. about Battle Run, an important consideration for families traveling with animals.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer water access for cooling off. "We stayed in a pull thru on the lake, it had to be about 100 yards long and nicely graveled. There are three small bathrooms around the grounds, that are single use rooms (sink, toilet and shower) one for women and one for men," shares Doug about Rippling Waters Campground.
Tips from RVers
Free electric hookups: Some roadside parks offer complimentary utilities. "Free RV Camping-Port of Saint Albans... It's rare to find free RV camping, especially sites with 30 AMP electric hook-ups! The City of Saint Albans has a roadside park with three RV sites where you can camp for 2-days max in a 14-day period," explains Jennifer B. about Saint Albans Roadside Park.
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approaches for larger rigs. "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions... 42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground," warns Beth R. about Elk River Camp and RV Park.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain varies across campgrounds. "The sites were level and easily accessible, no shade but that worked well for us using the Starlink. There were pull throughs and back in sites," notes one RV traveler about the region.
