Best Campgrounds near Winona, WV
The mountainous terrain surrounding Winona, West Virginia features diverse camping options within the New River Gorge region, with sites ranging from primitive to full-service. Babcock State Park Campground, located about 15 miles southwest in Danese, offers 52 sites with both electric and non-electric options in a forested setting. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve maintains several free primitive campgrounds including Stone Cliff and Grandview Sandbar, providing basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Private operations such as Rifrafters Campground in Fayetteville and Adventures on the Gorge in nearby Mill Creek cater to visitors seeking more amenities, with options for tent camping, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations.
Narrow, winding mountain roads throughout the region can challenge larger vehicles, particularly after rainfall when conditions deteriorate. As one camper noted about Babcock State Park, "The road in off the highway isn't too long, but it seemed long, winding, and up and down...especially as night fell." Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping available. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with many primitive sites offering no connectivity. Temperature variations can be significant, with frost possible even in May at higher elevations. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage at all sites, particularly in more remote locations. Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and fall color season when the area's popularity peaks.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors exploring the New River Gorge area. Riverside sites at Grandview Sandbar provide direct access to the New River, though campers should note these areas can flood rapidly after heavy rain. According to one visitor at Army Camp Campground, "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." The region's abundant recreational opportunities include whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. Fishing is particularly popular, with trout streams and bass fishing in the larger rivers. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers frequently reporting sightings of deer, wild turkey, and various bird species. The historic grist mill at Babcock State Park serves as a popular photography destination.
