The New River Gorge region surrounding Winona, West Virginia sits at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,400 feet, creating significant temperature variations between riverside campsites and mountain accommodations. The terrain's steep topography results in narrow access roads that often require high-clearance vehicles, especially at primitive sites. Many campgrounds in this area offer direct trail connections to the extensive New River Gorge trail system.
What to do
Fish at Grandview Sandbar: This free riverside campground provides direct access to prime fishing spots along the New River. "Lots of parking with 6+ isolated camp sites, all with view of river. There is a great trail nearby that runs along the river. Trash bins and restroom located nearby," notes one camper at Grandview Sandbar Campground.
Disc golf near campsite: Chestnut Creek Campground features a disc golf course on the property. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a quiet campground, with lots of space and site options, run independently by a family. Most sites are simple with just a picnic table and fire pit. There are lots of trees in between many of the sites for great privacy. Has a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course."
Mountain biking from your tent: The Arrowhead Bike Farm combines camping with direct trail access. One visitor explains, "Great campground near New River Gorge National Park. Mt biking from the campground - a bike shop, food and beverages, showers, and goats! Great for families, too."
What campers like
Secluded beach camping: Stone Cliff Campground offers sandy riverside sites with privacy. "I loved the experience I had at stone cliff. The camp sites are well marked and maintained. There are some right on the river and a couple more set back closer to the trail. Great spot to set up a hammock, go swimming, or walk on the nearby trails if you aren't climbing," shares a visitor at Stone Cliff Campground.
Quiet backcountry sites: Campers appreciate the wooded sites at Chestnut Creek Campground near Lansing. "This is a very nice little campground set up for tents, hammock campers and some car campers. No hook-ups. Definitely not for RVs or Camper trailers. All the sites are wooded and they allow you to use fallen trees/branches for your fires."
Hot showers after adventure days: The facilities at Arrowhead Bike Farm stand out to visitors. "Stayed three nights here, was the only one on site camping for the first few days, but still pretty empty and peaceful when others arrived. Showers run on one minute increments but aside from that it's extremely accessible to trails and attractions around the area and staff was beyond helpful and super friendly!!"
What you should know
Train noise impacts sleep: Several campgrounds along the river have nearby train tracks. At Grandview Sandbar, a camper warns: "The really bad thing is that 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, yes. Ear plugs only did so much for me."
Winter access varies: While most campgrounds close seasonally, Rifrafters Campground remains open year-round for RVs. "We stopped in one night on our way back to Pennsylvania. We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so hospitable. We purchased firewood and they walked it to our campsite. Our site was plenty large and the concrete pad was perfectly level."
Site reservation systems differ: Chestnut Creek Campground uses a text-based booking system. "We didn't have reservations but the manager told us to text him when we arrived after hours. Charge was per person not per site, but reasonable at $15. This seams to be common practice in the area."
Tips for camping with families
Look for platforms at wooded sites: The elevated tent platforms at New River Gorge Campground keep kids dry during rain. "We were lucky to get campsite 23, which had a tent platform high up on a boulder. The campsite was fairly quiet and cozy!"
Playgrounds for rainy days: Babcock State Park Campground offers a central play area near shower facilities. "The campground was quiet, family-friendly, and clean. A fairly new playground sits right next to the bathhouse. All the equipment was well-maintained and freshly mulched."
Consider waterpark resorts: For families seeking both camping and structured activities, Adventures on the Gorge offers comprehensive options. "This was one of the best place to spend a long weekend with your Friends & Family. The park has so much to do including trails, swimming, and an awesome water park."
Tips from RVers
Secluded back section sites: At Rifrafters Campground, the rear area offers more privacy for RVs. "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity. Ken and staff are good. We were here in a travel trailer," shares a visitor at Rifrafters Campground.
Check road conditions before booking: The narrow mountain roads can challenge larger rigs, especially at Babcock State Park. "Electric back in site. Water and bathhouse available across the road in the other part of the camp ground. Unusual set up."
Prioritize level sites: Many RV sites in the region sit on sloped terrain. At Arrowhead Bike Farm, a camper noted: "Great spot and very close to the national park, but site 5 was very un-level."
