Free camping options near Winona, West Virginia offer contrasting experiences to established RV parks. The New River Gorge region sits at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,800 feet, creating varied camping conditions with significant temperature swings between day and night. Many dispersed camping areas require traveling narrow gravel roads that can become challenging after rainfall.
What to do
River activities: Access points exist along the New River at multiple campgrounds, including Army Camp where campers can enjoy water recreation directly from their site. "Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite," notes one camper, with another adding that the "view of the river is absolutely beautiful!!"
Hiking opportunities: Trail access is available near many campgrounds, with some offering direct connections to the extensive trail systems. "The trailhead at the top of the campground was beautiful for hiking. Not overall this place was beautiful clean and safe," shares one visitor to Glade Creek Campground.
Mountain biking: Dedicated trails are accessible from Arrowhead Bike Farm, which offers both camping and biking amenities. "Within a short walk/bike to multiple biking and hiking trailheads. Close enough to bike into Fayetteville (a cool little town)," according to a recent visitor.
Coal mining history: Educational opportunities exist at nearby historical sites. "Check out some of the mining history at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, about 30 minutes away, and get up early to catch the sunrise from Grandview Point," recommends one experienced camper.
What campers like
Free camping: Multiple options exist in the New River Gorge area, particularly at Glade Creek Campground where primitive sites remain accessible year-round. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free!" reports one camper who visited in May.
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering more seclusion than others. At Army Camp, "outside perimeter sites are wooded and offer more privacy. Though all sites are separated by 50 ft or more."
Wildlife viewing: Natural encounters are common in the quieter campgrounds. "Heard a Barred Owl at night," mentions one Glade Creek visitor, while another notes the diverse wildlife: "Song birds, robins and crows competed vocally during daylight hours. Interesting insects crawled the river's sandy shore and a brightly colored Eastern box turtle searched for higher-dryer ground."
Cell service: Reception quality varies dramatically by location, with higher elevation campgrounds typically offering better connectivity. "No AT&T service so I only stayed two nights (gotta work during the week!)," shares one Army Camp visitor, highlighting how connectivity can limit stay duration for remote workers.
What you should know
Site availability: First-come basis applies at most public campgrounds, requiring early arrival during peak seasons. "Spots fill quickly," warns a visitor to Army Camp, with another advising, "If you're planning on coming here, make sure and come early."
Weather impacts: River flooding can affect campground accessibility and safety. "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."
Water sources: Limited availability at most primitive campgrounds requires bringing your own supply. At Hilltop Sunrise, the host provides "a hospitality box with water, snacks & fire-starters," but many public campgrounds have no potable water. "No drinking water, so bring your own," advises a camper about Army Camp.
Road conditions: Narrow access roads challenge larger vehicles at several campgrounds. "The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in," mentions one Army Camp visitor, while another notes it's a "one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass."
Tips for camping with families
Educational options: Ranger programs are available seasonally at visitor centers throughout New River Gorge. "The New River Gorge website offers a lot of specific information about species, bait, and lures" for families interested in fishing activities.
Kid-friendly amenities: Recreational facilities vary between campgrounds, with some offering specific features for children. At Pipestem RV Park & Campground, families enjoy "lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables."
Animal encounters: Unique opportunities exist at select campgrounds to interact with domesticated animals. Arrowhead Bike Farm features "GOAT PENS" where children can visit with the animals. "The roaming goats are a treat!" shares an enthusiastic visitor.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage requirements should be followed due to active wildlife. "The racoons at night have a schedule of getting any foods left out. Putting everything away is a must," warns a Pipestem camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Surface conditions vary widely between campgrounds in the region. At Summer Wind RV Park, RVers appreciate "very level gravel site with a stunning view of the pastures." Others note, "If you want easy level spots row c is best (which is where 50 amps are)."
Vehicle length restrictions: Turning radius challenges exist on access roads to many campgrounds. "It's 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," shares one RVer about Army Camp.
Hookup variations: Service types differ between campgrounds, with most public sites offering no hookups. "Full hook ups, very affordable and great proximity to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park," notes a camper who stayed at Hilltop Sunrise, which provides a single private RV site.
Navigation challenges: GPS reliability can be problematic in mountainous terrain. "No cell service, so download your maps," advises one visitor to Army Camp, highlighting the importance of advance preparation when seeking RV camping near Winona, West Virginia.
