Best Tent Camping near Winona, WV
Tent camping in the New River Gorge region near Winona, West Virginia offers a mix of primitive and established options, with several campgrounds providing tent pads nestled along the Greenbrier River and within forested areas. Stone Cliff Campground in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve provides walk-in tent sites along a sandy riverbank, while Chestnut Creek Campground offers a more secluded tent camping experience with wooded sites approximately 10 miles from the main gorge area.
Most tent sites in this region feature basic amenities, with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets being common at established locations like the American Alpine Club campground in Lansing. Sites typically have natural surfaces ranging from sandy riverside locations to forested settings with varying levels of ground preparation. Many locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted, particularly at the national park campgrounds. A visitor commented that Stone Cliff campground has "sites right on the river and a couple more set back closer to the trail," though campers should note that "there are no picnic tables on any of the sites." Tent campers should bring their own water, as most locations lack potable water sources.
Areas like Meadow Creek Campground have transitioned to tent-only use, providing more dedicated spaces for tent campers seeking separation from RVs. Walk-in tent sites are common throughout the region, requiring campers to carry gear short distances from parking areas. This setup creates a more immersive experience but requires additional planning. These tent-specific sites often place campers closer to natural features like the New River. One camper noted that despite being close to infrastructure, "watching a cluster of fireflies that looked like a lightning storm" created memorable experiences. The proximity to railroad tracks at some campgrounds means periodic noise disruptions, with trains passing frequently at all hours, though many find this part of the authentic regional experience.
