Camping near Beaver, West Virginia centers around the forested Appalachian foothills, with a mix of state park facilities and national park campgrounds. Little Beaver State Park Campground serves as the primary developed camping area in Beaver itself, operating from April through October with water and electric hookups for both RVs and tent campers. The surrounding region includes several campgrounds within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, such as Grandview Sandbar, Glade Creek, Army Camp, and Stone Cliff. These sites range from established campgrounds to more primitive options, many situated along the New River. As one camper noted, "Little Beaver State Park is a lovely little park just off Interstate 64 between Beckley and White Sulfur Springs" with pull-through sites that can accommodate larger RVs.
Most campgrounds in the Beaver area have seasonal limitations. Little Beaver State Park does not permit winter camping, as confirmed by a visitor who reported, "There is no camping in the winter." The New River Gorge campgrounds typically operate during warmer months, though specific opening dates vary. Summer brings warm days with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, while spring can bring high water levels in the New River and its tributaries. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many of the more remote sites. Roads to some of the New River Gorge campgrounds can be narrow and winding, particularly after rain when erosion may affect conditions.
The camping options near Beaver provide varying levels of amenities. State park campgrounds like Little Beaver offer more facilities, including showers, drinking water, and dump stations. In contrast, the national park campgrounds are more primitive, with many offering only pit toilets and no running water. Campers must bring their own water or filter from natural sources at these locations. Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables. The proximity to New River Gorge National Park makes these campgrounds popular bases for outdoor recreation, including hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Reservations are recommended for state park campgrounds, while many of the national park sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
$35 - $40 / night
"This CCC State Park is very picturesque and has several hiking trails and the man-made lake is small but offers plenty of recreation possibilities. I found the layout a little strange."
"Checked into this wonderful State Park in Beaver, W VA. Close to New River Gorge National Park. Big sites with water and electricity, dump station on premise."
"New River, just outside of Prince, WV off Route 41 offers upclose and personal riverside camping."
"Through Traffic: Access to the boat ramp is through the campground. Though, traffic is minimal, folks on the way to the ramp and picnic area often drive pretty fast."
"There is five drive-in sites and more walk-in sites on the edge of the camp. The drive-in sites filled and vacated several times throughout the weekend."
"the campsite is pretty far back into the gorge at the end of a dead end road, which inherently gives it a little bit of an advantage for those who wish to be not just off grid but away from"the madding"
"I’ve spent over 150 days camping and hiking in West Virginia n the past four years and keep finding new, wonderful places to enjoy."
"Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds."
"Tucked away by the river past Thurmond. Great secluded sites. Trailhead for hiking from camp."
"We put our tent a few feet away from the water facing the river and our canopy further up in the woods by the firepit."
$15 - $50 / night
"Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."
"They walked us to our site and helped us back into our spot. Everything worked well with all of the hookups. It was a quiet and clean campground."
"This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."
"Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year."
$15 - $600 / night
"Nearby are showers and restrooms. They have individual rooms that can be locked that has the restroom in with the shower stall. Lots of biking and equestrian trails available."
"We were able to go whitewater rafting one day and then explored the surrounding area on another day. The resort is awesome. They have cabins and they have hot tubs."
$33 / night
"The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."
"Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"
"Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia. We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.
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"There is plenty to do within walking distance or a short drive. There is hiking all around the Pipestem area. There is a lake to fish and boat on."
ScoutThe meadows are a wonderful little gem, although they can be a bit loud due to their proximity to the train tracks. However, when quiet, they offer a serene joy connected to nature, and are close to the river with beautiful mountain views. A good place for stargazing.
ScoutThis was our first time staying at riftrafters. Would recommend it to anyone visiting the new river george. The owners were friendly and helpful and campground was clean and well maintained. We stayed at site 32 and it was very peaceful.
TravelerMy husband and I were looking for cheap places to park with no reservations with a dog and ended up in the sandstone visitor center after hours, the sign there said “no rv access” NOT TRUE. yes, it is on a thin dead end and you can only access it by crossing over 4 railroad tracks at once, ITS WORTH IT. Firewood is available and bathrooms too with no running water or electric makes for a beautiful dark night under the stars filled with only the sounds of nature and the occasional CSX train. And yes it’s free, a park ranger came around once to patrol but aside from that it’s a first come first serve bring your things and take-em with you. Kroger is 20 minutes away, dollar general is 15, and gas is about 10 minutes. All worth it.
TravelerBabcock SP is a nice out of the way park. Great base to explore New River Gorge with plenty of local history it could be a trip on its own.
Bathrooms were remodeled a few years ago and very clean, and they have laundry facilities.
TravelerThis was one of the quietest campgrounds I've ever been to. I heard owls and coyotes overnight which was nice! Super clean bathhouse too. The tent sites are a little small and some are on a slope, especially the ones on the outer loop. 18 was good, just a bit small and in a bend of a road which made me feel a little exposed. All in all, not a bad place to camp for a day or two.
ScoutVery nice, clean and spacious. This free boondocking campground does not have any hookups or utilities, but the beauty of the surounding mountans, the view down the valley and the songs of the birds makes this campsite priceless. The vault toilets were clean and stocked. Each site has a picnic table, standing grill and a firepit. Looking forward to seeing the stars this evening in this shielded valley.
ScoutIt is a wonderful place to camp. However, it is $15 a night not five. There is a $50 deposit to get a key to the gate. There is no potable water.
Guide1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite. If its not open you have 20-30mins drive to get to resources needed. There is 5 campsites close to each other. Constant 4 wheeling and horseback riding through sites. Your really never alone. To each their own , on privacy. Some want it, some dont mind it. Very scenic! Love the Dismal waterfalls!! Love walking trails but truly a busy site during holidays. We arrived Friday morning and sites was filled by noon. Arrive early as you can to find a camp spot. Truly well kept, trash bins and latrine is in walking distance.
ScoutSpent a night here, everything needed for tent camping (although there was plenty of room for RVs), easily collectible wood in the surrounding area. This campground is off the main train tracts so I didn't hear any trains throughout the night.
Camping near Beaver, West Virginia centers on the Appalachian terrain of southern West Virginia, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet. The region's distinctive location between the New River Gorge and Pipestem areas creates unique camping conditions with varied microclimates. Forest cover provides shade at most campgrounds during summer months when temperatures typically range from 60-85°F.
Hiking accessible trails: Little Beaver State Park Campground offers multiple trail options directly from campsites. "The park has a lot of trails and a lake but we didn't have time to check them out," notes one camper, highlighting the recreational opportunities available without driving elsewhere.
Water activities: Grandview Sandbar Campground provides direct river access steps from campsites. A visitor mentions, "Pretty limited space so get there early if you want a spot. Right near the River, which was beautiful." The sandbar area allows for swimming during summer months when water levels are safe.
Mountain biking: Trails throughout the region accommodate various skill levels. At Glade Creek Campground, "The camp is steps away from the Glade Creek Trail and the New River Gorge. The flowing Gorge can always be heard, the low rumble is peaceful at night." Bikes are permitted on many trails, with old railroad beds providing more level terrain options.
Coal mining history: Within 30 minutes of Beaver, visitors can explore regional mining heritage. "Check out Chocolate Moose in Beckley if you enjoy unique tasty coffee and excellent, friendly service and Tamarack for some West Virginia local art," recommends a camper, pointing to cultural stops that complement outdoor activities.
Privacy between sites: At Glade Creek Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "We stayed at site #1. I think the campsites where all full shortly after dark. Very quiet. Have new vault toilets." The drive-in sites filled quickly but maintained a sense of solitude.
Clean facilities: Mash Fork Campground at Camp Creek State Park earns praise for maintenance. "This was a peaceful, nice area but when there is a lot of rain there is definitely the chance it'll flood," notes one visitor about nearby waterways, while another states the "campground was very nice and very clean. The staff was awesome."
Natural sounds: Many campers mention the ambient sounds at sites near water. "Just stayed for one night passing through and we were sad we couldn't stay longer. Sites are big and spread out. It's quiet. Walking trails all over," reports a Little Beaver State Park visitor, emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife. At Stone Cliff Campground, "We stayed at #6. Had plenty of space and were far enough away to not hear our neighbors... We were hanging some hammock straps up on our last evening and saw the largest spider I've ever seen in the hollow of one of the trees at the campsite."
Weather impacts: Heavy rains affect river levels and access roads. At Army Camp Campground, "The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in. Just remember you have to make that trip all the way back out if you forget anything at the store (like we did) so be prepared to have plenty of food and wood."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies by carrier and location. "There is a great trail nearby that runs along the river. Trash bins and restroom located nearby. No cell phone service," reports a Stone Cliff camper. Others note spotty service with AT&T at some locations while Sprint coverage is non-existent.
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds. A Grandview Sandbar camper noted, "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."
Site availability: Free campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "We got lucky to find a site here after trying both Grandview Sandbar and Glade's Creek on the other side of the road," explains an Army Camp visitor, suggesting campers arrive early or have backup plans.
Kid-friendly swimming: Ace Adventure Resort offers unique water activities. "The Mountain Top Campground was quite nice. Most of the sites have shade but if it had been crowded there's a few that don't have any. The trees were great for hammocks!" A camper adds, "The main one is the Lake with multiple giant anchored inflatables to play on for all ages."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Mash Fork Campground, "There is a general store that has just about anything you'd need in a pinch to get by. ABSOLUTELY LOVE this park." Another visitor mentions "This park is quiet, secluded and has plenty of trails to hike! The site I use exclusively has a river running behind it."
Educational opportunities: Coal mining exhibits provide learning experiences. A visitor to the region suggests, "If you enjoy fishing, the New River Gorge website offers a lot of specific information about species, bait, and lures." Ranger programs run seasonally at various locations.
Easy day trips: From most campgrounds, families can reach attractions within 30-45 minutes. "We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too," notes a Pipestem Resort State Park visitor.
Site leveling considerations: RV sites vary in levelness throughout the region. At Little Beaver State Park, "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 with a 23 ft TT and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site." Check site descriptions for grade information.
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "The road to the campground is not too bad but there is a narrow one-lane bridge you must cross," notes a Glade Creek camper. Army Camp visitors mention similar issues requiring careful navigation.
Hookup positioning: At several campgrounds, hookups may be inconveniently located. "Our electric post was on the opposite side of our electrical outlet," reports a Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground visitor, recommending extension cords and additional water hoses.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with hookups have dump stations. Little Beaver State Park provides this service, as one camper notes: "Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump. I'd like to go back and spend some more time there."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Beaver, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Beaver, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near Beaver, WV and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Beaver, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Beaver, WV is Little Beaver State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Beaver, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Beaver, WV.
What parks are near Beaver, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Beaver, WV that allow camping, notably New River Gorge National River and Bluestone Lake.
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