Best Tent Camping in West Virginia
Looking for the best West Virginia tent camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of West Virginia's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites in West Virginia (59)
1. Chestnut Creek Campground
Lansing, West Virginia19 Reviews•44 Photos•243 SavesThe closest campground to the New River Gorge Bridge. Chestnut Creek Campground offers quiet primitive camping in the woods. We are a mere half a mile (0.5mi) from the New River Gorge Bridge! That's walking distance folks. Our hygienic facility has hot showers, lavatory stalls, hand washing sinks, and a wash basin located outside for dish washing and filling up water jugs. Firewood and Ice are available on site as well. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit. A general store and burrito bar are located literally around the corner; Both are within walking distance. Hiking and Climbing trail-heads (Fern Buttress, Endless Wall, Beauty Mountain; to name a few) are just down the way and access to the river is a stone's throw away (our drive is just across from Fayette Station Rd). If you're wanting to venture further to more local restaurants/shops; we are only a 5 minute drive from downtown Fayetteville. We are a pet friendly establishment for those with dogs who love to travel as much as you do. We keep quiet hours from 11pm-7am (starts @ midnight on weekends). Mainly we accommodate rustic tent camping, however; some sites are able to accommodate pop-up campers and trailers up to 20ft (we do not have hookups/electric). Call today to reserve a site for your upcoming adventure at the New River Gorge.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$10 - $11 / night
2. Stone Cliff Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Thurmond, West Virginia17 Reviews•66 Photos•332 SavesThis tent only campground located near the historic railroad town of Thurmond offers 7 walk-in sites, 5 on the sandy beach of the New River and 2 in the nearby forest. There are no drive-in sites at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. The Stone Cliff Trailhead also starts at the campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
3. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
Davis, West Virginia8 Reviews•44 Photos•200 SavesRecreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping: There are at least 7 dispersed camp sites Along Canaan Loop Road.
Camping Tips Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens. Vigorously boil local water for at least three minutes, or use a filter which is specifically labeled for removal of Giardia. Chemical treatments (iodine and chlorine) are not considered effective. Freezing temperatures and snow can occur anytime of the year, but mainly between October and April. Dress for the weather. Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams. Light weight camping stoves are encouraged. If using firewood it must be dead AND down branches only. Keep fires small. During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
4. New River Gorge Campground - American Alpine Club
Lansing, West Virginia9 Reviews•22 Photos•70 SavesThe American Alpine Club (AAC) campground at the New River Gorge resides in Fayetteville, WV, on a 40-acre parcel adjacent to the National Park and within walking distance of popular crags at the New River Gorge. There are 40 private sites and ten communal sites. No RVs, no trailers, and no vehicles over 20' are permitted. There are two large communal fire pits, a bathhouse with coin-operated showers ($1 for minutes), and a pavilion. We're working on a wifi solution, but it comes and goes.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$8 - $30 / night
5. Little River Dispersed Campsites
Durbin, West Virginia6 Reviews•36 Photos•288 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
6. Bear Heaven Campground
Bowden, West Virginia6 Reviews•6 Photos•143 SavesA small primitive campground located approximately 14 miles northeast of Elkins, West Virginia, on Forest Road 91 (Stuart Drive) near the Otter Creek Wilderness. 8 available sites are nestled along rock outcroppings that offer unique landscapes. There is stream fishing and hiking located nearby. Middle Point Trail #140,__3.7 miles in length is located along Forest Road 91 (Stuart Drive) west of the Campground. The Otter Creek Wilderness offers several trails and__more challenging experiences just next door.
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Old Mill Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
Nimitz, West Virginia5 Reviews•8 Photos•2 SavesOld Mill Campground offers 44 rustic campsites. This campground is not suggested for larger RVs and campers. The campground has a central bathhouse available for all guests.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Toilets
8. Meadow Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Meadow Creek, West Virginia4 Reviews•12 Photos•12 SavesThis tent-only primitive campground located along the New River is only one mile from the Sandstone Visitor Center. It offers 17 tent sites in an open field. There are no drive-in sites at this campground. The railroad crossing is dangerous for RVs and trailers. RV, trailer, or car camping is prohibited. Campers should expect to hear some noise such as train horns. There is a group site for groups of 8 or more available by permit - contact the permits office at 304-465-6517.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
9. Eagle Rock Campground
Upper Tract, West Virginia4 Reviews•30 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
- Alcohol
$10 / night
10. Plum Orchard Lake WMA
Scarbro, West Virginia4 Reviews•41 Photos•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$10 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in West Virginia
1264 Reviews of 59 West Virginia Campgrounds
Benjamin L.
Guide
Jess Judy
Jess Judy is in a beautiful area, with no phone service or ammenities.
Every year we my family does a "friends and family" camping trip. We always try to stay somewhere where there are a lot of activities and the campsites are spaced far apart. (My family tends to be loud). Jess Judy fits this build.
We have camped at Jess Judy at least a half dozen times and I aways enjoy it. We normally go in August so that we can swim, fish, hike, go tubing, rock climbing or just go exploring. Our last trip was in late September and even though it rained the entire time, it was still a nice trip.
Jess Judy is:
Remote - Jess Judy is in the middle of nowhere, in order to get to the campsites you have to drive 3 miles down a gravel road that tends to wash out into the river. In addition to the access road, there is no cell service with in a 20 min drive.
Small - Jess Judy only has 3 group camp sites and there isn't too much separating them from each other.
Primitive Sites - Jess Judy doesn't offer any running water, or other amenities besides two latrines that may or may not be clean. Be prepared to bring in all of you water and be ready to clean a latrine.
Tent Camping Only - Jess Judy only offers tent camping for groups, works for us but not for everyone.
Lots of Activities - Jess Judy offers a lot of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, kayaking, rafting, river swimming, star gazing, rock climbing, etc.
In short, we love Jess Judy, but I know that it really isn't for most people.
Doc M.
Scout
Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
Well Managed and Nice
Not bad for a long or short trip. Only problem is you need to book in person.
Bob M.
Ranger
East Fork (WV)
Decent Place
We camped here for 6 nights just before Halloween, enjoyed it. Not a lot to do unless you have a boat, but it's a scenic area. Ended up here because we had to avoid our original plans due to Hurricane Helene.
- Bob M.Ranger
Camp Creek State Park Campground
Peaceful, scenic
We stayed 3 nights here, enjoyed it very much even though the power was out due to Hurricane Helene's wrath. Two nice waterfalls to walk or bike to, the campsites are spread out fairly well, and it's quiet. Pinnacle Rock SP & Pipestem SP not too far away. Just a good place to kick back & relax.
Benjy B.
Traveler
The Outpost at New River Gourge
Loved it here!
As a car camper I was initially hesitant about paying for a partial hookup RV spot knowing that I wouldn’t be fully utilizing what I was paying for, but man am I glad I chose to stay here.
The location is great for getting in and out of town and the park alike, and it was the ideal location for a hike base. In terms of the campground itself, I think it set a new standard for me that’ll be pretty hard to beat. The bathrooms were incredible, and the shower was so good that it was almost annoying (I’m jealous and want it at home now too).
Checking in and out was easy, and the staff was very kind in accommodating me extending my stay another day on two separate occasions. I’d been most in and out in the dark, but finally on the last day got to check out the rest of the place and it really is super nice with a great aesthetic to match.
The big kicker for me was the lodge/Wi-Fi situation. As someone camping in a Prius, it can get pretty tight at times, so having a nice big space with great internet to get some work done was a huge bonus. Even in my car, the WiFi was plenty good enough to use, albeit not quite as snappy fast as the lodge.
All in all, I’d happily come back here again and again if I were to find myself back in the area. Could not more highly recommend.
licia S.Guide
Meadow Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Calm Tent-Only Campground- with Trains
I’ve stayed here several times. It’s always been a great visit. There are around 12 sites with tables, grills, and fire rings. Pit toilet and dumpster. The place is monitored via videocamera as signed. No RVs- that is enforced. 1 bar of unboosted cell service with ATT with some drop off if raining, but fine for streaming videos. The coal trains run through at all hours of the night- and blow their horns (earplugs). Open year round- a no hunting campsite.
Kim L.Ranger
Rifrafters Campground
Nearest CG to New River Gorge bridge and visitor center
Very comfortable and quiet campground. Camp hosts (owners?) and staff are very friendly and helpful. Close to local towns for services. The full hook up RV sites seem crowded, but the electric only sites were spacious and shady. I had a little deck with a picnic table. Even though the land is hilly, almost every site was level. The area where I camped had a single porta potty, but the main service area had clean showers and reasonably priced laundry. Short hiking trails are nearby. A children’s area is available but looked little used.
Molly R.ScoutRifrafters Campground
Well managed everything you need.
Beautiful area, close to New River National Park. Very accommodating staff. Includes wifi, PBS TV, small dog run, small playground, picnic shelter, laundry, bathhouse, firewood, ice,etc. Clean, friendly without all the fancy extras. Reasonably priced.
Anna S.Ranger
Blue Jay Campground — Camp Creek State Park
Simple but sufficient - great location with miles of trails!
All 12 non-electric sites appeared to have fire ring, picnic table, trash can, flat parking area. They did vary a bit in size. I was there on Friday and Saturday and there were no more than 4 other sites occupied. I was surprised that the bathrooms had running water! Overall, everything was quiet and relaxing. Some traffic from people driving by, but not bad at this time of year. It was delightful falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the creek! There are miles and miles of trails, I hiked 16 and only encountered 1 couple. The other campgrounds in the park have more amenities, too.
- HeatherRanger
Lazy A Campground
Pretty WV countryside
This campground is small but the sites are spacious- the ones by the creek are. The bathouse is quite a ways from the sites by the creek but they provide a port-a-potty, which was quite full when I was there- thank goodness the days weren’t hot. The bathhouse needs updating- stalls are small and water from the showers go everywhere. Only saw a worker once and I’m not sure he was a worker? It was a weird stay.
- RRhys R.Guide
Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Very relaxing spot
Very nice spot, right by the river with plenty of spaces to hammock down by there. We were lucky and got one of the last spots, there’s only 11. Fire rings with grill, and bench at each site. The ground is great for tents, no rocks. If you’re planning on coming here, make sure and come early. Pit toilets also available.
- Dane J.Guide
Glade Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Large isolated sites
Great place along the river. Low traffic, spots are large and spread out, there is s nice trail (5.6miles). Down side, no tmobile cell service, and a train runs on the other side if the river every few hours
Lee D.
LegendBlue Jay Campground — Camp Creek State Park
Peaceful now but....
One of three campgrounds in Camp Creek State Park; this is the primitive one (the other two are a horse camp and a developed one with hookups). Most sites are on the creek, but the road runs right past them. On a weekday in the fall, the road was very quiet, but I imagine that in the summer when carloads of people head to Campbell Falls, it would be a different story and would take away from the peacefulness of the campground.
This campground would not be suitable for large RVs, but our campervan fit just fine in the mostly level (but rooty) sites, Obviously, good for tents.
There are two vault toilets – one for women and one for men. They were in reasonably clean condition.
Campbell Falls is just down the road from the campground and there is access to many hiking trails.
No one other than us was there on a weekday in mid-October so it was very peaceful and quiet.
Kevin C.Ranger
Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center
Scenic and secluded
Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay.
The campground is long and narrow bordering on Abrams Creek. We took daily walks to the end of the campground and enjoyed the scenic views.
The campsite has port-a-potties for each cabin and for groups of campsites. Water was clean and had no oder.
The only concern noted was the bath house. It was poorly lighted and made of what looked like left over materials.
The gentleman that checked us in was a wealth of knowledge. He told us all about the campground and told us they offer an outdoor shower. Their were two outdoor shower stalls which were shower curtains next to the shower house.
Patrick C.Scout
Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
Great Stay
Stopped here for a quick overnight and this beautiful campground had us wishing we could stay longer.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
Convenient off the road boondocking
Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer.
True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked
Sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals.
We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays.
Casey L.RangerMeadow Creek Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Spacious Sites with No Shade
Nice NPS campground. There are 17 sites, all free FCFS tent only sites. We thought we’d have a hard time finding a spot on a Friday night but it was less than half full the whole 4 nights we were there. Only one vault toilet was open. Sites are flat, large and spaced out. However the trees are very newly planted so they provide no shade or privacy. Quick access to 64 and Sandstone Visitor Center. The biggest con to this is the multi-track railroad right next to the campground. They go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations. But otherwise was a good base camp for exploring New River Gorge.
- Ioan P.Legend
Little Beaver State Park Campground
Super nice
This campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet.
Snezana H.Traveler
Camp Cacapon
One of the best camps ever!
We chose Sullivan’s Camp Cacapon for our first “glamping” trip, and we are so glad we did that! The camp is quiet and immaculately maintained, and it is situated in a lovely area along the river. We stayed in two brand new, enormous glamping tents. Each tent had two comfy queen-size beds, a heater, a fan, and two lamps with USB ports (a touch of luxury). The wi-fi in the camp worked very well for us, and we used it to exchange photos taken while hiking in the nearby Cacapon Resort State Park. The owners thought of everything—they even provided carts to transport your belongings to the site. The pavilion was nice and spacious, and it protected us from rain during dinner. The camp hosts were warm and friendly. We highly recommend this camp, and will be returning for sure!
- HHeather E.Guide
Little Beaver State Park Campground
Nice stop
Nice spot to stop for a night on our way north - level private spot for our rooftop tent. Sites 38-45 have the most privacy. Check website as we were there during a fire ban.
- Ioan P.Legend
Falling Waters Campsite
Very nice and clean
This campground is nice, convenient for one 🌙 night, but is very tight and almost no privacy . The staff here are very friendly and nice.
Jeff H.Guide
Coopers Rock State Forest
McCollum Campground
A nice campground in a beautiful area. Currently, McCollum has 25 campsites, but a new section is under construction. The sites are relatively level for such a hilly area, but we did need to do a little extra positioning of our camper. Site 22 is a pull through site and feels extra large compared to others. No water at this site but is does have 30 and 15 amp service.
There is a small camp store with the basics and a larger outpost just down the road where many of the trail heads are located. There is a bit of a Wi-Fi signal but is only accessible when you're at the camp store.
Fantastic hiking in the area! Lots of interesting scenery and rock formations to explore.
Bath house was clean and the water was hot.
Definitely recommend staying here.
Tiel M.Traveler
Middle Ridge Campground
Second Visit just as great
I came back for the second time in as many months. The owner reached out on the day I was arriving to let me know she was heading out for the weekend and ask if I needed any firework delivered before she left.
Campground was quiet just like last time. Really only saw one other person the entire weekend.
James P.Legend
Cokeley Campground — North Bend State Park
Nice state park
Come in via Harrisville as the way in via Cairo has very bad roads. Campground is very nice and well maintained. Sites have electricity and water; dump station is very well done and easily accessible with any RV configuration.
Tanner W.Scout
Arrowhead Bike Farm
Great spot
Great spot and very close to the national park, but site 5 was very un-level.
- CChalang R.Traveler
Eagle Rock Campground
Great for a night
Was coming back from fishing and need a place to sleep without paying for a hotel. Great place honestly. I don’t really have anything negative to say about it. At $10 and fishing, I’ll definitely be back.
- Harley G.Guide
Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
First night
This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.
Guide to West Virginia
West Virginia offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping, with its lush landscapes and diverse outdoor activities. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, the state's campgrounds provide a perfect escape into nature.
Scenic Outdoor Activities
- Experience the beauty of the New River Gorge while camping at Chestnut Creek Campground, where you can enjoy hiking and exploring nearby trails.
- For a more secluded experience, Little River Dispersed Campsites offers access to wildflower-filled spots right by the river, perfect for fishing and relaxing.
- If you're looking for a unique adventure, Plum Orchard Lake WMA is ideal for kayaking and fishing, surrounded by serene natural beauty.
Affordable Tent Camping Options
- Tent camping at Eagle Rock Campground is budget-friendly, with rates starting at just $10 per night, making it a great choice for those looking to save.
- At Meadow Creek Campground, you can enjoy spacious sites for free, providing an excellent opportunity for a cost-effective getaway.
- Barnum Whitewater Area offers primitive campsites for $10 a night, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without breaking the bank.
Essential Amenities and Features
- Brooklyn Campground provides a unique riverside experience with basic amenities like toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay.
- Enjoy the rustic charm of Goforth Mountain Homestead, where you can camp on a private homestead with access to fishing and hiking on the property.
- Camp Ara features drinking water and electric hookups, along with warm hospitality from the hosts, making it a welcoming spot for campers.