Sandstone, West Virginia serves as a gateway to numerous camping opportunities within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Meadow Creek Campground offers tent-only camping with 17 free first-come, first-served sites, while Army Camp provides free dispersed camping for tents and RVs. The region includes multiple National Park Service campgrounds such as Glade Creek and Grandview Sandbar, plus nearby state park options like Little Beaver State Park with cabins and RV hookups. Most National Park campgrounds are primitive with vault toilets and no water sources.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing remote camping areas. Glade Creek Campground requires crossing a narrow one-lane bridge on a gravel road, while War Ridge Campground involves a "1 mile curvy mountain climb" that may challenge larger vehicles. Several campgrounds feature active railroad tracks nearby, with Meadow Creek experiencing trains "at all hours of day and night" that are "so loud you can feel the vibrations." Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent at most primitive sites, though some campers report having 1-2 bars of service. "The camp is presumably shaded year-round and is completely free," noted one visitor about Glade Creek Campground.
Camping along the New River ranks highly among visitors for scenery and accessibility. Tent sites at Meadow Creek are described as "flat, large and spaced out," though newer trees provide minimal shade or privacy. Several visitors mentioned abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at Glade Creek where one camper reported hearing barred owls at night. Waterfront access represents a common feature across multiple campgrounds, with sites at Berry's Campground occupying "prime riverfront location." Winter camping remains possible at some locations, with one visitor noting Meadow Creek Campground is "open year round - a no hunting campsite." Campers consistently note the value of free National Park Service campgrounds, though they recommend arriving early on weekends as the limited sites fill quickly.
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Round 1 of 5
"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"
"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."
$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."
"This campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet."
$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!"
"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."
"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."
"This campground rests by Bluestone Lake, which is where the Bluestone River runs runs into the New River."
"We stayed in Meador site 14, which was the furthest away from the bath house (still only maybe 150 yards), but it was on the water & was the most secluded (just meaning it's at the end of the row not"
"My only complaint was around 2200 when someone, probably a local, drove in and started a fire while listening to country music on their car stereo."
"Quick access to 64 and Sandstone Visitor Center. The biggest con to this is the multi-track railroad right next to the campground."
"Just off the river and just off the highway, no water."
$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."
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.
TravelerWe are here off season so there aren’t a lot of other campers but it is beautiful, quiet and very well kept.
TravelerDrove here to find it closed.
TravelerThis is a lovely little cabin resort with 3 RV sites. We are here just 1 night enroute. It is beautiful and well maintained. I would definitely come back.
ScoutNice even sites with firepits and picnic table. You're not super secluded and you will hear your neighbors. Overall a great place if you wanna just have a cozy night or two camping. Beautiful creek access too.
ScoutCaldwell Fields is a great group campground with clean, large bathrooms (one for men, one for women, but they're identical pit toilets in the toilet facility) with a large firepit and creek access. Nice hikes walking distance with lots of beautiful stars, trees, and wildlife! Make sure you don't need to text though, you only are able to send messages via satelite.
LegendCranberry River dispersed camping along Forest Road 76 offers quiet, scenic, riverside primitive campsites with excellent fishing and easy access to the surrounding wilderness. We stayed a couple of nights at Site 8 and had great river access with only a small amount of road traffic. There were campers at about five other sites during our stay, but it still felt peaceful and spread out. With inexpensive sites spaced along roughly five miles of road, this is a great area to camp. Roads like this in West Virginia are home to some of my favorite campsites, and we will definitely be back.
Check out all the sites with GPS locations in our video.
https://youtu.be/q6G3fhvmfoY
LegendSummit Lake Campground is a quiet, clean campground in the Monongahela National Forest. I stayed one night and really enjoyed the fishing on the lake. The campground wasn’t busy, the sites were well maintained, and it was a relaxing place to spend the night surrounded by nature.
Check out the 360° Drive through showing all the sites.
https://youtu.be/GxE0sj5xZ98
LegendWe stayed at Cranberry Campground for one night and really enjoyed how quiet and peaceful it was. There were only a couple of other campers in the campground, and we were able to get a site in the back away from them, which made it feel like we had the place to ourselves. The campground is spacious, well kept, and surrounded by forest, making it a great spot to relax and unwind. If you’re looking for a quiet National Forest campground with plenty of room and a secluded feel, this is a great place to stay.
Check out our 360° video that shows all campground and sites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlTOJ_YkSKg
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve surrounds Sandstone, West Virginia, offering camping options along elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,500 feet. Seasonal temperature shifts are significant, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter nights frequently dropping below freezing. Rain patterns affect water levels throughout the year, making conditions near the New River unpredictable.
Night sky viewing: At Army Camp Campground, visitors can experience exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "War Ridge is beautiful! I am alone up here (no other campers) and the night sky is amazing. Perk: you have cell signal. It is quiet and peaceful and the view is amazing," notes one visitor.
Fishing access: Fish multiple species along the New River from various campgrounds. The Glade Creek Campground provides direct access to both creek and river fishing. "The second oldest river in the world new river meet glade creek at the campgrounds. This place has trails that are to die for," shares a camper who appreciates the water access.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities beyond what's available at developed sites. "Heard a Barred Owl at night. Was able to let my dog off the leash down by the river to play and even played frisbee in our campsite and on the camp road," reports a Glade Creek visitor who enjoyed the natural setting.
Free camping options: Several National Park Service campgrounds charge no fee, with Stone Cliff Campground offering a unique riverside experience. "Location was amazing. Sites are first come first served, no reservation needed. Plenty of parking with 6+ isolated camp sites, all with view of river," writes one camper who appreciated the accessibility.
Accessible facilities: Wheelchair-accessible sites are available at select locations. "Showed up Saturday evening and was able to get a great spot with a view of the river," mentions a visitor to Grandview Sandbar Campground, referencing the handicap-accessible spots that provide prime river views.
Privacy between sites: Campground layout varies significantly across the area. "Private and beautiful. We went in the middle of the week, on a Tuesday. It had been raining a lot the days before but did not rain at all the three days we stayed. It was incredibly private, we were the only ones staying overnight," shares a Stone Cliff camper about the secluded nature of certain sites.
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds, affecting sleep quality. At Meadow Creek Campground, "They go by pretty frequently at all hours of day and night and are so loud you can feel the vibrations." The tent-only campground has 17 free first-come, first-served sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites vary in quality and difficulty. The route to War Ridge Campground includes a "1 mile curvy mountain climb to get here but our 30 ft class A made it just fine!!" according to one RVer who successfully navigated the challenging terrain.
Water availability: No potable water exists at most primitive sites. "No sources of freshwater available @ the campground. The nearest convenient store is some miles away," notes a Glade Creek visitor, emphasizing the need to bring your own supplies.
Weather impact: Rapid weather changes can affect camping conditions. "It rained the entire time I was there, yet I still enjoyed my stay. Campsite was clean and the other campers were quiet," shares a Grandview Sandbar visitor who experienced typical regional precipitation.
Playground proximity: Little Beaver State Park offers developed recreation facilities for children. "A nice playground for children. Lots of deer about. The tent sites have water, fire ring, table and nice shade. Lots of lovely trails to explore," according to a visitor who found the amenities family-friendly.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature river access suitable for supervised water play. "Big beach area to play in the water so perfect for my dog and kid. No one was around so we had the place to ourselves but each area is well spaced," reports a Glade Creek visitor who enjoyed the riverside recreation.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer regular wildlife encounters that engage children. "We enjoyed a hike around the lake and then went on our way. I will be back for their camping season and to check out more of the trails," shares a Little Beaver visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Leveling challenges: Many primitive sites require effort to level larger rigs. "Summer Wind was inexpensive compared to some other places we stopped in West Virginia. Highly recommend the Sandstone Visitors Center in the national park, and a visit to Hinton," notes a visitor to Summer Wind RV Park, highlighting the advantages of a commercial campground with level sites.
Hook-up availability: Limited full-service sites exist in the immediate Sandstone area. "Amazingly beautiful! Relaxing! Quiet! Recharge here! Full hook ups, dog friendly, very level gravel site with a stunning view of the pastures," shares a Summer Wind camper about the developed facilities.
Bridge clearance concerns: Some campground access roads include narrow bridges. "The Glade Creek Road to the campground is not too bad but there is a narrow one-lane bridge you must cross," cautions a visitor about the infrastructure limitations that may challenge wider vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp near Sandstone Falls in West Virginia?
Several camping options exist near Sandstone Falls in West Virginia. Grandview Sandbar Campground offers free camping with basic toilet facilities and convenient drive-in access within New River Gorge National Park. For those seeking riverside camping with more amenities, Stone Cliff Campground provides another free option with toilet facilities and beautiful river views. Both campgrounds offer easy access to Sandstone Falls and are perfect bases for exploring the area. If you're willing to travel slightly farther, Battle Run Campground on Summersville Lake provides additional recreation opportunities with swimming, fishing, and hiking options.
What facilities are available at Sandstone Campground?
Facilities at campgrounds near Sandstone typically include basic amenities suited for various camping styles. Summer Wind RV Park offers electric hookups (30 amp available), stunning mountain views, and accommodates RVs in a peaceful setting overlooking pastures. For a more primitive experience, Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite provides basic camping with access to the scenic rail trail. Most campgrounds in the area offer toilet facilities, and some provide water access. It's advisable to bring your own drinking water for primitive sites and check ahead for specific amenities as they vary by location.
What activities can I do at Sandstone Falls while camping?
Sandstone Falls offers numerous outdoor activities for campers. The area is perfect for hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. While staying at Babcock State Park Campground, you can visit the iconic grist mill (the most photographed spot in West Virginia) and explore spectacular trails. Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park provides excellent river access for fishing, swimming, and paddling, plus connections to fantastic rail trails. The New River Gorge region around Sandstone Falls is also renowned for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and photography opportunities, making it an outdoor enthusiast's paradise in all seasons.
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