Glade Creek Campground
The Quick Take
Glade Creek is the kind of campground that rewards people willing to trade convenience for character. Tucked at the end of a six-mile road near the banks of the New River, this tiny campground offers just a handful of sites split between walk-in tent spots and drive-in options for smaller rigs. There are no showers, no potable water, no camp store -- just you, the river, and the Glade Creek Trailhead right at your doorstep. The kicker? It's completely free, year-round. That's increasingly rare in the national park system. The walk-in sites feel genuinely secluded, while the drive-in spots work for car campers who want easy access without roughing it too hard. This is the pick for experienced campers who pack their own water and prefer hearing the river over a generator.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 11 sites are reservable.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 25 feet. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
There is one wheelchair accessible campsite at this location. Composting restroom facilities are wheelchair accessible. The area also includes wheelchair accessible picnic area, fishing area, and a small portion of the Glade Creek Trail. Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Rules to Know
- Fires:•Use existing fire rings for campfires.
- Generators:•Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
- Bear Safety:Dispose of trash in a bear-proof trash receptacle.
- Stay Limit:•Camping limit of no more than a total of 14 days per 28-day period in any park campground.
Pro Tips
Bring all your water -- there is no potable source at the campground. Plan on at least a gallon per person per day, more in summer. The nearest reliable water fill-up is back toward Beckley, so top off before you commit to that six-mile access road.
The Glade Creek Trail starts right from camp and connects to some of the park's best waterfall scenery. Hit the trail early morning before day-hikers arrive from the trailhead parking area -- you have a serious advantage being camped steps away.
Cell service is listed as available, but don't count on it being strong or consistent this deep in the gorge. Download any maps, reservation confirmations, or trail info before you drive in. A paper map of the park is worth its weight in gold here.
Photos
NPS photo
NPS photo
NPS photoGetting There
Directions
Located at the end of Glade Creek Road, off Route 41 near Prince. Coming from Beckley, Glade Creek Road is a well-marked right hand turn before crossing the New River. Follow Glade Creek Road for six miles to the campground
Get directions
