Grandview Sandbar
The Quick Take
Grandview Sandbar is the kind of campground that makes you wonder why anyone pays to camp. Free, year-round, and tucked along the New River with wooded sites that actually feel like you're somewhere — not just parked in a gravel lot. The trade-off is real: no running water, no flush toilets, no hookups, and a narrow gravel road that will test your patience if you're hauling anything wider than a mid-size trailer. But that's the filter that keeps it from turning into a zoo. The walk-in tent sites near the river are the prize here, offering the kind of streamside mornings that people pay resort prices for elsewhere. This is a campground for people who'd rather haul their own water than listen to a generator drone all night. If you want a genuine riverside camp in New River Gorge without spending a dime, Grandview Sandbar is your spot.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 16 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 are two wheelchair accessible campsites at this location. Composting restroom facilities are wheelchair accessible. 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
Grab one of the six walk-in tent sites if you can — they sit closer to the river and away from the drive-in loop. The slight inconvenience of carrying your gear a short distance buys you noticeably more quiet and better views. Arrive by early afternoon on summer Fridays, because free riverside sites do not stay empty long.
The access road off Glade Creek Road is tight and winding with no turnaround for large rigs. If your RV is anywhere near the 25-foot limit, do yourself a favor and drive the road empty first before committing. The left turn down to the campground is the sketchiest part.
Bring every drop of water you need — there is no potable water here, period. Plan on at least two gallons per person per day, more in summer. A collapsible water jug beats loose bottles every time. And pack out your trash methodically, because the bear-proof receptacles fill up fast on busy weekends.
Photos
NPS
NPS
NPSGetting There
Directions
Located on Glade Creek Road, off Route 41 near Prince. Coming from Beckley, Glade Creek Road is a well-marked right hand turn just before crossing the New River. Follow the gravel Glade Creek for one mile, then turn let down a short winding road to the campground.
Get directions
