War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
The Quick Take
War Ridge is the oddball of New River Gorge's campground lineup -- the only one that ditches the riverside setting for a ridgetop perch near Backus Mountain. With just eight drive-in sites and zero amenities beyond cell service (no water, no flush toilets, no camp store), this is about as stripped-down as car camping gets. The trade-off is real solitude: while the river-bottom campgrounds draw the rafting crowd, War Ridge sits quietly above it all, often with sites available when everything else is full. It is free and open year-round, which makes it a legitimate four-season option if you are self-sufficient. Best for experienced campers who want a quiet base camp without the social scene, or budget travelers willing to haul their own water for the privilege of camping alone on a mountain ridge.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 8 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
Accessible restrooms available. There are no wheelchair accessible campsites or restrooms at this location. 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 every drop of water you will need -- there is no potable water at War Ridge and the nearest reliable fill-up is back toward Beckley. Plan on at least two gallons per person per day, more in summer.
The ridgetop location means you are above the river gorge fog that settles in on cool mornings, and the elevation catches breezes that keep bugs more manageable than the humid bottomland campgrounds. Fall camping here is particularly rewarding with views through thinning foliage.
The access road (SR 22/7) is gravel and narrow -- scout it in daylight your first time. If you are bringing an RV or camper, stay well under the 25-foot limit; the turns and site pads favor pop-ups and small trailers far more than anything rigid-sided.
Photos
NPS photo
Dave Bieri
Dave BieriGetting There
Directions
From Beckley, take Highway 41 to McCreery, cross the river, and continue towards Danese. Turn right onto Backus Mountain Road, drive approximately 1 1/2 miles and turn right at the gravel road (SR 22/7). The campground is on your right approximately 1/2 mile off Backus Road.
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