No reservations. No fees. That is the straightforward reality at Glade Creek Campground, a primitive camping area at the end of Glade Creek Road near Prince, West Virginia. As of 2026, all 11 sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which changes how you plan your trip compared to most other campgrounds. If you are looking for a free place to stay near the New River, this is one of the few options in the area that does not charge anything. This guide covers the site layout, what to expect, how to navigate the first-come system, and what the park service website does not mention.
For more, see complete visitor guide, all campgrounds, hiking trails, lodging and accommodations, and Campsites at Thayer Campground (2026 Guide).The 11 Sites: Layout and Options
The campground splits into two distinct types of sites. Six are walk-in tent-only sites. You park in a designated lot and carry your gear to the site. The other five are drive-in sites that accommodate tents, RVs, or campers. There is also one accessible site, though the data does not specify which category it falls under.
RV and Camper Size Limits
This is where the common mistake happens. Only small and medium RVs or campers are recommended here. Small means under 25 feet. Medium means 22 to 31.5 feet. If you are pulling anything longer than 31.5 feet, this campground will not work. The drive-in sites are not built for large rigs, and turning around on the narrow road at the end of the valley will be a problem. Rangers will tell you to measure your rig before committing to the drive.
What the Official Website Does Not Mention
Camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited. That includes car camping in the walk-in lot. The rule is enforced because the sites are small and the ecological impact of dispersed camping in this narrow valley would add up fast. Experienced visitors know to arrive with a backup plan if all 11 sites are full.
Primitive camping means no drinking water and no hookups. Limited restroom facilities are available, but the data does not specify whether those are pit toilets or vault toilets. Pack your own water. Bring a container large enough for cooking, drinking, and washing. There is no spigot on site.
Getting to Glade Creek Campground
The campground sits at the end of Glade Creek Road, off Route 41 near Prince, West Virginia. Coming from Beckley, Glade Creek Road is a well-marked right-hand turn before you cross the New River. Follow the road for about six miles. The surface changes from pavement to gravel at some point along the way. The last stretch feels narrower than you expect, and the trees crowd in close on both sides.
The physical address is Glade Creek Campground, Prince, WV, 25907. Cell service drops out somewhere along Glade Creek Road before you reach the campground. Download your maps and directions before you leave Beckley or the nearest town with a signal.
What Is Nearby
The campground is located near the banks of the New River and the Glade Creek Trailhead. The trailhead access is one of the main reasons people stay here. From the campground you can reach the trail without driving anywhere else. The New River itself is close enough that you can hear it at night when the wind is right. The sound is a steady low rumble, not a crash, and it carries through the trees differently depending on the season and recent rainfall.
Most first-time visitors underestimate how far the campground is from services. The nearest gas station, grocery store, and restaurants are back toward Beckley or over in Fayetteville. Stock up on supplies before you head down Glade Creek Road. Driving back out for ice or firewood is a 30-minute round trip minimum.
Primitive Camping: What You Are Signing Up For
This is not a developed campground. There are no showers, no flush toilets, no electricity, and no dump station. The sites are cleared patches of forest floor with a fire ring and maybe a picnic table. The data does not specify whether picnic tables are present at every site, so bring a camp chair and a portable surface for cooking.
The forested setting means shade is plentiful, but it also means damp ground in the morning. A ground tarp under your tent is not optional here. The leaf litter and duff hold moisture overnight even when it has not rained. Pack extra stakes too. The soil is loose in spots, and the standard four stakes that come with most tents will not hold in a breeze.
Year-Round Access
The campground is open year round. Hours are listed as "All Day" every day of the week. That means you can arrive at any time, but arriving after dark on the six-mile gravel road is not recommended. The road is narrow, the tree cover blocks moonlight, and finding an open site in the dark is harder than it sounds. Early morning is your best bet for securing a site
---
For more information, see our complete New River Gorge National Park Guide.