
Grandview Sandbar
Free, primitive camping on the New River in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park. Ideal for hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Grandview Sandbar
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Free, primitive camping on the New River in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park. Ideal for hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers.
"A beautiful, free campground with river access, perfect for a rustic outdoor escape. "

🚗 Drive Carefully on Gravel
The 1-lane gravel drive to the campground is tight. Best for tents or small RVs. :car:
👂 Pack Earplugs for Trains
Trains frequently pass on the other side of the river, especially at night.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New River Access
Grandview Sandbar
Direct access to the New River for swimming, fishing, and launching small watercraft. Perfect for a refreshing dip or aquatic adventures.

Primitive Campsites
Grandview Sandbar Campground
Free, first-come, first-served sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Ideal for tents and small RVs, offering a true back-to-nature experience.

Nearby Hiking Trails
Grandview Area
Explore stunning trails like Endless Wall and Long Point, offering breathtaking views of the New River Gorge.
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Planning Your Visit
Free Camping & Primitive Sites
Access & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Gravel
The 1-lane gravel drive to the campground is tight. Best for tents or small RVs. :car:
👂 Pack Earplugs for Trains
Trains frequently pass on the other side of the river, especially at night.
🪵 Bring Your Own Firewood
Firewood is not sold nearby; purchase or haul it in before arriving.
💧 Vault Toilets Only
Be prepared for primitive facilities; no flushing toilets or showers available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Gravel
The 1-lane gravel drive to the campground is tight. Best for tents or small RVs. :car:
👂 Pack Earplugs for Trains
Trains frequently pass on the other side of the river, especially at night.
🪵 Bring Your Own Firewood
Firewood is not sold nearby; purchase or haul it in before arriving.
💧 Vault Toilets Only
Be prepared for primitive facilities; no flushing toilets or showers available.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
This campground welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grandview Sandbar is praised for its beautiful scenery, free primitive camping, and direct New River access, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the noise from nearby trains and the basic amenities (vault toilets, no showers) are noted drawbacks.
"Spent a week here leading up to Labor Day. It was beautiful! It’s pretty clean. The camping sites are very nice and close to the river. Quiet time is from 10-6. I believe from 10-6 it’s louder than the day time. A lot of vehicle traffic and trains blowing whistles very close to you… just across the river to be accurate. As you’d guess that’s the reason for my 4 not 5 star rating 🤣 Beautiful place loved it! Would definitely recommend!"
Peaceful_Gnome
"Very nice campground drive in or walk in sites. Close for a walk around the river. Or short drive to Glade Creek for a hike to waterfall swimming hole"
Jon Henderson
"A Free campground in the national park near the New River. Vault toilets. Small rv pop up tear drop or tent camping primitive camping. Walk in sites also. Beautiful scenery. Dog friendly. No playgrounds. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Train tracks across the river with a lot of trains at night hauling coal bring ear plugs . I would stay again. Some great hiking trails near by."
Randy Kunath. AfterAnotherAdventure
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grandview Sandbar is located in the New River Gorge National Park. Access is via a 1-lane gravel drive, which can be challenging for larger vehicles. It's recommended for tents or small RVs.
Yes, you can drive to Grandview Sandbar, but the road is a narrow gravel path. Larger RVs and trailers may find it difficult to navigate.
For smaller vehicles and tents, the gravel drive is manageable. Larger rigs should consider parking and walking in to scout sites.
The nearest towns for supplies are typically Fayetteville or Beckley, which are a short drive away. It's best to stock up before heading to the sandbar.
Yes, biking is a popular way to access the sandbar, especially for shuttle runs like the one from Glade Creek.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Grandview Sandbar Campground is a free campground within the New River Gorge National Park.
Sites are first-come, first-served. However, signs indicate that starting in 2023, reservations may be required and done online. It's best to check current regulations.
As a campground, it's generally accessible 24/7, but quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
While not explicitly stated, typical primitive campground stays are often limited. It's advisable to check with park rangers if planning an extended stay.
Amenities include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. There are no hookups, showers, or flushing toilets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on the New River. It's also a great base camp for hiking nearby trails and exploring the national park.
Yes, it's a great spot for a relaxing outdoor experience with family. Kids can enjoy the river access and exploring nature.
No, there are no playgrounds at this primitive campground. The focus is on natural recreation.
Expect noise from trains passing on the opposite side of the river, especially at night. Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Yes, Grandview Sandbar is dog-friendly, making it a good option for travelers with pets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are limited directly at the sandbar. Fayetteville and other nearby towns offer various restaurants, including popular spots like Cathedral Cafe.
Yes, each site has a fire ring, and some even have built-in grills, perfect for cooking meals outdoors.
It's recommended to purchase groceries in towns like Fayetteville or Beckley before arriving at the sandbar, as options are scarce nearby.
No, there is no potable water available at the campground. You'll need to bring all the water you need for drinking and cooking.
Yes, campfires are permitted in the provided fire rings, but ensure you have your own firewood.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the New River, the surrounding natural beauty, and the campsites. Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light.
While the sandbar itself is scenic, nearby overlooks like Grandview Overlook offer panoramic views of the New River Gorge.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing golden hour hues.
Yes, trains are a prominent feature, but be mindful of safety and respect private property when photographing them.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details of the trains or wildlife. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider exploring nearby family-friendly hikes like the relatively flat Long Point Trail. The dog-friendly nature of the campground is also a bonus for families with furry members. It's a great place to disconnect and enjoy quality time in nature without breaking the bank.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Be prepared for primitive camping, which means bringing all your own supplies, including firewood and water. This self-sufficiency aligns perfectly with a budget travel style. The lack of hookups and showers is a trade-off for the significant savings. It's an excellent way to experience the beauty of the New River Gorge without the expense of traditional campgrounds.
🚗 Road Trippers
Be mindful of the narrow gravel access road, which might be challenging for larger vehicles. However, for most cars and smaller campers, it's manageable. The proximity to scenic drives like the Back of the Dragon and Daniel Boone Trail makes it a convenient stop on a larger itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Grandview Sandbar
It's crucial to bring your own firewood, as it's not available for purchase nearby. Many reviewers mention the presence of trains on the opposite side of the river, which can be noisy, especially at night. Packing earplugs is a common recommendation for light sleepers. Despite these considerations, the free camping and proximity to the river make it a highly recommended spot for those seeking a rustic outdoor adventure.
For those looking to explore beyond the campsite, Grandview Sandbar serves as an excellent base camp. Its location provides easy access to various outdoor activities, from hiking and kayaking to rafting. The dog-friendly nature of the campground also makes it a great choice for travelers with pets.
Exploring the New River Gorge from Grandview Sandbar
Beyond the river, the area boasts exceptional hiking trails. Popular choices include the Endless Wall Trail, known for its stunning cliffside views, and the Long Point Trail, which offers iconic vistas of the New River Gorge Bridge. Other nearby attractions mentioned by visitors include the Grandview Overlook and Turkey Spur, providing diverse perspectives of the gorge's grandeur.
For adventure enthusiasts, the sandbar is an ideal starting point for kayaking and rafting trips. The proximity to put-in points and the river's accessibility make it a convenient hub for planning aquatic excursions.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit