War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground

Overview

This is the only campground in the park that is not along the river. It is located on a ridgetop near Backus Mountain. There are 8 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or campers. Only small (less than 25 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Camp only at designated sites.

Operator

National Park

Camping types

Tent, Free camping

Sites

8 campsites

Fee

Free

Reservations

No online reservations listed

Phone

304-465-0508

Amenities

Location

Nearby adventures

Outdoor things to do around War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground, shown on the map above. Distances are straight-line from the campground, so driving or walking will be longer; trail details are approximate. Confirm access and conditions with the land manager.

Hikes and trailheads

• Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel TrailHike · 30-120 Minutes · 4.7 mi from camp

  The terrain is crushed rock for most of the trail, but there are a few areas that the terrain can be a bit uneven. National Park Service

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• Castle Rock TrailHike · 0.5 mi long · 30-120 Minutes · 4.3 mi from camp

  Amazing hike that brings you right next to the layers of rocks that make-up the gorge. National Park Service

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• Trail Run Grandview Rim TrailHike · 4.3 mi from camp

  This is an out and back route that is on different compositions. National Park Service

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• Glade Creek TrailHike · 5.5 mi long · 1.9 mi from campShow on map
• Polls Plateau TrailHike · 4.8 mi long · 3.7 mi from campShow on map
• Grandview Rim TrailHike · 1.5 mi long · 0-2 Hours · 4.2 mi from camp

  A trail starting near Main Overlook Trailhead, maintained by National Park.

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Mountain biking

• Bicycling at New River GorgeBike ride · 14.3 mi from camp

  New River Gorge National River offers over fifty miles of mountain bike trails, varying from easy to difficult in terrain and distance. National Park Service

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Rivers and rafting

• Whitewater BoatingPaddling and rafting · 16.3 mi from camp

  Whitewater rafting and kayaking is one of the more popular activities at New River Gorge. National Park Service

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Scenic sights

• Backus MountainPeak · 2,825 ft · 1.0 mi from campShow on map
• Plumley KnobPeak · 3,077 ft · 2.2 mi from campShow on map
• Turkey Spur OverlookViewpoint · 4.2 mi from camp

  A viewpoint along Grandview Rim Trail.

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• Main OverlookViewpoint · 4.3 mi from camp

  A viewpoint along Tunnel Trail.

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• Sandstone FallsWaterfall · 7.4 mi from camp

  A waterfall along Island Loop Trail.

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Climbing and snow sports

• Climbing at New River GorgeClimbing · 16.3 mi from camp

  With over 1,400 established climbing routes, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has become one of the most popular climbing locations in the country. National Park Service

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• Honeymooner AreaClimbing · 15.0 mi from campShow on map
• Party Buttress AreaClimbing · 15.1 mi from campShow on map

Trail and sight data: National Park Service and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Reviews

Data sources

• National Park Service API — Public domain (U.S. Government work)

Listing details come from the sources above and may be out of date. Confirm fees, dates and closures with the operator before you travel.