Meadow Creek Campground

Star4.19
71 reviews
774 South Riverside Road, Sandstone, WV, 25977, USA

Quick Facts

1,280 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens New River Gorge National Park & Preserve site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Meadow Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is free at Meadow Creek Campground. There are no reservation fees or service charges as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(304) 465-0508NERI_Interpretation@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 71 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews generally praise the campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and affordability (free camping). However, the proximity to active railroad tracks and the lack of water and electricity are frequently cited as drawbacks. Sentiment trends show mixed experiences depending on individual tolerance for train noise."

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Campground Map

774 South Riverside Road, Sandstone, WV, 25977, USA

Meadow Creek Campground

774 South Riverside Road, Sandstone, WV, 25977, USA

Driving directionsExit Interstate 64 at exit 139 and drive north past Sandstone Visitor Center towards Meadow Creek. In about 1.5 miles turn left and cross the railroad tracks. Bear right and follow the road into the campground.
The railroad crossing leading to the campground is dangerous for RVs and trailers, prohibiting their access. The campground is tent-only due to this limitation. Additionally, the turn off the tracks is tight and overall road conditions are safe for smaller vehicles.
Nearby places
Sandstone - 1.5 miles
Nearby supplies
Null

Best Time to Camp at Meadow Creek Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Appalachian weather at Meadow Creek, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinctive palette. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and crisp, dry days perfect for hiking, while autumn transforms the surrounding hills into a tapestry of gold and crimson under brilliantly clear skies. Summer brings the heat of long days ideal for river adventures, though wise campers prepare for sudden mountain storms. Winter camping rewards the hardy with crystalline nights and frost-kissed mornings, though biting winds can sweep across the open meadow, reminding visitors of nature's untamed power.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; summer brings more visitors and train noise remains a factor.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is noted as less crowded and peaceful in reviews; scenic foliage likely attractive.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is described as pleasant and less crowded with crisp, dry days in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Cold temperatures reduce usability; a few reviews mention winter tent camping but it's challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, subject to seasonal weather conditions.
  • Current Alerts: There are no active alerts specific to the campground.

About Meadow Creek Campground

Escape to the authentic wilderness experience at Meadow Creek Campground, where seventeen pristine tent sites await in an expansive meadow just a mile from Sandstone Visitor Center. This free, primitive camping haven preserves the essence of backcountry adventure—no RVs or trailers disturb the natural setting, as the historic railroad crossing that guards the entrance ensures only tent campers can access this peaceful retreat. While the rhythmic rumble of CSX freight trains and their echoing horns provide a uniquely American soundtrack to your stay, the campground's open design and spacious sites offer plenty of room to spread out and embrace the raw beauty of West Virginia's wilderness.
Meadow Creek Campground is strictly tent-only. "No RVs, or Campers. It's free," Amanda Hall emphasized.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No formal check-in time is specified as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check-out
No formal check-out time is specified as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stay Limit
Camping is available for up to 12 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Meadow Creek Campground are limited, emphasizing its proximity to the New River Gorge National Park for outdoor recreation. Wildlife viewing and observing coal trains passing by are notable features. "You can watch the coal trains go by," Chelsea Adams-Perez shared, adding it creates a unique experience.
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation in a serene environment.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to active freight railroad tracks is a notable hazard, with train horns and vibrations occurring at all hours. The lack of shade can also lead to exposure during hot days. Windy conditions and minimal separation between sites may reduce privacy and comfort.
Active AlertsThere are no active alerts specific to the campground.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Meadow Creek Campground

Reviews

4.2
71 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Meadow Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and affordability (free camping). However, the proximity to active railroad tracks and the lack of water and electricity are frequently cited as drawbacks. Sentiment trends show mixed experiences depending on individual tolerance for train noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive mentions include free camping, clean vault toilets, spacious and flat tent sites, pet-friendly policies, decent Verizon cell service, and scenic views of the New River and surrounding hills.
Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include frequent and loud train noise, especially at night, lack of privacy between sites, absence of water and electrical hookups, occasional litter at campsites, and primitive...
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Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing earplugs to mitigate train noise, bringing sufficient water, and arriving early to secure preferred campsites. "Be prepared to be woken up 12 times," Daniel Berry advised...
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Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall and spring appear less crowded, with reviews indicating peaceful experiences during these seasons. Winter reviews suggest poor usability due to cold temperatures, while summer may bring...
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Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful campground. So green and peaceful except for the train activity," Shannon Bishop shared. "Great camping option near the river," J S added, while Nicholas Travis emphasized, "Bring...
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Based on 71 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #1 was noted by Nicole Adams to have litter issues left by previous visitors. Specific sites closer to the railroad were highlighted as noisier.
Based on 71 reviews

Accessibility Features

No explicit reviews from individuals with accessibility needs. Limited accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 71 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly policies are appreciated by users. "Pet friendly," Sister Daniel remarked positively.
Based on 71 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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