Meadow Creek Campground
4.1423 reviews774 South Riverside Road, Sandstone, WV, 25977, USA
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(304) 465-0508NERI_Interpretation@nps.gov
What Campers Say
4.14
Satisfactory
Based on 23 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."
Fees & Passes at Meadow Creek Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Camping is available for up to 12 days.
Cancellation: This campground does not require reservations, so cancellations do not apply.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official New River Gorge National Park & Preserve website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceWhile Meadow Creek itself whispers few tales of the past, its location within the legendary New River Gorge National Park places campers at the heart of one of America's most storied landscapes. Here, where ancient rivers carved deep canyons and coal mining communities once thrived, modern adventurers can connect with the enduring spirit of Appalachian resilience and natural wonder that defines this remarkable region.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationNestled within the rolling topography of the New River Gorge region, Meadow Creek Campground offers campers a gentle introduction to West Virginia's mountain landscape, though specific elevation details remain part of the area's mysterious allure.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to panoramic views that stretch in every direction—Meadow Creek's sprawling open field offers an unobstructed 360-degree canvas of West Virginia's rolling hills. This vast meadow setting creates an almost prairie-like atmosphere unique among Eastern campgrounds, where the sky feels bigger and the horizon more distant. While shade is scarce in this sun-drenched expanse, the openness allows for exceptional stargazing and creates a sense of boundless freedom rarely found in more forested campgrounds. The nearby New River adds its ancient presence to the scene, promising adventure just beyond the meadow's edge.
Geological RegionMeadow Creek sits within one of Earth's oldest river valleys, where the New River has carved its course for over 300 million years through the Appalachian plateau. The campground's verdant meadow spreads across river-deposited soils, surrounded by the characteristic hills and hollows of West Virginia's geological wonderland. The parallel CSX railroad tracks serve as a reminder of how human engineering has followed these natural corridors for generations, with steel rails tracing paths first carved by water through ancient stone. This unique setting places campers at the intersection of geological time and human history, where freight trains echo through valleys shaped by eons of natural forces.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited, with no explicit mention of accommodations for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and flat, providing ample space for tents, but lacking in foliage for privacy, as noted by Sister Daniel and Amanda Hall.
Sites PrivacyMinimal privacy due to lack of foliage between campsites.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEarplugs are recommended for mitigating train noise. Choose sites further away from the railroad tracks for less disturbance.
Best Campsites
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The campground does not specify the maximum number of guests per site.
Groups
No group camping sites are specified as available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 17 tent sites laid out in an open field with minimal shade and foliage. Sites include fire grills and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, subject to seasonal weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served, as reservations are not allowed.
Cancellation PolicyThis campground does not require reservations, so cancellations do not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
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 viewing
The campground offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation in a serene environment.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not referenced.Water Sports
Water sports are not explicitly mentioned, though proximity to the New River suggests potential opportunities outside the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned, but train noise may disrupt sleep at all hours.
Hazards
General hazardsProximity 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.
Weather at Meadow Creek Campground
49
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 0.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Sandstone Visitor Center - 1 mile from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are available on-site. Reviews note occasional issues with litter left by previous campers.
Proximity to water featuresLocated alongside the New River, with access to a boat launch.
Common complaintsRepeated complaints about the noise from trains passing near the campground, sometimes up to 12 times a night. Users also mention a lack of privacy due to the open field layout and the lack of water and electric facilities.
HostNo information about campground hosts was provided.
Campground Map
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
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
23 reviews
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 23 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 23 reviewsCommon 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...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
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 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
No explicit reviews from individuals with accessibility needs. Limited accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-friendly policies are appreciated by users. "Pet friendly," Sister Daniel remarked positively.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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