War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
37.8453, -80.9852 · Park boundary: National Park Service
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. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites or any parking area is strictly prohibited.
- Every day
- All Day
War Ridge Campground is open year round.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
These primitive camping areas have no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities. All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted. There are no fees for camping.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.
- Cell reception
- Yes - year round
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Drinking water
- No water
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Food storage lockers
- No
- Host on site
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
- Toilets
- No Toilets
- Trash & recycling
- No
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed · up to 25 ft
- Trailers
- Allowed · up to 25 ft
- Access roads
- Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
- Classification
- Primitive Camping Areas
- Cell service
- Cell service is spotty and may not be reliable based on provider, weather, and location.
There are no wheelchair accessible campsites or restrooms at this location.
There are no ADA compliant accessible campsites or restrooms at this location.
Use existing fire rings at campsites. Burn only dead wood found on the ground. Damaging or cutting down trees or branches for firewood is prohibited.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
From Beckley, take Highway 41 to McCreery, cross the river, and continue towards Danese. Turn right onto Backus Mountain Road, drive approximately 1 1/2 miles and turn right at the gravel road (SR 22/7). The campground is on your right approximately 1/2 mile off Backus Road.
Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.
•Camp only in designated campsites. •RV, Camper, and Car camping only permitted at drive-in campsites. •No more than 2 tents or 1 tent and 1 RV/Camper per campsite. •No more than 2 vehicles permitted per campsite. •Campers must occupy permitted campsites each night. •No more than 8 people and 4 pets per campsite. •Camping limit of no more than a total of 14 days per 28-day period in any park campground. •Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. •Pets must be kept on a leash. •Use existing fire rings for campfires. Burn only dead wood found on the ground. •Use the provided toilet facilities. •Do not drive nails into trees or hang lanterns against trees. •Public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and possession of alcohol by minors is prohibited. •Littering is prohibited. Dispose of trash in a bear-proof trash receptacle. •Avoid glass containers, use plastic or aluminum. •Respect all other park visitors and campers.
Drive to War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
Byway plans the scenic way in — real places, real weather, every stop verified. Zero hallucinations. Google Maps for turns. Byway for soul.