War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
Facility · West Virginia ·
Managed by the National Park Service
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (National Preserve) · Open Access
- 2,531 ft
- Elevation
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.
Getting there
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.
37.84526, -80.98518 · 37°50'42.9"N 80°59'6.7"W
Typical weather
Typically 81°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 41 | 44 | 53 | 64 | 72 | 78 | 81 | 80 | 74 | 64 | 53 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 27 | 33 | 43 | 51 | 59 | 62 | 61 | 55 | 44 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip in | 3.1 | 3.1 | 4.0 | 3.6 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 3.7 | 3.2 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
- Can you reserve a site at War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground?
- No. War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
- Grandview Playground Shelter 4.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Grandview Shelter 1 4.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Grandview Shelter 4 4.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Grandview Shelter 3 4.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Grandview Shelter 2 4.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Glade Creek Campground 1.9 mi · Facility
- Grandview Sandbar 3.8 mi · Facility
- Grandview Visitor Center 4.4 mi · Facility
- Thayer Campground 4.7 mi · Facility
- Meadow Creek Campground 4.8 mi · Facility
- Army Camp 6.3 mi · Facility
- Sandstone Visitor Center 6.4 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone (304) 465-0508
- Email neri_interpretation@nps.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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