Pros & cons
PROS
- Free, first-come sites with tables, fire rings, and grills
- Short walk to New River for fishing and relaxing by the water
CONS
- No potable water or hookups and little to no cell service
- Narrow one-lane access road; stressful for larger rigs
Overview
If you want a quiet, no-frills base right by the New River, Army Camp Campground is the sweet spot. It’s primitive, peaceful, and free—perfect for tents, vans, and smaller trailers that don’t need hookups. You can’t camp directly on the riverbank, but it’s a short, easy walk to a beach-like access area. Expect the sounds of moving water and starry nights, not notifications.
Campsites & Amenities
There are 11 drive-in sites on a first-come, first-served loop. Each has a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and grill, plus lantern poles. Vault (pit) toilets are generally kept clean, and there are trash receptacles/dumpsters on-site. There’s no potable water, electricity, or showers, so arrive fully self-sufficient.
Getting There & Rigs
The spur road is narrow, bumpy, and mostly one lane with low branches—totally fine for tents, vans, and small trailers, but a white-knuckle squeeze for bigger rigs. Go slow and arrive earlier in the day so you can pick a site without jockeying.
River Safety
The New River is powerful and dynamic. Treat swimming and wading with real caution—wear a PFD if you enter the water and keep an eye on changing levels, especially after storms. Eddies and currents can surprise even strong swimmers.
Wildlife & Campcraft
Critter activity (including bears) has been reported. Keep a clean camp and store all food and smellables securely. Warm months can be buggy—bring repellent and plan for it.
Best Time to Visit
Sites often fill by afternoon, especially on weekends. Your best move is to roll in on weekday mornings or midday. After heavy rain, expect higher river flows and potentially rising levels.
A Bit of History
Locals still call this area “Camp Prince” or “Army Camp” thanks to its 1950s past as a training and testing site for the U.S. Army’s 1428th Engineer Float Bridge Company. Temporary bridge operations ended in 1957, and the camp closed in the early 1960s. You can still spot old foundations and a concrete water tank along the riverbank.
Where it is
37.8578, -81.0994Tips for Army Camp Campground
- 01Arrive morning or midday—FCFS sites often fill by afternoon.
- 02Bring all drinking and cooking water; there is none onsite.
- 03Download offline maps; cell service is spotty to nonexistent in camp.
- 04The access road is narrow one-lane—best for tents, vans, and small trailers.
- 05Treat the New River with caution; wear a PFD if you enter and watch levels.
Amenities
Near Army Camp Campground
All places →All trails →
2 mi awayPrince Brothers General Store-Berry StoreA photogenic coal‑era general store you can only view from the road
2.1 mi awayPrince DepotArt Deco Amtrak stop with living railroad history in the gorgeRestroom · Parking
2.2 mi awayLittle Laurel TrailSteep old road to Royal’s ruins; quiet, wildflower-rich workout.Challenging · 5.2 mi · 3.5 hr
2.2 mi awayTurkey Spur OverlookMulti-platform perch with near-360 views of the New RiverParking · Scenic Viewpoint
2.5 mi awayGrandview North OverlookRim perch with sweeping gorge views on the Grandview Rim TrailParking · Restroom
2.5 mi awayKate's Falls TrailShort, steep spur to a moody waterfall—best after recent rain.Challenging · 0.4 mi · 30 min
2.7 mi awayBig Buck TrailQuiet, kid-friendly forest loop with tree ID signs near GrandviewEasy · 0.9 mi · 24 min
2.8 mi awayCastle Rock TrailShort, punchy loop along towering cliffs with glimpses into the gorge.Moderate · 1.1 mi · 1 hr
