Stone Cliff Campground

Stone Cliff Campground is a free, primitive tent campground near Thurmond, right beside the New River. It has seven walk-in sites: five on a sandy beach and two in the woods. It suits tent campers who want a riverside base and don't mind carrying their gear from the parking area. There are no drive-in sites; RV, camper, and car camping are prohibited.

Sites are first-come, first-served, with no reservations. The park says campgrounds fill quickly in busy months, so keep a backup in mind. Stone Cliff has year-round composting toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, but no drinking water, electricity, showers, or camp store. Bring food and water; shops and gas stations are several miles away. The campsites aren't wheelchair-accessible, though the composting restrooms are.

The New River is right beside camp, but swimming is strongly discouraged. Powerful currents, rocky banks, shoals, and sudden drop-offs make it hazardous. The park recommends wearing an approved personal flotation device near the bank. Fishing and boating are possible on the river; don't mistake the campground's sandy beach for a swimming area.

Stone Cliff Trail begins at the campground and follows an old road beside the river. At its far end, an eleven-acre patch of old-growth forest includes chinquapin oak, northern red oak, bitternut hickory, and buckeye. Published trail distances differ, so use current route information if you're planning the hike.