Thayer Campground
04 reviewsPO Box 246, 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV, 25846, USA
Thayer Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Recreation Use fees vary by location and activity; reservation service fees are $8 online, $9 via the contact center, $3 in person.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil embrace of Thayer Campground, where the melodic flow of the New River serves as nature's soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. This intimate, tent-only sanctuary offers just four walk-in sites, promising an authentic back-to-basics camping experience far from the crowds and RV generators. Tucked away near the charming community of Thayer, this alcohol-free campground invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of the river and forest.
Thayer Campground is a rustic and primitive camping area catering exclusively to tent campers. It features four walk-in sites and prohibits RVs, campers, and car camping.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsEarly season adventurers will discover a landscape touched by winter's lingering presence, where crisp mountain air greets you at daybreak with temperatures hovering around 30°F before warming to a refreshing 44°F by afternoon. With only occasional rain showers (15% chance) and rare snow flurries (7% chance), the dry mountain climate creates perfect conditions for cozy campfire evenings. Moderate breezes whisper through the bare branches, carrying the promise of spring's arrival while maintaining winter's invigorating chill.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Appalachian wilderness, where ancient hardwoods and evergreens create a verdant canopy above your campsite. The New River, one of the oldest rivers on Earth, flows steadily past the campground, its waters reflecting the surrounding forest like a natural mirror. Morning mists rise from the river valley, while evening brings a symphony of wildlife sounds echoing through the lush vegetation that blankets this pristine mountain landscape.
Geological RegionNestled within the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Thayer Campground rests along the legendary New River—a geological wonder that predates the mountains themselves. This remarkable setting places you amid one of North America's most biodiverse regions, where millennia of erosion have carved dramatic valleys and gentle riverside terraces. The lush vegetation that carpets the mountainous terrain tells the story of a landscape shaped by time, water, and the enduring power of nature.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground's accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground includes four walk-in tent sites. Specific dimensions of individual sites are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites at Thayer Campground offer high levels of privacy. One user stated, 'Very secluded if you don’t want a lot of people near by,' and another mentioned, 'Very private. No one else was at the site.'
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and scenic views, opt for the site next to the river.
Best CampsitesThe campsite nearest to the river is considered the most desirable. User reviews highlight its proximity to fishing and kayaking opportunities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
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 4 walk-in tent sites, one near the river and three positioned behind it. "Tent sites are on hills," according to user reviews.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in Availability"Campground is 1st come 1st serve," noted by user reviews.
Cancellation Policy"Campground is first-come, first-served." Reservation cancellation fees do not apply due to lack of advance reservations.
Activities you can enjoy
Thayer Campground offers limited recreational activities, primarily centered around the New River. It is ideal for visitors interested in fishing, boating, and enjoying a secluded natural environment.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are highlighted in user reviews. One reviewer said, 'Great fishing,' and another noted the proximity to the river as a positive aspect.Swimming
Swimming in the New River is mentioned positively in reviews. One user wrote about 'great fishing [and] swimming,' although there are no designated swimming areas described.Boating
The campground provides access to the New River for boating and kayaking. A user noted, 'Places to fish and put boats/kayaks in the water.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the provided materials.Water Sports
Limited water sports like kayaking and canoeing are possible given the river access, but these are not explicitly detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"Train tracks are located about 10 feet behind some tent sites," according to user reviews. No cell service is available, and the campground is described as being "way out in the boonies." The remote nature of the campground may pose challenges for emergency situations.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. However, one user noted that the area 'frequently gets trashed by disrespectful people,' suggesting that proper waste disposal facilities may be lacking.
Proximity to water featuresSituated on the banks of the New River, offering opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
Common complaints"The place frequently gets trashed by disrespectful people," one user review noted. Others mentioned challenges with site accessibility and lack of trails.
Hostnull
Campground Map
PO Box 246, 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV, 25846, USA
Driving directionsTake Route 25 from Glen Jean for six miles towards Thurmond. Turn right at the intersection just before the bridge across the river and continue towards Stone Cliff. At Stonecliff, cross the New River bridge and continue upstream on Route 25 (which becomes unpaved at this point) towards Thayer. At Thayer Church, turn downhill off Route 25 to the bottom. Cross the railroad tracks and turn left towards the campground.
"The road from Thurmond is long, narrow, and windy." User reviews emphasize that "the road from Prince should not be taken to get here." Route 25 becomes unpaved closer to the campground, requiring careful navigation.Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Thayer Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews paint a mixed picture of Thayer Campground. While some appreciate the seclusion and natural beauty, others criticize the lack of facilities, the challenging access road, and issues with littering.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's privacy, proximity to the New River for fishing and boating, and the overall natural setting. Reviewers described it as 'Great hidden place within the park'...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the long, narrow, and curvy access road, lack of trails and recreational amenities, absence of cell service, and issues with littering. One user remarked, 'Place looks a...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include avoiding the road from Prince due to its condition, arriving early to secure one of the limited four sites (as reservations are not accepted), and being prepared for the...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are mentioned in the reviews, but the campground's lack of modern amenities and challenging access might make it less appealing during extreme weather conditions.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Very secluded if you don’t want a lot of people nearby.' (anna nguyen)
2. 'Great hidden place within the park. Road getting there from Thurmond is long, narrow, and windy.' (Matthew)
3. 'No one...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has only four walk-in sites. One user mentioned that 'there’s one site next to the river and the other 3 sites were behind it,' suggesting varying proximity to the water.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews or features were mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025