Camping Near New River Gorge National Park
West Virginia | Established 2020
About New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve protects 72,808 acres along 53 miles of the New River in southern West Virginia, centered on a dramatic gorge where canyon walls rise over 1,000 feet above the river. The New River Gorge Bridge, an 876-foot-high steel arch span, is the third-highest bridge in the United States and the centerpiece of Bridge Day, an annual October festival where BASE jumpers leap from the deck.
The park operates nine primitive campgrounds, all free and first-come, first-served, with no hookups, no water, and no reservations. Sites have fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. For RV camping with hookups, private campgrounds in Fayetteville and the surrounding area offer full services within minutes of the park. There is no entrance fee.
Whitewater rafting on the New River and the nearby Gauley River is the park's signature outdoor activity, with rapids ranging from Class I through Class V. Over 1,600 rock climbing routes on the gorge's sandstone walls make it one of the premier climbing destinations in the eastern United States. The Endless Wall Trail, named the best national park hike by USA Today readers, follows nearly three miles of unbroken cliff face through hemlock forest and rhododendron thickets to Diamond Point overlook.
Camping Tips for New River Gorge
- All nine NPS campgrounds are completely free, first-come first-served, with no reservations. Sites have fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets but no water or hookups. Bring all water and supplies.
- For RV camping with hookups, use private campgrounds in Fayetteville (less than five minutes from the park). The Outpost at New River Gorge offers 50/30/20 amp electric, water, and sewer just three-quarters of a mile from the bridge.
- There is no entrance fee, keeping New River Gorge free for all visitors. Free camping plus free admission means your only costs are food and gas.
- Bridge Day (third Saturday in October) draws massive crowds for BASE jumping and rappelling from the bridge. Book camping and lodging months in advance if visiting in October.
- Dogs on a leash of six feet or shorter are welcome on all trails throughout the park, with dogs welcome on every trail. Dogs are prohibited inside park buildings.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near New River Gorge National Park
61.Blue Bend Campground
The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and major tourism attraction. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is available for hiking, mountain biking,...
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62.Battle Run Campground
Battle Run Campground is a large waterfront facility located just south of Summersville, West Virginia, on the shores of the state's largest lake. Situated on Summersville Lake,...
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63.Baker's Run Campground
No description available due to website error.
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64.Glade Creek Campground
Glade Creek Campground is located within New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The campground offers scenic views and access to various trails, including the Glade Creek...
Show more65.Hilltop Rv and Mobile Home Park
Unfortunately, the website content does not provide a description of the park. However, based on the website's structure and content, it appears to be a manufactured home...
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66.Thayer Campground
Thayer Campground is located within the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting. Visitors...
Show more67.Cranberry Campground
The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and major tourism attraction. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is available for hiking, mountain biking,...
Show more68.Tea Creek Campground
The Monongahela National Forest is a recreation destination and major tourism attraction. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is available for hiking, mountain biking,...
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69.Army Camp Rd Campground
Army Camp Rd Campground is located within New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The park offers various activities such as hiking, scenic drives, and whitewater rafting. The...
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70.Nazarene Camp
Nazarene Camp is a well-regarded campground located in Summersville, West Virginia, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Appalachia. With a strong Google rating of 4.6 out...
Show moreShowing 61–70 of 169 campgrounds within 50 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there camping inside New River Gorge National Park?
The park operates nine primitive campgrounds, all completely free and first-come, first-served. Sites include Army Camp, Brooklyn, Glade Creek, Stone Cliff, Thayer, War Ridge, Grandview Sandbar, Meadowcreek, and Gauley Tailwaters. All have fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets but no water or hookups.
The primitive campgrounds are spread along the gorge and river with a 14-day stay limit within a 28-day period. Group camping for parties of nine or more requires a special use permit (call 304-465-6517). For developed camping with hookups, several private campgrounds operate within minutes of the park in Fayetteville, including The Outpost, Arrowhead Bike Farm, and Rifrafters Campground.
Is there an entrance fee for New River Gorge?
No, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has no entrance fee. The park is completely free to enter and explore year-round, keeping it completely free for all visitors. Combined with free primitive camping, visitors can experience the park at virtually no cost.
The park was redesignated from a national river to a national park and preserve in December 2020, becoming America's newest national park. Despite the upgrade, the park maintained its free admission policy. Whitewater rafting trips with private outfitters are the main expense for most visitors, typically ranging from $75 to $150 per person for guided trips.
Can I bring my dog to New River Gorge?
Dogs on a leash of six feet or shorter are welcome on all trails throughout the park, including the Endless Wall Trail and Long Point Trail. Dogs are prohibited only inside park buildings. The park offers a BARK Ranger program at visitor centers.
The park's generous pet policy gives it a generous pet policy for a national park. The Endless Wall Trail and Long Point Trail are both popular with dog owners. Keep dogs leashed near cliff edges and be cautious on trails with steep drop-offs. Bring plenty of water for your dog, especially during summer hikes when humidity and temperature can make trails demanding.
What is Bridge Day?
Bridge Day is an annual festival held on the third Saturday in October on the New River Gorge Bridge. BASE jumpers leap from the 876-foot bridge deck every 30 seconds, and rappellers descend on ropes. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic and opened to pedestrians for the event.
Bridge Day draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and is the largest extreme sports event in the United States. BASE jumpers must have at least 50 skydives to participate. Rafting companies offer special trips timed for viewing the jumps from the river below. The event coincides with peak fall foliage in the gorge. All lodging and camping within 30 miles books out months in advance for the Bridge Day weekend.
What are the best hikes at New River Gorge?
Top hikes include Endless Wall Trail (5.5 miles out and back, moderate, named best national park hike by USA Today), Long Point Trail (3.2 miles round trip, iconic bridge views), Grandview Rim Trail (6 miles, gorge overlooks), and the Kaymoor Miners Trail (steep staircase descent to historic mining ruins).
The Endless Wall Trail follows nearly three miles of unbroken sandstone cliff face through hemlock forest and rhododendron thickets, ending at Diamond Point overlook with views deep into the gorge. Long Point Trail provides the classic postcard view of the New River Gorge Bridge framed by the gorge. Both trails are dog-friendly. Spring brings rhododendron and flame azalea blooms along the trails.
Is New River Gorge good for whitewater rafting?
New River Gorge is one of the premier whitewater destinations in the eastern United States. The New River offers Class I through IV rapids suitable for families through experienced paddlers. The nearby Gauley River delivers Class IV-V rapids during fall dam releases, considered among the best whitewater in the world.
Multiple rafting outfitters operate from Fayetteville and along the river corridor, offering guided trips from April through October. Upper New River sections are gentler (Class I-III) and family-friendly. The lower gorge provides more challenging Class III-IV rapids. The Gauley River's fall season (mid-September through mid-October) coincides with Gauley Festival and offers world-class whitewater when the Summersville Dam releases water.
Is New River Gorge good for rock climbing?
New River Gorge is one of the premier rock climbing destinations in eastern North America with over 1,600 established routes on Nuttall Sandstone cliffs. Routes range from beginner-friendly sport climbs to expert traditional lines on the gorge walls. No permit is required for climbing.
The sandstone cliffs along the Endless Wall, Kaymoor, and Beauty Mountain areas offer the highest concentration of routes. Spring and fall provide the best climbing conditions with moderate temperatures and low humidity. Several climbing guide services operate in Fayetteville for beginners. The annual New River Rendezvous climbing festival brings climbers from across the country each spring.
When is the best time to visit New River Gorge?
April through October offers the best conditions for hiking, rafting, and climbing. Fall foliage peaks in late October, coinciding with Bridge Day. Spring brings wildflowers including flame azalea and rhododendron. Summer is warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms but ideal for river activities.
Summer daytime temperatures reach the 70s to 80s with high humidity. Fall offers crisp air and spectacular color in the gorge. Winter is quiet with temperatures rarely below 20 degrees, and the park remains open for hiking and solitude. The Gauley River fall whitewater season (mid-September through mid-October) brings an influx of paddlers and adds energy to the area.
Quick Facts
- Entrance Fee
- Free (no entrance fee)
- Best Time to Visit
- April – October
- Nearest Town
- Fayetteville, WV, Beckley, WV
- Elevation
- 745 – 3,291 ft
- Park Size
- 72,808 acres
- Annual Visitors
- ~1.7 million