Notable Campgrounds
- Best for tent camping: Meadow Creek Campground offers primitive tent-only sites in a wide open meadow.
- Best for accessible camping: Glade Creek Campground has an accessible campsite and an accessible fishing area.
- Best for RVs: Gauley Tailwaters Campground offers 18 drive-in sites, all of which can accommodate RVs.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- All sites at New River Gorge National Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- You'll have the highest chances of securing a campsite if you come mid-week, before the weekend rush.
- Try to arrive in the morning, right when people might be packing up, to stake out your spot.
- If you can't secure a campground in New Gorge National Park, you may have better luck in the nearby Bluestone State Park, which has reservable campsites, or by opting for a private Hipcamp in the area.
When to Go
Although the park is open year-round, the best month to visit is September, when the summer crowds have died down but the weather is still warm and fall colors have begun. There's also generally slightly less rainfall in September than in July and August. Come on the third Saturday in October for the annual Bridge Day celebrations, which feature a 5k run and the chance to watch BASE jumpers descend from the New River Gorge Bridge.
Know Before You Go
- There are no fees to camp in any of the park’s campgrounds.
- All of the park's visitor centers are wheelchair-friendly. The Sandstone Falls Boardwalk and portions of the Long Point Trail and the Glade Creek Trail are also accessible.
- Most rock-climbing routes in the park are only suitable for advanced climbers.
- Lightning is common in the park. If you hear thunder, make sure to avoid open fields, tall trees, and hilltops.
- There are two types of poisonous spiders present in the park: brown recluses and black widows. If you suspect you’ve been bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
New River Gorge National Park
Camp, climb, and whitewater raft in the nation’s newest national park.
Spread out over 70,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains, this West Virginia national park protects the New River Gorge and the lands around it. It was established in 2020 and offers an incredible variety of things to do, from camping and hiking to whitewater rafting and rock climbing. It’s also a fantastic place to camp, with nine primitive campgrounds, none of which have hookups or drinking water, along with plenty of opportunities for backcountry camping, both along the New River and along wooded trails. Best of all, camping in the park is free and no permits or reservations are required.
Spread out over 70,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains, this West Virginia national park protects the New River Gorge and the lands around it. It was established in 2020 and offers an incredible variety of things to do, from camping and hiking to whitewater rafting and rock climbing. It’s also a fantastic place to camp, with nine primitive campgrounds, none of which have hookups or drinking water, along with plenty of opportunities for backcountry camping, both along the New River and along wooded trails. Best of all, camping in the park is free and no permits or reservations are required.
Notable Campgrounds
- Best for tent camping: Meadow Creek Campground offers primitive tent-only sites in a wide open meadow.
- Best for accessible camping: Glade Creek Campground has an accessible campsite and an accessible fishing area.
- Best for RVs: Gauley Tailwaters Campground offers 18 drive-in sites, all of which can accommodate RVs.
Read more...Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Although the park is open year-round, the best month to visit is September, when the summer crowds have died down but the weather is still warm and fall colors have begun. There's also generally slightly less rainfall in September than in July and August. Come on the third Saturday in October for the annual Bridge Day celebrations, which feature a 5k run and the chance to watch BASE jumpers descend from the New River Gorge Bridge.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp anywhere in New River Gorge National Park?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in New River Gorge, but there are designated campgrounds and camping areas within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. Camping is allowed only in established campgrounds or in designated backcountry sites with a free permit. Some campgrounds within the park include Army Camp, Glade Creek, and Grandview Sandbar. Additionally, there are private campgrounds and RV parks in the surrounding area, such as West Virginia New River Gorge Lodging. Always follow park regulations and Leave No Trace principles when camping in the New River Gorge area.
What is the closest campground to the New River Gorge Bridge?
The closest campground to the New River Gorge Bridge is the New River Gorge Campground. It is located near the town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, and offers a convenient base for exploring the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
How many campsites are in New River Gorge National Park?
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia offers a variety of camping options, including three main campgrounds within the park: Stone Cliff Beach, Army Camp, and Grandview Sandbar. There are also several primitive camping areas along the river. The total number of campsites can vary depending on the season and availability. To explore more camping options in the New River Gorge area, visit Hipcamp.
Does New River Gorge National Park require reservations?
Some campgrounds in the New River Gorge area do require reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It's recommended to make reservations in advance for popular campgrounds, especially during peak season. You can find information about camping options in the New River Gorge area on Hipcamp.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —