Campgrounds and RV parks near Gauley Bridge, WV

Whitewater rafting and paddling dominate the area. The New River carries easier water up to Class III in its upper reaches and Class IV to V rapids in the Lower Gorge, while the Upper Gauley below Summersville Dam is nationally known for Class V rapids during scheduled fall dam releases. Guided trips and private launches both use put-ins near the park boundaries. Hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking are strong draws inside New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which has more than 1,400 established climbing routes. The New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch span in the western hemisphere at 876 feet above the river, anchors visits to the Canyon Rim area and is the focus of Bridge Day on the third Saturday in October. Families can add Hawks Nest State Park, Kanawha Falls, Babcock State Park, and Summersville Lake for swimming, fishing, and short scenic drives.

Most established campgrounds in the Gauley Bridge area operate from April through October, with a smaller number of private RV parks remaining open year-round. Spring brings green hillsides, high water, and cool nights; it is a strong window for paddling but wet, and the New River is prone to flooding after heavy rain, with levels that can rise quickly onto low-lying sites. Summer is the busiest general-camping period. Weekends fill early at riverside campgrounds, and inside the national park all campgrounds are first-come, first-served and can fill by afternoon on Fridays and holidays. Fall is peak season for whitewater. Scheduled dam releases on the Upper Gauley draw paddlers from across the country, and the National Park Service temporarily closes the Gauley Tailwaters Campground for about three weeks at the start of Gauley Season to make room for boater parking. Foliage typically peaks in mid to late October. Winter camping is limited but possible at select private RV parks.

Roads into the gorge are winding and narrow in places, and grades on side roads leading down to river-level campgrounds can be steep. Larger motorhomes and trailers should stick to campgrounds along Route 60 and US 19; New River Campground Inc. accepts rigs up to 60 feet with pull-through sites, 30-amp service, and full hookups. Cell coverage is limited in the gorge and spotty at most park service campgrounds. Expect basic amenities inside the national park: picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, no drinking water, and no hookups. A 14-day stay limit applies at park sites. Train noise carries along the river corridor, biting insects are common in summer, and firewood is often sold on site to reduce pest movement. Bring leveling blocks; gravel and grass pads can be uneven after rain.