Campgrounds and RV parks near Glasgow, WV

Whitewater is the headline activity. The New River offers Class I to III floats on the upper section and Class IV to V rapids in the Lower Gorge, while the dam-released Gauley River draws paddlers for a short, high-volume fall season. Outfitters based near Fayetteville run guided trips for beginners through experts. On land, the New River Gorge Bridge, Long Point Trail, Endless Wall Trail, and Grandview Overlook are the classic stops. The region holds around 1,400 established rock-climbing routes, with the majority rated advanced or expert, plus mountain-biking singletrack at Arrowhead Trails and Kaymoor. For slower days, Babcock State Park's Glade Creek Grist Mill, Hawks Nest State Park's aerial tram, and Sandstone Falls give families a lower-effort way to see the river.

Late spring through mid-fall is the core RV season. May and June bring blooming rhododendron, warm days, and cool nights, and rafting flows are typically strong from natural runoff. July and August are the busiest family months, with warm river water and predictable outfitter schedules, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. September and October are the marquee period. Water releases from Summersville Dam create the Gauley rafting season across roughly six weekends starting the Friday after Labor Day, culminating with Bridge Day, which falls on the third Saturday in October and features BASE jumpers descending from the New River Gorge Bridge. Foliage typically peaks from the second week of October through late October depending on elevation. Winter is quiet. Many private campgrounds close or reduce services from late fall through early spring, and higher-elevation sites can see snow and ice. Spring flooding along tributaries occasionally closes riverside campgrounds in the national park, so check park alerts before towing in.

Private campgrounds near the Gorge generally offer water and electric hookups, dump stations, bathhouses, and Wi-Fi at the office; full 50-amp sewer sites exist but are limited, so confirm amp service and pad length when booking. Many properties cater to rafters and climbers and can arrange shuttles or guided trips. National park campgrounds are primitive, lacking drinking water, bathhouses, and hookups, though all are equipped with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables, composting or pit toilets, and garbage service. Only small to medium RVs are recommended at drive-in park sites such as Army Camp and Glade Creek, and access roads can be steep or rough. Expect train noise in the gorge itself, limited cell coverage, and cool nights even in summer. Pack a water jug, leveling blocks, and layers.