Campgrounds and RV parks near Montgomery, WV

Whitewater rafting on the New River is the signature activity, with commercial outfitters running trips on the milder upper section and the more technical lower gorge. The upper portion has long pools and easier rapids up to Class III, while the Lower Gorge on the northern end has large and challenging Class IV and V rapids. The Gauley River, a short drive north, opens for its fall dam-release season and draws paddlers from across the country. Hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are all concentrated in the gorge. With 1,400 established rock climbing routes, the New River Gorge is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the East, with the majority of routes rated advanced or expert. The New River Gorge Bridge, the Endless Wall Trail, Long Point, Grandview, and Sandstone Falls are common stops. Fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish is popular along the river; a West Virginia fishing license is required.

Late spring through early fall is the main RV camping window. May and June bring reliable rafting flows, blooming rhododendron, and warm days, though rainfall is heavy through spring and thunderstorms are common. Summer is the busiest stretch, with warm, humid days, active outfitters, and full campgrounds on weekends. Fall is the standout season for many visitors. September and October bring cooler nights, drier weather, and peak leaf color across the Appalachian ridges. September is typically the month with the least rainfall, averaging about 1.89 inches over roughly 16 days. Gauley Season, the scheduled fall dam releases from Summersville Lake, draws whitewater paddlers on select weekends and pushes local lodging demand higher. Bridge Day, held on the third Saturday in October, features a 5k run and BASE jumpers descending from the New River Gorge Bridge, and it fills nearby campgrounds well in advance. Winters are cold and snowy at gorge elevations. Many private campgrounds close or reduce services from late fall through early spring, and park roads can be icy. Travelers visiting between December and March should confirm operating dates directly with each campground.

Roads into the gorge are winding and steep in places, with narrow bridges and tight turns on some access routes to river-level campgrounds and put-ins. Larger motorhomes and fifth wheels are generally better served by private campgrounds on the rim near Fayetteville rather than attempting park roads down to the river. Small to medium-sized RV sites are available in some park campgrounds, but not all. Cell service is limited or absent at most park campgrounds, and with no lights around, nights are very dark. Park sites are primitive with limited restroom facilities, no drinking water, and no hookups. Trains run along both sides of the gorge, so some noise at night is normal. Bears are present. Food should be stored in the RV or a hard-sided container, and trash should be packed out or placed in bear-resistant bins where provided.