The best camping near New River Gorge 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.

• 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.

1. All sites at New River Gorge National Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. You'll have the highest chances of securing a campsite if you come mid-week, before the weekend rush.
3. Try to arrive in the morning, right when people might be packing up, to stake out your spot.
4. 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.

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.

• 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.