Is there free camping at New River Gorge National Park?

Yes, there's free camping at New River Gorge National Park. There are no entrance fees or campsite fees, making it a popular stop if you can grab a campsite before someone else arrives. Alternatively, Harvest Hosts offers a guaranteed spot, a level pad, and services within reach.

Is Harvest Hosts worth it for a New River Gorge trip?

The security of having a reserved campsite for at least a few nights makes Harvest Hosts worth it for a New River Gorge trip. The lack of entrance and camping fees makes visiting New River Gorge National Park a no-brainer, but without reservations, you're rolling the dice to determine if you'll have a campsite or not. West Virginia has 0 Harvest Hosts locations. With plenty of nearby breweries, working farms, attractions, and distilleries to choose from, you can easily enrich your experience of New River Gorge National Park and West Virginia at the same time.

Scenic view of New River Gorge landscape

New River Gorge National Park RV Camping

Sprawled across 70,000 acres in southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park sits deep within the Appalachian Mountains. Otherwise known as The Gorge, America's newest national park derives its name from the New River that flows through it. You may also know it as home to the , the steel arch bridge that appears on the state's commemorative quarter. Other popular attractions include Canyon Rim, Fayette Station, Kaymoor Mine, and Sandstone Falls. Among the forested byways and along the bountiful riverbanks of New River Gorge National Park, your luck might favor sightings of red fox, white-tailed deer, beaver, bald eagles, bobcats, black bears, opossum, and mink. In addition to RV camping in New River Gorge National Park, visitors also participate in rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking. Harvest Hosts has plenty of locations within an hour of the entrances where you can park your RV overnight at a working farm, brewery, or distillery.

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New River Gorge National Park RV Camping Guide

When to Go

Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit New River Gorge National Park and experience pleasant weather. Summer rainfall and humidity, especially in July, make RV camping in West Virginia more difficult and unpleasant. Average temperatures in spring and fall may require dressing in layers, particularly if you plan to hike. Leaf peeping season peaks in mid to late October through the first of November. If you visit New River Gorge National Park in October, you can also experience Bridge Day.

Know Before You Go

New River Gorge National Park does not require timed-entry reservations, a park entrance fee, or campground reservations. Campgrounds do not offer hookups, potable water, or, in many cases, paved road access.
Head to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center when entering the park. This location sees over 300,000 visitors annually and offers dedicated parking for all RV sizes.
Mark your calendar for the third Saturday in October. In addition to opening the New River Gorge Bridge to pedestrians, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce also hosts BASE jumpers on Bridge Day. These daredevils leap from the bridge's structure down toward the New River below.
Grandview offers RV-friendly parking and access to five hiking trails. Note that most trailheads in New River Gorge National Park don't offer RV parking. It's also wise to avoid Keeney's Creek Road and Fayette Station Road.
New River Gorge National Park offers over 100 miles of hiking trails, including some of the best for RV campers in West Virginia. Hike Endless Wall, Long Point, Kaymoor, Fayetteville, and Bridge Trails for breathtaking views of West Virginia's natural wilderness.
You're allowed to bring your pet with you on trails, but they must be kept on a leash with a lead no longer than six feet. Please be courteous to other park visitors by picking up after your pet and disposing of the waste per park rules.
Park officials continue their efforts to repair select roads and hiking trails. Current closures include Rend Trail, Keeney's Creek Rail Trail, Kaymoor Mines Trail (upper portion), and Cunard Road.

Nearby Attractions

New River Gorge National Park lies east of Charleston and north of Beckley, West Virginia. The Kanawha State Forest lies to the northwest, and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest to the east. Located just north of the New River Gorge National Park, Thurmond once handled significant amounts of coal that came through this area from nearby mines. In fact, the train depot saw as many as 75,000 annual travelers at its peak.

Where to Camp

Inside the park. RV camping in New River Gorge National Park is limited to five of the eight campgrounds. Gauley Tailwaters Campground, the only campground not on the banks of the New River, and War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground limit RVs to 25 feet long. RV length restrictions are 31 feet maximum in Glade Creek Campground, Army Camp Campground, and Grandview Sandbar Campground. None of the campsites in New River Gorge National Park are pull-through.

Tips on reserving a campsite. Campsites in New River Gorge National Park are first-come, first-served. Since the park does not employ staff to monitor campsite availability, it's best to make a list of your preferred campgrounds and arrive early to search for an open spot.

Camping outside the park with Harvest Hosts. The inability to make reservations can make it harder to RV camp in New River Gorge National Park, especially when the park is busiest. Many RVers opt to stay outside the park for a few nights. Their proximity to the park allows them to experience its main attractions while also scouting for an open campsite. Staying with a Harvest Host helps you avoid unavailability within the park and the surrounding areas while still experiencing West Virginia without the usual camping fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can you sleep in your RV in New River Gorge National Park?

Yes, you can sleep in your RV in New River Gorge National Park as long as you're parked at a designated campsite. All campgrounds within the park are first-come, first-served, so availability varies throughout the year and even during the week. Only five of the eight campgrounds are RV-friendly.

Where can I camp in an RV near New River Gorge National Park?

RV camping near New River Gorge National Park is available in Fayetteville, Beckley, Oak Hill, and Hinton. Private campgrounds around Fayetteville offer full services. Harvest Hosts has many locations across southern West Virginia. For unforgettable whitewater rafting on the New River, book a stay at this family-owned rafting and campground retreat, or take in views of the night sky at a scenic grass-fed cattle farm retreat.

Do you need a reservation to camp at New River Gorge?

No, New River Gorge does not offer camping reservations. Campsites are first-come, first-served. Many of the best fill up quickly in the summer, on weekends, and during the holidays. Make other arrangements if you're unable to find an RV camping spot in the park.

What size RV fits at New River Gorge National Park?

New River Gorge National Park limits RVs to 31 feet in length in most campgrounds, but some are restricted to 25 feet. None of the campgrounds offer pull-through sites. If you're still learning how your rig handles, consider scouting ahead on foot or by tow vehicle to determine if there are campsites available and worth the drive.