Camping in New River Gorge: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees
In short: yes, you can camp at New River Gorge. The NPS operates developed campgrounds inside the park and allows dispersed backcountry camping with a free permit. Reservations are recommended through Recreation.gov, especially in spring and fall. Several quality private campgrounds around the park round out the options for RV travelers and climbers.
Campgrounds in the park (9)
- Campground Stone Cliff first come, first served · 7 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Army Camp first come, first served · 11 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Burnwood Group Campsite see NPS · 1 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Brooklyn Campground first come, first served · 5 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Grandview Sandbar first come, first served · 16 sites Directions ↗
- Campground War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground first come, first served · 8 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Glade Creek Campground first come, first served · 11 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Thayer Campground first come, first served · 4 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Meadow Creek Campground first come, first served · 17 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp Inside New River Gorge?
Yes, the National Park Service allows camping in the park in two forms. First, there are developed campgrounds with numbered sites accessible by car. Second, dispersed backcountry camping is allowed across most of the park, with a free permit required. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you have plenty of flexibility for late arrivals.
However, spontaneous camping outside an assigned site isn't allowed in developed areas.
Campgrounds Inside the Park
Glade Creek Campground
This is the main NPS campground at New River Gorge. Set at the bottom of the gorge along the river, it's reached by a dirt road, so plan on using a suitable vehicle if you're bringing a trailer. The sites are primitive, with no electricity or water hookups, but restrooms and drinking water are available on-site.
The site's main advantage is its proximity to several trails, and the sound of the river at night may make you forget all about the lack of Wi-Fi.
Check availability, exact rates, and seasonal opening dates directly on Recreation.gov before planning your stay.
Other Areas
Because the park is so large, the NPS maintains additional camping access points in different areas. Check the official nps.gov/neri website for the complete list and current access conditions.
RV or Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?
The park's NPS campgrounds are designed for tents and smaller vehicles. They have no electric, water, or sewer hookups, so large RVs with specific needs will be much better served by an equipped private campground around the park.
For tent camping, Glade Creek at the bottom of the gorge is the go-to choice. For RVs with hookups, private operators around Fayetteville fill the gap.
The New River Gorge RV camping guide lists RV parks with hookups in the area.
Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park
There are plenty of private camping options around the park, especially on the Fayetteville side.
American Alpine Club Campground: a campground with a long history among the climbing community. It offers 40 private tent sites, 7 vehicle sites, and 10 group-camping spots, with a bathhouse on-site. It's a well-established choice for climbers staying several days.
Adventures on the Gorge: an adventure resort perched above the gorge, with RV and camping sites. The practical advantage is direct access to rafting and climbing operators right on the property.
For lodges and hotels, the New River Gorge lodging guide covers all the options.
Dispersed and Backcountry Camping (Permit Required)
The NPS allows dispersed camping across most of the park. A free permit is required. Pick one up at a visitor center, either Canyon Rim or Sandstone, which are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or get one online through the NPS website before you leave.
Follow these rules:
- Camp at least 300 feet from a waterway, trail, or road.
- Campfires aren't allowed outside designated areas.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles strictly. Everything you bring into the park must leave with you.
The New River Gorge hiking guide covers backcountry routes and the areas best suited to self-sufficient camping.
How and When to Reserve a Campsite at New River Gorge
Reservations are made through Recreation.gov. The booking window generally opens six months before your stay. In practice, sites for April and May weekends, which are popular during climbing season, and for September and October, go within the first few hours.
The Bridge Day Festival, held on the third Saturday in October, draws tens of thousands of visitors around the New River Gorge Bridge. Avoid that weekend if you haven't reserved several months in advance.
On weekdays and during the off-season, especially January and February, sites are still available without advance reservations.
How Much Does a Night of Camping at New River Gorge Cost?
The park's NPS sites are at the lower end of the range for national park campgrounds in the United States. The park doesn't charge an entrance fee, so camping is your main expense. Exact rates vary by site and season and are listed on Recreation.gov when you book.
For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Park Fees and Passes page.
Camping Safety and Best Practices
Appalachian weather changes quickly. July is the hottest and wettest month, and severe thunderstorms can flare up in the late afternoon without warning. Always pack a rain jacket, even when the morning starts with clear skies.
Black bears: the species is present in the park. ALWAYS store food in a bear canister or in your car's locked trunk. Never leave it in your tent or within paw's reach. This rule also applies to cosmetics, toothpaste, and deodorant.
River: the New River may look calm, but its current can be deceptive, especially after rain. Don't ford it without checking the water level with a visitor center first.
Snakes: timber rattlesnakes frequent rocky areas and the sides of the gorge. Watch where you place your hands and feet on descents to the campgrounds.
Which Campground Should You Choose?
| Profile | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tent, total immersion in nature | Glade Creek Campground (NPS, riverside) |
| Climber | American Alpine Club Campground |
| RV with hookups | Private campgrounds around Fayetteville |
| Multiple activities (rafting, climbing) | Adventures on the Gorge |
| Self-sufficient trek | Backcountry (free NPS permit) |
For the best seasonal window, the When to Visit New River Gorge guide explains which periods work best for your plans. To prepare for the rest of your trip, our complete New River Gorge guide is the place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at New River Gorge?
Yes, you can camp at New River Gorge. The NPS operates developed campgrounds in the park, including Glade Creek at the bottom of the gorge, and allows dispersed backcountry camping with a free permit.
Which campground should you choose at New River Gorge?
For a more rugged setting and proximity to the river, Glade Creek Campground is the NPS go-to choice. For climbers, American Alpine Club Campground is the most convenient option. For an RV with hookups, private campgrounds around Fayetteville are a better fit.
When should you reserve a campground at New River Gorge?
Reserve through Recreation.gov as soon as the six-month booking window opens, especially for spring and fall weekends. The Bridge Day Festival weekend, held on the third Saturday in October, is the most sought-after weekend of the year.
How do you camp at New River Gorge?
Either reserve a site through Recreation.gov at an NPS campground or get a free backcountry permit from a visitor center for dispersed camping in the wilderness.
How much does a night of camping at New River Gorge cost?
NPS sites at New River Gorge are at the lower end of the range for national park campgrounds in the United States. Check Recreation.gov for exact rates, which vary by site and season.