Thursday, October 30, 2025
48.1 F
Beckley
More

    New River Gorge National Park increasing access to campgrounds

    The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will increase access to campgrounds this weekend with the reopening of six additional campground areas, including , , , , , and .

    Campgrounds at , , and will remain open for a total of nine areas in the park where camping is available.

    Park Superintendent Lizzie Watts is welcoming campers while emphasizing caution as a result of the recent Covid pandemic and an increase in traffic as a result of the park's new "national park" status.

    In December, the park that was long classified as a "national river" attained status as a "national park" through Congressional action.

    “The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners remains a priority,” Watts said.

    “Please continue to recreate responsibly and practice principles when visiting the park.”

    Advertisement

    Visitors and campers are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer and maintain a six-foot interpersonal distance in outdoor areas.

    Wearing a mask is required outside on all federal property where social distancing cannot be maintained.

    Located mostly along the river, all national park campsites are primitive with limited restroom facilities and do not include drinking water and hookups.

    Camping accommodations vary. Rent sites available in all campgrounds and small-to-medium-sized RV sites available at the Glade Creek and Grandview Sandbar.

    Camping is free in park campgrounds and available on a first-come-first-served basis, and reservations are not accepted for individual sites, with a limit of eight people and two camping units per site.

    Stays are limited to 14 days within a 28-day period in any park campground.

    Group camping areas are also available in the park for groups of nine or more people with a Special Use Permit. Permits can be obtained by calling 304-465-6517.

    Advertisement

    Developed campgrounds are available at state parks and private campgrounds throughout the surrounding area.

    For more information on camping in the park, visit the park website at .


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    David Sibray
    David Sibray
    Historian, real estate agent, and proponent of inventive economic development in West Virginia, David Sibray is the founder and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

    Don’t ignore the winter blues: Seasonal affective disorder is a serious form of depression

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the days grow shorter and...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    At 50 years, West Virginia University celebrates its ground-breaking PRT system

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The familiar hum of the gold...

    Topics

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore

    FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn,...

    Here are 20 things that make wild, wonderful West Virginia famous

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From the peaks of the Allegheny...

    West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories