The increased visibility of America's newest national park has prompted one of the region's largest outdoor-adventure resorts to expand its campground.
Adjacent to the newly established New River Gorge National Park, the Adventures on the Gorge resort is adding new tent-camping and RV sites at its Chestnut Ridge campground off the US-19 expressway near the New River Gorge Bridge.
The campground expansion in its first phase will feature new RV sites, 30 new tent sites, a bathhouse, and glamping tents, according to resort CEO Roger Wilson.
“Its location under an evergreen canopy makes the new campground feel remote and secluded, yet it is walkable to all of the resort’s restaurants, pool, and adventure center,” Wilson said.
Established by Congress in December, 2020, the new national park and adjacent national preserve is expected to attract more than two million visitors to the region annually, an increase of more than 20 percent, according to National Park Service officials.
The New River Gorge region was already among the most popular destinations for rock climbing and whitewater rafting in the U.S. The park's Endless Wall hiking trail was named the nation's best by USA Today readers in 2015.
The Adventures resort is renowned as an outfitter and guide for whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers and also as a provider of land and aerial adventures, including canopy tours.
Wilson said the new tent sites are spread out in a heavily wooded area with abundant natural privacy and feature gravel pads, firepits, grills, and picnic tables.
Larger sites are available and can be combined to accommodate groups such as youth organizations up to 100.
The resort's new glamping tents measure 16-by-20 feet and will be placed on concrete pads. Each accommodates two queen beds, bedside tables, a dresser, a dining table, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and heating, air conditioning, electricity, lights, and Wi-Fi. The secluded 24-by-36-foot sites will include fire pits and picnic tables.“Glamping tents have really caught on across the country as people seek a camping experience with comfortable amenities,” Wilson said.
“They can also enjoy camping without the need to pack, set up, and tear down their equipment.”
Wilson said much of the resort’s existing Mill Creek Campground has been converted with 11 pull-through RV sites with electrical hookups
Water is available for RVs to fill up their tanks, and the resort can direct RV owners to free dump stations conveniently located near area highways. The RV area features two sites measuring 40 feet long. The other nine range from 60 to 90 feet long.
To reserve a glamping tent, campsite, or RV site as well as activities and other accommodations, go online or call 1-855-379-8738.
