Gauley River National Recreation Area
173 nearby · 34 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
1 current alert
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationGauley Tailwaters Campground ClosureThe Tailwaters Campground in Gauley River National Recreation Area, located below Summersville Dam, will temporarily close from September 11 through September 28 in order to allow for more parking and better river access during the busy Gauley season.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- Near the park
- 173 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 34 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping near the park 173
- Aerial viewCampground
Gauley River Wild & Woolly Primitive Campground
1.7 mi · Hico, WV
- Aerial viewCampground
Carnifex Ferry Cabins
3.7 mi · Summersville, WV
Free and dispersed nearby 34
See them on the map- Bear Run CampsitesRichwood, WV35 mi
- Camp siteRichwood, WV36 mi
- Camp siteParcoal, WV37 mi
- Camp siteParcoal, WV37 mi
- Camp siteParcoal, WV37 mi
- Camp siteParcoal, WV37 mi
Services nearby: 4 dump stations · 4 rest areas
About Gauley River
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most…
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.
Photos: NPS Photo
Things to do
- Boating
- Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- RV Camping
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Paddling
- Kayaking
- Whitewater Rafting
Plan your visit
Getting there
Plane The largest airport is at Charleston, about 65 miles from Summersville. There are also small airports at Summersville and Beckley. Car The main entrance to Gauley River National Recreation Area is located off US…
Weather
Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area…
Plan your visit
Hours
The area is open year round. The official Gauley boating season is from early September through mid October. Boating is occasionally possible at other times, depending on water releases from Summersville Dam. There is no visitor center for Gauley River National Recreation Area. Please visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for information.
Getting there
Plane The largest airport is at Charleston, about 65 miles from Summersville. There are also small airports at Summersville and Beckley. Car The main entrance to Gauley River National Recreation Area is located off US Route 19 south of Summersville and north of Fayetteville, West Virginia. Turn off US Route 19 onto WV Route 129 toward Summersville Dam. Take the second left after you cross over the dam and follow the signs to Gauley River.
Weather
Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.
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