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Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area

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Gauley Tailwaters Campground, near Summersville, West Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors without breaking the bank. This free campground offers a laid-back vibe with sites that let you park right next to your tent, giving you a sense of privacy while you soak in the sounds of the nearby river.

The campground is basic but has what you need: clean bathrooms and a short walk to the Gauley River, which is a hotspot for whitewater rafting. Campers rave about the beautiful scenery, with one visitor saying, “Waking up to the sound of the river and then paired with the most gorgeous view—unbeatable.” Fire rings are available for evening gatherings, and you can enjoy a cozy campfire under the stars.

If you're into climbing or just want to explore, this location is close to the New River Gorge, making it a perfect base for adventure. Many campers have shared their experiences of meeting fellow climbers and families, creating a friendly atmosphere that keeps them coming back. Whether you're fishing, rafting, or just chilling by the water, Gauley Tailwaters Campground is a solid choice for a budget-friendly escape into nature.

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Location

Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area is located in West Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located just below Summersville Dam. From Route 19 at Mt. Nebo, take Route 129 west across the dam, then turn left at the river access sign. Bear right through the parking lot to the campsites.

Coordinates

38.21689752 N
80.889626 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Poor
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 30, 2024

Beautiful scenery

This was the best camping experience. waking up to the sound of the river and then paired with the most gorgeous view. unbeatable. way worth the drive to get there. loved every minute

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area by Shannon S., March 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area by Shannon S., March 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area by Shannon S., March 30, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2023

Nice free camping on the river

The campsite was clean, quite and a short walk to the river. Bathrooms available but less fancy and not as well maintained as a state park bathroom. I had great cell service. I’d stay here again plus I’m telling all of my climbing friends about this place for their New river gorge trips.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2021

basic & free

there are bathrooms and tap water, but no electrical or showers. you park right next to your tent. you can walk down to the gauley river. you may see many white water rafters here for this reason.

Site1
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2021

Great free campsite

I stayed in 3 of the free campgrounds around & this one was my favorite. There was a sink w running water in the bathrooms down by the dam. I expected the campsites to feel cramped but they are set up so that you park your car next to your site, & that gives a lot of privacy. Fire rings & sounds of running water from below as you sleep 😴

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area by Mary B., July 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area by Mary B., July 30, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2019

Free Camping with Amenities

Whenever we go and rock climb at New River Gorge on a budget, we stay at this free site. They have CLEAN bathrooms, water hookups, showers, tables, fire rings, and grills. Each time we’ve stayed at the site, we’ve met really cool climbers and families. Great place for the adventurous group on a budget, or a family that would like to fall asleep listening to a river. Very close to Summersville Lake, where there is a lot of boating, deep water soloing, and hiking.

  • Review photo of Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area by Ruby W., August 27, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2019

Best free camping, HANDS DOWN

Close to any store you may need, flat & comfortable sites, no bath house but potties are very convenient. Whether you're fishing, rafting, swimming or kayaking there's plenty of options here!

  • Review photo of Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area by Amber W., June 18, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is fair.