Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area

We headed here based on the reviews, there were other campers that were there for rafting (Sept release season) but camping was literally a parking lot with fire pits around it. We stayed just up the road at Battle Run, which was a beautiful place (paid of course).

This is a great find. If they are releasing water from the dam, it is closed. Decent bathrooms near front, but vault near end is tough.

This place provides an amazing view of the gauley river just below the dam! You can hike trails to the river, even to a beautiful swimming spot just below the dam and camping sites! The views are beautiful anywhere you go and there is a gave located right above the campsites that’s beautiful to view from outside! Unknown safety on air quality or safety do not prefer going in! A park a little drive up the road right along with a swimming spot off from the beach at the lake that is perfect for kids and families! Everyone is very kind and welcoming and very helpful! If you are a beginning camper this will be an amazing spot to camp

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

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.

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.

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 😴

Simple. Free. Next to the dam

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.

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!