The New River area near Gauley Bridge sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation where the Gauley and New Rivers converge. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures regularly reaching 85-90°F during July and August, while winter months can bring significant snowfall making some campgrounds seasonal. Tent sites often feature gravel pads that help manage the region's 44 inches of annual rainfall.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Babcock State Park Campground offers over 20 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. A reviewer noted, "Hiking was great and my young children hiked all of it with us." The park features stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that make interesting landmarks.
Disc golf adventure: At Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins, campers can access frisbee golf courses without leaving the property. The campground covers extensive terrain with "Trails that were nicely marked and well cleared. Good size spaces and distance between each camper."
Waterfront recreation: Riverside camping provides direct water access for fishing and paddling. One camper at New River Campground mentioned, "I love bringing my kayak here to paddle around!" The campground also provides boat ramp access adjacent to sites for easy launching.
What campers like
Personal bathroom facilities: New River Campground assigns private bathhouses to specific campsites. A visitor commented, "You get your own bath house assigned to you. Very nice lady running the show." These dedicated facilities are particularly valuable for tent campers who don't have their own bathroom setups.
Level camping spaces: Rifrafters Campground offers concrete pads at some sites that eliminate the need for extensive setup adjustments. One review mentioned, "Our site was plenty large and the concrete pad was perfectly level." This feature saves significant setup time, especially for RVers.
Proximity to supplies: Several campgrounds offer easy access to basic necessities. A reviewer at Chestnut Creek Campground appreciated that it's "less than a mile from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the Bridge and only 15 minutes from Summerville Lake!" This convenience allows campers to resupply without long drives.
What you should know
Seasonal weather considerations: Summer heat requires planning for pets and people alike. In the New River Gorge area, July and August temperatures regularly reach the high 80s. One camper at Chestnut Creek Campground noted it uses a per-person fee structure: "Charge was per person not per site, but reasonable at $15. This seams to be common practice in the area."
Terrain challenges: The region's mountainous topography affects campground layout. A visitor to Mountain Lake noted, "I would not recommend walking the campground or even using a bike to get around. I say this because on top of it being very large and spaced apart, it is also very, very hilly."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Arrowhead Bike Farm, a camper reported, "I believe a reservation is required but don't quote me on that." Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Gauley Bridge recommend booking several weeks in advance during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas to keep children in view. At Mountain Lake, one parent shared, "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers chances to see native animals in their habitat. A Mountain Lake visitor reported, "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" This creates educational opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems.
Multiple activity options: Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek provides diverse recreation in one location. A family reported, "This was one of the best place to spend a long weekend with your Friends & Family. We booked cabin for group of 8 people, and room was pretty good enough for all of the members. They have plenty of activities to do including River Rafting."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Gauley Bridge offer partial or full hookup options. A visitor to The Outpost at New River Gorge reported, "Stayed in a full service RV spot, but the camp offered a variety of accommodations... Our site was right on a little creek, had a picnic table and fire pit."
Road condition awareness: Access roads in the area can be challenging for larger rigs. One RVer at New River Campground cautioned, "Note, the drive from Rt 19 to the campground is 8% grades both uphill and down, with twists, turns, and practical uturns with my 35ft. Fun for me, not for my wife lol."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require leveling blocks due to terrain. At Rifrafters, a camper shared, "The sites not directly in the river ain't but a stones throw away. The spots on the river are darn near in the river lol. It is really cool being that close to the river."
