New River Gorge National Park
7,021
Acres
1.81 million/year
Annual Visitors
Free
Entry Fee
April through November
Best Time to Visit
National Park Service
National Park
New River Gorge became America's 63rd national park on December 27, 2020. The park protects a 70,000-acre swath of the New River canyon in West Virginia and contains the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
Our New River Gorge Articles
When to Visit New River Gorge
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Month-by-Month Conditions
Tap any month for details
Month
High
Low
Crowds
Roads
Jan
88°
73°
Low
Open
Feb
85°
70°
Low
Open
Mar
77°
61°
Light
Open
Apr Best
67°
50°
Heavy
Open
May Best
56°
37°
Heavy
Open
Jun Best
48°
28°
Heavy
Open
Jul Best
45°
25°
Heavy
Open
Aug Best
48°
28°
Peak
Open
Sep Best
56°
37°
Peak
Open
Oct Best
67°
50°
Heavy
Open
Nov Best
77°
61°
Heavy
Open
Dec
85°
70°
Light
Open
Best months to visit
Crowd level (low to peak)
Campgrounds in New River Gorge
Army Camp
$0/nightThis campground offers both tent and RV campsites along the banks of the New River at one of its many horseshoe bends. There are 11...
Brooklyn Campground
$0/nightThis tent only campground is located on the banks of the New River near the Cunard River Access point and Southside Trailhead. It offers 4...
Burnwood Group Campsite
$75/nightBurnwood is located across Route 19 from Canyon Rim Visitor Center and offers group camping. This site is only for groups of 8 or more...
Glade Creek Campground
$0/nightThis forested campground offers both tent and RV sites near the banks of the New River and the Glade Creek Trailhead. There are 6 walk-in...
Grandview Sandbar
$0/nightThis campground offers shaded wooded campsites near the banks of the New River. There are 10 wooded drive-in sites for RVs, campers, car camping, and...
Meadow Creek Campground
$0/nightThis primitive campground located along the New River is only one mile from the Sandstone Visitor Center. It offers 17 sites in an open field....
Stone Cliff
$0/nightThis tent only campground located near the historic railroad town of Thurmond offers 7 walk-in sites, 5 on the sandy beach of the New River...
Thayer Campground
$0/nightThis tent only campground is located near the community of Thayer along the banks of the New River. It has 4 walk-in sites. There are...
War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
$0/nightThis is the only campground in the park that is not along the river. It is located on a ridgetop near Backus Mountain. There are...
Trip Essentials
Gear and guides we recommend for New River Gorge. Affiliate links help support our work.
Trail Map
New River Gorge National Geographic Trails Illustrated
View on Amazon
Guidebook
New River Gorge field guide with trail details and planning info
View on Amazon
Hotels Near New River Gorge
Compare lodges, cabins, and hotels near the park
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America the Beautiful Pass
$80/year. Covers entrance fees at all 2,000+ federal recreation sites.
Get the Pass
Trail Shoes
Lightweight with good traction for maintained trails.
View on REI
Rain Jacket
Mountain weather turns fast. Pack a shell even on clear mornings.
View on REI
Merino Hiking Socks
Prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable for miles.
View on REI
Getting to New River Gorge
Gateway Towns
- Fayetteville, WV
- Beckley, WV
- Hinton, WV
Nearest Airports
- BKW Raleigh County Memorial 20 mi
- CRW Yeager Airport (Charleston) 65 mi
New River Gorge Map
VC Visitor Center
CG Campground
Nearby Park
Nearby National Parks
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