New River Gorge camping reccomendations?

sdianel wrote:
There is a Corps of Engineers park at Lake Summersville. It's called Battle Run.

One word of caution if making reservations on the Corp campground on Summersville Lake. They do not permit dogs in the campground. I use to make 2-3 trips there each year with my boat until I got a dog, no more! In my opinion this campground is one of the best campgrounds in southern WV.

Thanks for the advice.

Pipestem State Resort Park.Thye have everything.

That's a great place to visit. I suggest making reservations early.

September is Gauley Season.

The Gauley can be run year round. But during September, the Corps of Engineers releases water to specifically increase extreme white water. Paddlers come from around the world to run the Gauley during this series of releases.

Also, the bridge has a cat walk built into the underside that's open to the public. I think a fee and guide are required, though. That's on our list. We may take that on during our upcoming visit this summer.

If you like the water, Summersville Lake is unusually clear, and divers flock there for a rare glimpse at freshwater that is not murky. Water temps should still be OK in September.

You may be able to run the New River while there. That will depend on water levels. You shouldn't get on the Gauley unless you are an accomplished paddler. In fact, I think there is a screening process before you can run it during these releases. We have only rafted a couple of times (New River and Cheat), so not 100% up on the rules.

You should have no problem descending into the gorge for primitive campsites with your A-liner.

We prefer the Corps campground for the ease of access, water location and site sizes.

Have fun!

There is a Corps of Engineers park at Lake Summersville. It's called Battle Run.

If you don't mind trains, then yes the campgrounds are nice near the river. They were working on the track during the day, so all the backed up trains ran at night, meaning about one every hour. And with the track being just across the river combined with a bridge nearby, you heard them clanking down the track and blowing the horn. Here is my TC (left) in Grandview Sandbar CG. Did drvie to the end of the road to look at Glade Creek but it was more just parking at the large turn around at the end of the road then a campground. Though you would have river view at it. Road was a bit narrow getting to it, but doable in a small class C or short trailer.



Just be aware that there isn't easy access from the campgrounds to the visitor center. The McKendree Road from 41 to the visitor center along the river is over grown and impassable by anything but a motorcyle or pin-striped jeep. I tried in the TC and only made it about 1/2 mile before the road closed in to a wide walking trail.