A Camper’s Guide to the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
It’s just you, your tent and more than 70,000 wooded acres to explore. The possibilities are endless when camping in and around the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, one of the nation’s newest national parks.
For unforgettable days and restful nights in one of the most adventure-filled spots in West Virginia, set up camp and enjoy all the New River Gorge offers.
Pick a Spot 🏕️
Whether you’re into the backcountry, primitive or RV campsites, Almost Heaven has what you want. Explore what some of these local outfitters and campgrounds near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have to offer.
Arrowhead Bike Farm
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Arrowhead Bike Farm in Fayetteville perfectly blends classic camping and outdoor adventure. Field camp spots are perfect for campers looking to save big and want to focus their trip on the experiences around them. Primitive camp spots are nestled in the woods and provide more serenity, perfect for hammock enthusiasts. Picnic tables and a fire ring are available for a cozier outdoor experience. Large groups benefit from Group spots, which offer spacious accommodations in a forested setting with a picnic table and fire ring.
While You’re Here
If you enjoy mountain biking, you’ll love renting one or bringing your own here. Explore 15 miles of single-track trails, including Long Point Trail and others that connect to Fayetteville, Hawks Nest State Park or even Thurmond.
Adventures on the Gorge
Lansing, West Virginia
Find a secluded spot in the wilderness with Adventures on the Gorge. Choose from seven different campgrounds, all of which have unique setups and amenities. Mill Creek Area B is excellent for privacy while still close proximity to the resort, and Mill Creek Area D is perfect for large groups and sleeps up to 16. An RV campsite is also available and puts campers within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
While You’re Here
You’re in the hub of world-class outdoor recreation! Try whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers, kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, aerial canopy tours or zip lining.
ACE Adventure Resort
Oak Hill, West Virginia
Another outdoor recreation hotspot, ACE Adventure Resort boasts scenic camping spots. Pitch a tent at one of the Mountaintop Camping sites, or enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your motorhome at an RV Camping site. Pets are welcome as well.
While You’re Here
Continue your outdoor adventures with plenty of options at your disposal. Experience white water rafting, cool off at Adventure Lake, go ziplining, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and much more.
Pack the Essentials ✅
Packaging all the camping essentials is key to ensuring your trip is elite, regardless of how many nights you plan to spend under the stars. Here’s what we recommend for West Virginia explorers:
- Tent ⛺️
- Camping chairs 🪑
- Sleeping bag 💤
- Pillow😴
- Flashlight/lantern with extra batteries 🔦
- Portable phone charger 📱
- Comfortable footwear (hiking boots, walking shoes, water shoes, sandals, etc) 🥾
- Extra clothes (for each day you’re adventuring) 👕👚
- Toiletries 🪥
- Rain jacket 🧥
- Snacks 🍎
- Insect Spray 🪲
- Sunscreen 🧴
- Swimming clothes 🌊
- Hotdog roasters 🌭
- Matches/lighter 🔥🪵
- Ingredients for S’mores 🍫
West Virginia-edition bonus: Bring pepperoni rolls to roast over the fire!
Find a Trail 🥾
No matter where you pitch a tent in Almost Heaven, chances are good that a nearby hiking trail awaits your stride. Get out there and explore what makes a trail in West Virginia so memorable.
Endless Wall Trail
Cross Fern Creek and zig-zag along the cliff’s edge on Endless Wall Trail, a 2.4-mile moderate hiking trail with a stunning backdrop. Here you can take in a bird’s eye view of the gorge 1,000 feet below.
Long Point Trail
For a stunning panoramic view of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge, hike the 3.2-mile out-and-back Long Point Trail. Park in the trailhead parking lot off Newton Road and begin your journey.
Big Branch Trail
Big Branch Trail is a moderate 1.8-mile loop trail near Hinton, and it takes you to a spot on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. Explore Big Branch Falls, a beautiful waterfall with an 8-foot drop that spans out across bedrock.
Glade Creek Trail
This 5.6-mile trail follows an abandoned narrow-gauge railroad along Glade Creek. Check out Glade Creek Falls, another stop on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, perched just one mile upstream of Glade Creek Campground.
There are plenty of other camping spots near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Learn more in our free West Virginia Vacation Guide and start planning your camping trip in Almost Heaven!
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This post was last updated on June 5, 2025