Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
New River Gorge National Park by RV
53 min from BKWCamping score 8/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- BKW
- Airport drive
- 53 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–4 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- A vehicle with high clearance is beneficial for some gravel access roads; check rental restrictions for off-pavement use.
Book in this order
Your route
BKW
Raleigh County Memorial Airport
New River Gorge National Park
About 53 min · 25 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
A vehicle with high clearance is beneficial for some gravel access roads; check rental restrictions for off-pavement use.
parking
Trailhead Capacity
Parking lots at Long Point and Endless Wall are small and often reach capacity during autumn weekends. Have a secondary trail in mind if primary lots are full to avoid parking on narrow road shoulders.
signal
Gorge Connectivity
Cellular reception is extremely limited at the bottom of the gorge and in remote areas like Thurmond. Download offline maps and park brochures at the visitor center before departing.
fuel
Gateway Fuel Stations
Major fueling stations are concentrated in Fayetteville and Beckley. There are very limited services within the park boundaries or along the river access roads.
Campground reservations
Permits and Logistics for West Virginia’s Deepest Gorge
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve does not currently require a general entry permit, but specific activities like commercial whitewater rafting and group camping must be booked through official outfitters or the federal reservation system. Check the official NPS site for seasonal facility closures and changes to the Bridge Day access rules.
Official source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at BKW
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at BKW
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at BKW
- ✓ Compare suppliers at BKW
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at BKW
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at BKW3 · Where to park the rig near New River Gorge National Park
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
RV parks near New River Gorge National Park on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availabilityCampsites near New River Gorge National Park on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near New River Gorge National Park?
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Your route
Day 1 · Rim Views and Historic Spans
Canyon Rim Visitor Center → Endless Wall Trail
Day 2 · Gorge Depth and Industrial Heritage
Fayette Station Road → Thurmond Historic District
Day 3 · Southern Falls and River Vistas
Sandstone Falls → Grandview Overlook
Viator
Tours & experiences near New River Gorge National Park
Explore guided activities around New River Gorge National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for New River Gorge National Park
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
Can I take an RV to New River Gorge National Park?
Yes, New River Gorge National Park is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for New River Gorge National Park?
The nearest airport is Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW), about 53 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near New River Gorge National Park need reservations?
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve does not currently require a general entry permit, but specific activities like commercial whitewater rafting and group camping must be booked through official outfitters or the federal reservation system. Check the official NPS site for seasonal facility closures and changes to the Bridge Day access rules.