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National Recreation Area · West Virginia

Gauley River National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area in West Virginia. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Recreation Area
StateWest Virginia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
Campgrounds1
Nearest national parkNew River Gorge (10 mi)
Closest airportBKW (30 mi)
Rafters enjoying the Gauley River
Gauley River is a popular whitewater river in the fall Photo: NPS Photo

Gauley River National Recreation Area is a national recreation area run by the National Park Service in West Virginia.

In the park service’s words

The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The area is open year round. The official Gauley boating season is from early September through mid October. Boating is occasionally possible at other times, depending on water releases from Summersville Dam. There is no visitor center for Gauley River National Recreation Area. Please visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for information.

Camping

Campground Sites Booking From RVs Amenities
[Gauley Tailwaters]() 18 First come n/a Yes, up to 25 ft cell signal

Getting there

Plane The largest airport is at Charleston, about 65 miles from Summersville. There are also small airports at Summersville and Beckley. Car The main entrance to Gauley River National Recreation Area is located off US Route 19 south of Summersville and north of Fayetteville, West Virginia. Turn off US Route 19 onto WV Route 129 toward Summersville Dam. Take the second left after you cross over the dam and follow the signs to Gauley River.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) Beaver, WV No road route 30 Regional
Yeager Airport (CRW) Charleston, WV No road route 34 Regional
Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) Lewisburg, WV No road route 41 Regional
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) Greensboro, NC No road route 157 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Canyon Rim Visitor Center: Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00PM - 5:00PM. The primary purpose of Canyon Rim Visitor Center is to act as a visitor contact station for area information and for interpretation of the natural, cultural, recreational, and historic values of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. Open year-round:from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day

Weather

Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is New River Gorge, about 10 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Gauley River National Recreation Area?

No entrance fee.

Where is Gauley River National Recreation Area?

In West Virginia. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Raleigh County Memorial Airport, about 30 miles away.

Can you camp at Gauley River National Recreation Area?

Yes, at 1 campground the park service lists.

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