New River Campground Inc.

For West Virginia locals seeking an outdoor experience near the iconic New River, New River Campground Inc. in Gauley Bridge has historically been a consideration. As with any outdoor destination, understanding the current offerings and environment is key to a satisfying visit. This overview aims to provide West Virginia residents with factual information about the campground, helping them determine if it aligns with their expectations for a camping trip in the beautiful Mountain State.

New River Campground Inc. is located at 11218 Midland Trail, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085, USA. This address places it in a region of West Virginia renowned for its rugged natural beauty and proximity to the New River Gorge, a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. The Midland Trail (US Route 60) is a significant historic and scenic highway that winds through the state, suggesting relatively straightforward access to the campground for those traveling by vehicle.

For West Virginia locals, the campground's location in Gauley Bridge offers a base for exploring the surrounding Kanawha and Fayette County areas. While nestled in a mountainous region, the primary access via a well-known highway typically ensures manageable travel, even for larger RVs or travel trailers. However, visitors should be aware that being in a mountainous area can sometimes mean winding roads and potential for traffic, especially during peak seasons for outdoor activities. The reviews mention "semi trucks coming over the mountain in the morning," which indicates the presence of commercial traffic on nearby routes that might impact the tranquility of the location. Despite these considerations, its positioning near the New River means direct access to the water for various activities, which is a major draw for many who seek to experience West Virginia’s renowned river systems.

Based on the provided customer reviews, the services offered at New River Campground Inc. have undergone changes and may present limitations. It is crucial for prospective visitors to be aware of these details:

• Primitive Camping Spots: The campground offers "primitive camp spot," catering to those who prefer a more rustic and less amenity-dependent camping experience.
• RV Accommodation: While primitive spots are mentioned, the reviews also indicate that visitors bring "a travel trailer," suggesting that RVs are accommodated, though specific hookup availability is not detailed in the provided information.
• Restroom Availability (Limited): A significant point of concern from recent reviews is that "they do not have restrooms available to everyone." One customer explicitly states, "It was our favorite campground and now we do not get to go because we have a travel trailer that has a restroom even though it is not functionable." This implies that access to communal restroom facilities may be restricted or entirely unavailable to some campers, or that existing facilities are not maintained for public use.
• No Functioning Amenities (Potentially): The phrase "Everything worked great previously when everyone had access to the restrooms but now just seems a little unfair to punish people and not make their amenities available to everyone" strongly suggests that if other amenities existed previously, they may now be unavailable or non-functional for general use.

Given these limitations, visitors should plan to be self-sufficient regarding sanitation, water, and other basic needs. It is highly recommended to clarify current amenity status directly with the campground prior to booking.

Based on the provided customer reviews, New River Campground Inc. presents a mixed bag of features and highlights that prospective campers should consider:

• Proximity to the New River: The most significant inherent feature is its location by the New River. This provides direct access for popular West Virginia activities like fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the river scenery, which is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who prefer a back-to-basics approach to camping, the availability of "primitive camp spot" could be seen as a highlight, offering a less developed and potentially more rugged outdoor experience.
• Variable Pricing (Potential Highlight/Concern): One review mentions that the price for a primitive spot varied significantly from an initial quote ($50) to the actual charge ($20). While inconsistent pricing can be a negative, a lower than expected cost (if it occurs) might be seen as a "highlight" for some budget-conscious campers. However, this inconsistency itself is a notable feature to be aware of.
• Historical Appeal (Implicit): Being on the Midland Trail in Gauley Bridge means the campground is situated in an area rich with West Virginia history and natural beauty, offering opportunities for exploration beyond the immediate campsite.
• Potential for Seclusion (Past vs. Present): While one review lamented changes, the initial positive perception ("When we first went to this campground we loved it") might suggest that at some point, it offered a desirable outdoor ambiance. However, recent feedback points away from this.

It is crucial to balance these potential highlights with the significant concerns raised in recent reviews regarding amenity availability, noise, and management, as these factors heavily influence the overall camping experience.

Based on the provided customer reviews, there is no information available regarding any specific promotions, discounts, or special offers at New River Campground Inc. The reviews instead highlight inconsistencies in pricing and communication challenges, which would typically precede any formal promotional offerings.

The review stating, "They have different prices depending on who you talk to" and "the owner said he charges what ever he wants and it’s always different. Ended up being 20 a night," suggests a lack of formalized pricing structure, let alone structured promotions.

Given this feedback, it is highly unlikely that New River Campground Inc. consistently offers promotions such as seasonal discounts, military discounts, or loyalty programs. Prospective campers should focus on clarifying the current nightly rate for their specific needs directly with the campground, rather than expecting special deals. Any pricing discussed should be confirmed unequivocally to avoid discrepancies upon arrival.

For those wishing to inquire directly about current availability, services, and pricing at New River Campground Inc., the provided contact information is:

Address: 11218 Midland Trail, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085, USA

Phone: (304) 590-5389

Mobile Phone: +1 304-590-5389

It is important to note the customer feedback stating, "They never answer the phone. Talked to Brian finally on the phone." This suggests that reaching someone via phone may require persistence. Given the concerns raised in reviews about inconsistent information and lack of amenities, it is strongly advised that any crucial details, especially regarding restroom access and exact pricing for specific dates and types of spots, be confirmed in writing if possible, or reiterated clearly during phone conversations. Relying solely on verbal confirmations, especially if there are reports of differing prices, might lead to unexpected situations upon arrival.

For West Virginia locals considering New River Campground Inc. in Gauley Bridge, suitability hinges entirely on individual expectations and a tolerance for a highly rustic, potentially challenging camping experience. For those who prioritize immediate access to the New River and a truly "primitive" camping scenario, this campground could still serve as a very basic, no-frills base. If your primary goal is simply to pitch a tent or park a functional RV near the river for fishing or other water activities, and you are entirely self-sufficient regarding sanitation, water, and power, then the location itself remains a potential draw.

However, it is crucial for West Virginians to weigh this against the significant concerns raised by recent visitors. The lack of consistently available or functional restrooms and other amenities is a major drawback for many, particularly families or those relying on campground facilities. Inconsistent pricing and reported difficulties in communication (e.g., "They never answer the phone") also present significant planning challenges. Furthermore, the "horrendous" train noise and "semi trucks coming over the mountain" point to a potentially disruptive environment that may not align with a peaceful retreat. The mention of "Rats at the entrance" also signals a concern regarding cleanliness and pest control.

Ultimately, New River Campground Inc. might appeal to a very specific niche of West Virginia campers: those who are extremely budget-conscious (if they secure the lower price point), highly self-reliant, and willing to overlook significant operational inconsistencies and external noise for direct access to the New River. For the majority of locals seeking a comfortable, predictable, and fully-equipped camping experience, the recent reviews suggest that other campgrounds in the beautiful West Virginia region might be a more suitable choice. It is imperative for any prospective visitor to contact the campground directly and confirm all current conditions before planning a trip.

New River Campground Inc.

11218 Midland Trail, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085, USA