Thayer Campground

4 sitesFirst-come, first-servedIn New River Gorge National Park
campsite
Thayer Campground · NPS photo
Campsites
4
How to get a site
First-come, first-served
RVs
Not allowed
Fee
Free
Coordinates
37.9017, -81.0330
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37.9017, -81.0330 · Park boundary: National Park Service

This tent only campground is located near the community of Thayer along the banks of the New River. It has 4 walk-in sites. There are no drive-in sites at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. Alcohol is prohibited at this campground.

Every day
All Day

Thayer Campground is open year round.

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

4
Tent-only
4
Walk or boat in
4 first-come, first-served
Thayer CampgroundFree

These primitive camping areas have no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities. All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted. There are no fees for camping.

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.

Cell reception
Yes - year round
Amphitheater
No
Camp store
No
Drinking water
No water
Dump station
No
Firewood for sale
No
Food storage lockers
No
Host on site
No
Ice for sale
No
Internet
No
Laundry
No
Showers
None
Toilets
No Toilets
Trash & recycling
No

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

RVs
Not allowed
Trailers
Not allowed
Access roads
Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Classification
Primitive Camping Areas
Cell service
Cell service is spotty and may not be reliable based on provider, weather, and location.
Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair accessible campsites or restrooms at this location.

ADA facilities

There are no ADA compliant accessible campsites or restrooms at this location.

Fires & stoves

Use existing fire rings at campsites. Burn only dead wood found on the ground. Damaging or cutting down trees or branches for firewood is prohibited.

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Take Route 25 from Glen Jean for six miles towards Thurmond. Turn right at the intersection just before the bridge across the river and continue towards Stone Cliff. At Stonecliff, cross the New River bridge and continue upstream on Route 25 (which becomes unpaved at this point) towards Thayer. At Thayer Church, turn downhill off Route 25 to the bottom. Cross the railroad tracks and turn left towards the campground.

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.

•Camp only in designated campsites. •RV, Camper, and Car camping is prohibited at Thayer Campground. •No more than 2 tents per campsite. •No more than 2 vehicles permitted per campsite. •Campers must occupy permitted campsites each night. •No more than 8 people and 4 pets per campsite. •Camping limit of no more than a total of 14 days per 28-day period in any park campground. •Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. •Pets must be kept on a leash. •Use existing fire rings for campfires. Burn only dead wood found on the ground. •Use the provided toilet facilities. •Do not drive nails into trees or hang lanterns against trees. •Alcohol, alcohol usage, and disorderly conduct is prohibited at Thayer Campground. •Littering is prohibited. Dispose of trash in a bear-proof trash receptacle. •Avoid glass containers, use plastic or aluminum. •Respect all other park visitors and campers.

AddressThayer Campground · Thurmond, WV 25936
Visitor centers in New River Gorge · 4

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