You are here

Home » Public Comment Sought For Tailwaters Campground Project At Gauley River National Recreation Area

Public Comment Sought For Tailwaters Campground Project At Gauley River National Recreation Area

Share

By

Compiled from NPS Releases

Published Date

December 3, 2024

Spectators watch as rafters navigate through rapids on the Gauley River / NPS

The National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to share their thoughts on plans to upgrade and expand the Gauley Tailwaters Campground at Gauley River National Recreation Area in Nicholas County, West Virginia.

Nestled at the headwaters of the legendary Gauley River, known for its world-class whitewater, the Gauley Tailwaters Campground has been a staple since the park's founding in 1988. However, this rustic site is overdue for improvements to ensure it remains accessible, functional, and enjoyable for years to come.

The campground serves as a hub during the annual Gauley River rafting season, which draws adventure seekers from around the globe for thrilling Class V and VI rapids. While originally designed to accommodate 16 sites (or about 64 campers), the area regularly hosts 100 to 200 visitors on peak days.

The Proposed Changes

To address current challenges, the NPS has developed two preliminary plans to rehabilitate and expand the campground. Highlights of the proposed upgrades include:

  • Relocated Campsites: Moving all 16 existing campsites to a more spacious, forested area for improved experiences.
  • Updated Site Layout: Creating 11 RV sites and 5 walk-in tent sites, all designed to meet federal accessibility standards (ABAAS).
  • Modern Amenities: Adding essentials like picnic tables, durable tent pads, fire rings, lantern poles, and markers at each site.
  • Group Camping Area: Developing a new group campsite south of the tent area.
  • Day-Use Parking: Replacing the original campsites with a larger parking area for day visitors.
  • Improved Restrooms: Replacing the outdated wooden vault toilets with fully accessible facilities.
  • New Trails: Adding about 2 miles of trails to enhance the campground’s appeal and improve emergency access to the river.
  • Informational Kiosks: Installing kiosks at trailheads and within the day-use and camping areas.
  • Upgraded Access Roads: Building a gravel road with a one-way loop for RVs and extending access to tent and group camping areas.

How to Get Involved

The proposal will be open for public review from December 3, 2024, to January 3, 2025, on the NPS planning website: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GauleyTailwatersCG.

When reviewing the project, consider responding to the guiding questions on the site to help shape the next steps. All feedback will be analyzed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Your input is critical to shaping the future of this beloved camping and recreation spot.

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.