Thayer Campground

About

Thayer Campground offers a remote, primitive camping experience along the banks of the New River within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This small tent-only campground features 4 walk-in sites, meaning campers must park and carry their gear to their campsite. The secluded setting near the historic community of Thayer provides access to the river and surrounding Appalachian forest. This is a truly primitive campground with no toilets, no potable water, and no hookups. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all water and packing out trash in bear-proof receptacles. Each site has an existing fire ring for campfires using only dead wood found on the ground. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM. Access requires navigating unpaved Route 25 past Stonecliff. The campground prohibits alcohol, RVs, campers, and car camping. Stays are limited to 14 days per 28-day period. Pets are allowed on leash with a maximum of 4 pets per site.

Directions

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) towards Thayer. At Thayer Church, turn downhill off Route 25 to the bottom. Cross the railroad tracks and turn left towards the campground.