The National Park Service (NPS) is inviting public feedback on a proposed rehabilitation and expansion of the Gauley Tailwaters Campground at Gauley River National Recreation Area in Nicholas County, West Virginia.
The comment period, beginning December 3, and closing January 3, 2025, allows interested individuals to review plans and offer input via the NPS planning website.
The Gauley Tailwaters Campground, established in 1988, serves as a base for activities during Gauley River rafting season, attracting international visitors to the renowned Class V and VI whitewater rapids.
Despite its popularity, the campground has remained largely unchanged since its inception, creating challenges during peak seasons when its 16 sites—designed for 64 campers—must accommodate up to 200 visitors.
According to a press release, the proposed project includes relocating the existing campsites to a forested area, improving spacing and accessibility. Plans outline the creation of 11 RV sites and five walk-in tent sites, all constructed to meet federal accessibility standards under the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS). Each site would include amenities such as a picnic table, tent pad, fire ring, lantern pole, and marker.
Additional features of the proposal include a group camping area beyond the tent sites and the development of a larger day-use parking area at the site of the removed campsites. Modern restroom facilities, designed for full accessibility, would also replace the current outdated wooden vault building.
To enhance the campground as a destination, approximately two miles of new trails would be constructed, improving both recreational access and emergency response capabilities. Informational kiosks at trailheads, including one within the day-use area, are also part of the plan.
Additionally, the proposal includes upgrades to the campground’s infrastructure, such as a gravel access road with a one-way loop turnaround for RV sites and a back-in turnaround near the tent and group camping areas.
