Campground Review: The Outpost at New River Gorge, WV

Tucked just outside the boundary of the New River Gorge National Park in Fayetteville, WV, The Outpost at New River Gorge is a gem of a campground that blends rustic charm with thoughtful modern touches. Whether you're a tent camper, a vanlifer, or glamping your way through the wild, this place has something for everyone.

⭐ Vibe & Atmosphere

Let’s start with the vibe: it’s chill, it’s friendly, and it leans into that “basecamp for adventure” energy. We met the owner, Ross, and he told us about his big plans for the park, and a lot of them are already underway. His crew was busy throughout our stay working on improvements all over the property. The local electrical company was busy installing infrastructure for the next phase of expansion.

On weekends the park doubles as campground and live music venue. We stayed on a Monday and Tuesday, but had we been there over the April 18-19 weekend we would have been treated to “Grass is Dead”, a Bluegrass Dead cover band. Ross has big plans for the music venue with a stage redesign with high end sound system. You definitely want to check the calendar ahead of time and maybe schedule your visit over a weekend to take in low-key festival feel.

🏕️ Sites & Accommodations

There’s a mix of tent sites, RV spots (with full hookups), and adorable cabins, all tucked into a peaceful woodland setting. The tent sites are well-spaced, with plenty of trees for privacy and shade. RV spots are level gravel, and easy to navigate, even for longer rigs.

Some of the tent sites are platform sites providing a wooden roof over your tent, and picnic tables and fire pits (Solo Stoves). If you’re more into glamping and don’t have an RV, the cabins are cozy and thoughtfully designed—perfect for couples or small families who want nature without roughing it. Currently under construction are more glamorous one and two bedroom accommodations.

🚿 Amenities

The bathhouses? Spotless. When I’m hunting down a campground online, I go to the bathroom reviews first. For Terri and me, the campground has to have 9.5-10 on Good Sam. The Outpost facilities definitely met this criteria. I didn’t use the showers, but the bath vanities where high end and provided an excellent hot shave. There is an outdoor pavillion with a couple of BBQ’s. There is a communal lodge with comfortable sitting areas, clean restrooms, a TV, and great potential for the future (once Ross completes his plan).

Got Wi-Fi? So many campgrounds try and fail at this amenity. I know a lot of our friends have Starlink and don’t care about RV Park Wi-Fi. We’re not there yet, primarily because we’re not full time and typically don’t stay long at campgrounds (2-nights at The Outpost). I always give the Wi-Fi a try to see if it’s even close to the Hotel Wi-Fi that was such a big part of my responsibilities for 18 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The Outpost Wi-Fi was solid and provided my Winegard Connect 2.0 with plenty of bandwidth for all our devices plus HD streaming. Off the grid? Not for Terri and me. We prefer to “Glamp” and the amenities at The Outpost provide that experience.

🌄 Location, Location, Location

You’re minutes from the New River Gorge Bridge, endless trails, whitewater adventures, and cool spots in Fayetteville like Pies & Pints or Cathedral Cafe. It’s a killer home base for exploring the park—whether you're into hiking, climbing, rafting, or just soaking in the views.

Bottom Line

If you’re heading to New River Gorge and want a campground with heart, hospitality, and high-quality everything, The Outpost is a must-stay. Whether you’re adventuring all day or just unwinding in the woods, this place nails the balance between wild and welcoming.

Just one more thing… the entrance to the park is steep and narrow, but there is an unpublished entry for fifth wheels and rigs like ours towing a jeep.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)