Is Thayer Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Thayer Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Thayer Campground before I book?

Yes! Thayer Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Thayer Campground?

Thayer Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Thayer Campground have?

Thayer Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Thayer Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Thayer Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Thayer Campground

4.03

24 reviews

PO Box 246, 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV, 25846, USA

This campground is currently closed

It's marked closed by the operator right now, so it isn't taking reservations. We keep the page up so you can still read reviews, photos, and details and plan for when it reopens.

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Thayer Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(304) 465-0508neri_interpretation@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO Box 246, 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV, 25846, USA

Thayer Campground

PO Box 246, 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV, 25846, USA

Driving directionsTake 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 at Thayer Campground

Best Time to Camp at Thayer Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at Thayer — crisp, stable weather (daytime highs commonly 50–65°F and nights 35–45°F in October) and vibrant Appalachian foliage framing the New River. Water recreation (calm boating, fishing) is excellent as river flows often drop from spring runoff, and the small, tent-only campground feels especially peaceful with lower weekday crowds though weekends can see more river users. Bring layered clothing for cool mornings and evenings; note that hunting/arch Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called the best season: stable weather and vibrant Appalachian foliage frame the site.

Planning Tips

About Thayer Campground

Thayer Campground is a National Park Service primitive tent site in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, tucked into the Appalachian foothills near Glen Jean. This very small campground offers direct access to the New River for fishing and calm-water boating, with a secluded, natural setting that appeals to visitors seeking privacy. Fall brings vibrant foliage and stable weather, making it the prime season for camping here.

Thayer Campground is a rustic and primitive camping area catering exclusively to tent campers. It features four walk-in sites and prohibits RVs, campers, and car camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at Thayer — crisp, stable weather (daytime highs commonly 50–65°F and nights 35–45°F in October) and vibrant Appalachian foliage framing the New River. Water recreation (calm boating, fishing) is excellent as river flows often drop from spring runoff, and the small, tent-only campground feels especially peaceful with lower weekday crowds though weekends can see more river users. Bring layered clothing for cool mornings and evenings; note that hunting/arch Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: January, February

Elevation1070 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 1,070 feet elevation on a riverside terrace within the New River Gorge. Hardwoods and evergreens provide overhead cover, and the New River flows past the sites close enough to hear from your tent. The surrounding Appalachian terrain is steep and heavily forested. Morning fog often rises from the water. Three sites sit on sloped ground behind the best site, which is nearest the river.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer any hotel-style lodging or additional accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at Thayer Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityThe campground's accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground includes four walk-in tent sites. Specific dimensions of individual sites are not provided.

PrivacySites at Thayer Campground offer high levels of privacy. One user stated, 'Very secluded if you don’t want a lot of people near by,' and another mentioned, 'Very private. No one else was at the site.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and scenic views, opt for the site next to the river.

Best CampsitesThe site nearest the river is the clear favorite. It sits closer to the water for fishing and kayaking access, and reviewers specifically call it out as the most desirable spot. The other three sites are positioned uphill behind it on sloped terrain.

Amenities available

Thayer Campground is a tent-only facility located near the community of Thayer along the banks of the New River. It features four walk-in campsites and prohibits drive-in, RV, camper, or car camping. Alcohol is not permitted. The campground is designed for visitors seeking a remote and secluded experience.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Thayer Campground offers limited recreational activities, primarily centered around the New River. It is ideal for visitors interested in fishing, boating, and enjoying a secluded natural environment.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilet facilities are not available. A user review mentions, 'the only restroom is a port a potty.'

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Thayer Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.0

24 reviews

Satisfactory

Thayer Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a mixed picture of Thayer Campground. While some appreciate the seclusion and natural beauty, others criticize the lack of facilities, the challenging access road, and issues with littering.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's privacy, proximity to the New River for fishing and boating, and the overall natural setting. Reviewers described it as 'Great hidden place within the park'...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the long, narrow, and curvy access road, lack of trails and recreational amenities, absence of cell service, and issues with littering. One user remarked, 'Place looks a...

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has only four walk-in sites. One user mentioned that 'there’s one site next to the river and the other 3 sites were behind it,' suggesting varying proximity to the water.

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include avoiding the road from Prince due to its condition, arriving early to secure one of the limited four sites (as reservations are not accepted), and being prepared for the...

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends are mentioned in the reviews, but the campground's lack of modern amenities and challenging access might make it less appealing during extreme weather conditions.

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very secluded if you don’t want a lot of people nearby.' (anna nguyen) 2. 'Great hidden place within the park. Road getting there from Thurmond is long, narrow, and windy.' (Matthew) 3. 'No one...

Based on 24 reviews

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Thayer Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(304) 465-0508neri_interpretation@nps.gov

Go if

You want a secluded, no-frills camping experience with direct river access in a national park setting.

Skip if

You need developed facilities, maintained trails, or guaranteed site cleanliness.

Nearby Campgrounds

PO Box 246, 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV 25846, USA

Brooklyn Campground sits along the New River in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, a primitive National Park Service site with just five riverside spots. This foothill campground offers vault toilets and fire rings in a quiet setting where passing trains add character to the experience. Visitors come for fall foliage, stargazing, and unhurried time by the water.

Tucked into the heart of Appalachia's rugged terrain, Babcock Campground offers a secluded retreat where steep sandstone gorges meet crystal-clear mountain streams. Whether you choose an electric or non-electric site beneath the forest canopy, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore Boley Lake, the dramatic Manns Creek Gorge trails, and the legendary attractions of nearby New River Gorge.

Little Beaver Campground

Nestled among towering hardwoods on the shores of an 18-acre lake, Little Beaver Campground offers 46 modern campsites where forest meets water. This family-friendly retreat, which opened in 2011, features both electric+water and water-only sites, a well-equipped bathhouse with laundry facilities, and convenient trail access connecting you to the shimmering lakeshore and beyond.

Nestled in the rugged mountains of southern West Virginia, Bluestone State Park campground welcomes you to 123 sites spread across four distinct camping areas, where the forest meets the sparkling waters of Bluestone Lake. Whether you're pitching your tent steps from the shoreline or settling into a cozy cabin beneath towering hardwoods, you'll find the perfect basecamp for lake adventures and woodland exploration.

2981 SUMMERSVILLE LAKE ROAD

Battle Run sits on the shores of Summersville Lake in West Virginia's foothills, operated by Battle Run Campground Management under the Army Corps of Engineers. The large campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station. Visitors come for direct lake access, with opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and climbing nearby cliffs.

$24.00 - $40.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

(35)

Long Point Campground

Summersville Lake

Long Point Campground sits near Summersville Lake at 1,745 feet elevation, offering full-hookup RV sites and modern cabins. The hands-on owners keep the property spotless and greet guests personally. It's a couple miles from Battle Run boat launch and Long Point Overlook, with a restaurant and grill across the street.

39.64 km

No fees available

Campgrounds

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

Thayer Campground

About New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

Context for the broader area surrounding Thayer Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

Directions

To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn. At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N PLEASE NOTE: Third party search and map apps may direct you to an potentially inaccessible area of the park with no amenities or rangers stations. Please refer to the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters addresses for directions.