Campsites are first come at New River Gorge: what applies in 2026?

Direct answer

Campsites are first come, first served — only group sites can be reserved

Exact conditions

Status: Not required; the stated access rule still applies
Applies to: overnight guests
Place or corridor: All park campgrounds; group camping at Burnwood
Effective dates: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
Release model: first come

Release detail: Individual sites cannot be reserved at all — NPS states reservations are neither required nor accepted for them.

Fee detail: NPS does not publish a per-night rate for individual first-come sites on the permits and reservations page. Unknown. The Burnwood group shelter rate is $75 per night.

Exceptions and limits

Group sites are the exception and ARE reserved in advance.
Burnwood group shelters are $75 per night and are reserved by phone at (304) 465-6517, not online.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

Reservations are only accepted for group sites. All other campsites in the park are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED and reservations are not required nor accepted. ... The rate for shelters at Burnwood is $75 per night.

Permits and Reservations - New River Gorge National Park & Preserve