RV Rental Gauley River National Recreation Area, WV

Whether you’re a watersports fanatic or a landlubber, you’ll never run out of fun activities to engage in while RV camping at Gauley River National Recreation Area. There are a couple of trails in the area, but none of them can equal the Gauley River Rail Trail. The trail boast of incredible views of the Gauley River from high up the steep river gorges.

After a long hike, unwind over a picnic with the family at one of the provided picnic areas. How about some fishing? You're in luck if you packed a fishing rod in your rental RV as Summersville Lake boasts of healthy populations of catfish, walleye, and trout. The lake is also home to some of the finest smallmouth bass fishing in the state.

It is no doubt that the biggest draw to the Gauley River National Recreation Area is the world-class whitewater rafting at Gauley River. Each September, rafting enthusiasts make their way to the Gauley River for a chance to experience the 25 miles long steep and complex stretch featuring more than 100 rapids.

After renting an RV, choosing a suitable campground to camp in an RV near Summersville is a big deal as you’ll be spending lots of time in the campground. Should you be looking to camp as close as possible to the Gauley River National Recreation Area, then Summersville Lake Retreat in Mt. Nebo might do. The campground’s pull-thru sites are equipped with full hookups, and campers get access to WiFi. Additional amenities include showers, restrooms, and outdoor courts.

Alternatively, you could also consider the Battle Run COE. Don’t worry if your trailer is huge, as this campground is big rig accessible. The campground only offers electric hookups, but there are water spigots and a dump station for waste management. Summersville campers are also treated to laundry facilities, and there’s a playground for kids. The highlight of this RV Park is that visitors can enjoy fishing and boating at Summersville Lake.

When proximity isn’t an issue, look up the Rifrafters Campground in Fayetteville. Here you’ll get electric, water, and sewer hookups for your Summersville camper rental. The campground has good mobile connectivity, not to mention WiFi and cable TV.

When your time in your motorhome rental at Gauley River National Recreation Area is almost over, spend your time touring the nearby towns. Set on the crossroads of the Midlands Trail and the Seneca Trail, Lewisburg is a small town with lots of attractions. The town is home to one of the eight Carnegie Hall’s still in continuous use in the world. The town is also known for having some of the most beautiful commercial caverns in the country. There you’ll descend 120 feet underground to a wonderland full of stalagmites, dome pits, and waterfalls.

If you’ll be spending New Year’s Day in the Gauley River National Recreation Area camping, buckle up and drive to Lewisburg to take part in the Shanghai Parade. The parade, which happens on the first of January annually, has been a town tradition for more than 150 years. The parade is full of wacky costumes, music, and food. Bring along a camera as baby llamas in pajamas is a spectacle worth documenting.

During your time at the Gauley River National Recreation Area, head down and visit Charleston, the capital of West Virginia. The charming riverfront city has loads of attractions to check out, so plan your time accordingly. How about stocking up on your grocery supply? There’s no better place for that than the Capitol Market. The market also hosts some of the finest restaurants in the city.

For even more shopping, park your travel trailer and head to the Charleston Town Center. Did you know that at the time of its opening in 1983, the Charleston Town Center was the biggest mall east of the Mississippi River? The premier shopping mall is a fun place to shop and dine. Should you find yourself in Charleston during Memorial Day, visit the West Virginia Veterans Memorial. The memorial is dedicated to West Virginians who died during the wars of the 20th century.