West VA camping and rafting

[PONCH]

Looking to take a trip to west VA for a weekend camping trip. We want to include white water rafting. I have no idea where to go. Does anyone have any input? There should be 6-8 ppl and 3 jeeps.

[jeeperjkj]

Gotta go to the New River or Gauley River for the good rafting. Not sure how far that is from you, but I'm sure you'll find it in Google.

[FLLawdog]

The Rivers in Fayetteville. It's off of Route 19 just South of the New River Gorge Bridge. They have sites, cabins, a restaurant, bar with live music, river trips and a bunch of other stuff. I think it's one of the most convenient places there because you roll out of bed, walk across the compound and bus to the put in.

That's the first one that comes to mind, but there are a ton of rafting companies along 19, Thurmond and Fayetteville.

There's also a campground just off of 19 in Glen Jean near Oak Hill, just can't remember the name. I should because it's at the exit that my dad lives on.

While you're there, a must do is Gino's pizza. They have them all over the Southern WV area..great stuff!

[jeeperjkj]

The Rivers in Fayetteville. It's off of Route 19 just South of the New River Gorge Bridge. They have sites, cabins, a restaurant, bar with live music, river trips and a bunch of other stuff. I think it's one of the most convenient places there because you roll out of bed, walk across the compound and bus to the put in.

That's the first one that comes to mind, but there are a ton of rafting companies along 19, Thurmond and Fayetteville.

There's also a campground just off of 19 in Glen Jean near Oak Hill, just can't remember the name. I should because it's at the exit that my dad lives on.

While you're there, a must do is Gino's pizza. They have them all over the Southern WV area..great stuff!

:thumbsup:

[PONCH]

When I hit Google lots of names pop up. I just needed some experience with the area as I and some friends have never been. Just looking for a good time, some boozin, and a great environment. We are all mid to late 20s...so party party party!!! I'll check those areas out.

Thanks.

[PONCH]

Prices are a bit confusing, is that each..or group? I'm active so I think I'll call MWR today and see what they have also.

[PONCH]

Well they say they have nothing, back to the web.

[PONCH]

Any specific outfitters I should look for?

[FLLawdog]

God, I'm drawing a blank right now. Rivers and Appalachian Wildwaters are the first two that come to mind. I grew up in that area so you'd think I would be better versed. Most any company will give you a good ride and will take safety seriously. The guides are what's really important for a fun trip. Most are a little off kilter to begin with and will not only get you safely through the rapids, but make you laugh your ass off and point out some interesting tidbits about the Gorge (like snake rock.... :eek2: )

If you're looking for the partying and so on, Rivers is your best bet. Stagger back to you cabin and once you wake up/come to, hit the boats. One thing to remember about that area...it's not just the Bible belt....it's the BUCKLE of the Bible belt. There aren't that many bars and don't think of getting alcohol on Sunday.

[FLLawdog]

http://www.rivermen.com/?gclid=CIO93MLi4pQCFQVkswodiTqdSQ

Looks like they're offering a 2 fer 1 on the upper and lower New.

http://www.wvtourism.com/spec.aspx?pgid=183

The ones in Lansing, Oak Hill, Fayetteville, Glen Jean and Bradley are the closest places to Thurmond which is is the put in spot. Glen Jean is about 5 minutes (well, longer on a bus because of the road) from Thurmond. Fayetteville is the put out spot. Oak Hill's smack in the middle.

Ohhhhhhhh....almost forgot one piece of WV you have partake in. Slaw Dogs!!!!!

[PONCH]

If I hear dualing banjos, I am going to run...towards them. Yeee haaaaww! I grew up and Oklahoma but after I left I found a new love, tattoos! So they should love me...hahaha.

We are just looking for a good time over a weekend in August or early September. Get the Jeeps out for a long drive and get out of hell aka Southern MD. The more laid back the area is, the better.

As far as beer goes, we always have enough! All we can drink and plenty for new friends. I'll prolly break out the blender too!

[PONCH]

These are great finds guys, thanks. This is something I always wanted to do. I love to camp, fish, hunt, hike, etc etc. It's like pulling teeth to get my friends to go. But this, everyone is down for. I'll let you know which one we decided on.

[FLLawdog]

I wouldn't worry about the tattoos too much. River rats are a lot different than the typical inbred, tree dwellin', knuckle draggin, cousin lovers that WV is stereotyped by. Picture the parking lot of a Grateful Dead show :yup: ....especially Fayetteville.

In that picture that Benmar posted...

the big bridge was built in 1977 (it's a great picture but it just doesn't show how high that thing really is!). The little bridge is what was used before that. There's a two lane road that goes from the top of the Gorge, winds around with several switchbacks, crosses the bridge and back up the other side. Used to take about 45 minutes to get through it because of traffic. It's called Fayette Station Road. My Grandad used to get thrills out of taking first timers down there, getting as close to the rocks and drop offs as possible.

Anyway, that's the put out spot. That's also the road that Rivers is on. 19 is the road that crosses the big bridge. There's an awesome little spot down from Rivers for hiking. There's a pull off to park in and you cross streams and small waterfalls, there are some decent hills to climb and great scenery. Every now and then you hear a car or train, the rest of the time it's birds and water.

Oh, Benmar....


I have my dad's recipe for the hot dog chili :thumbsup:

[PONCH]

Yes this is going to be sweet, watch everyone else punk out and it's just me and my girl!..lol.

[PONCH]

Camp or Cabin?

[FLLawdog]

I have to track it down. I think my sister has it. It's no real secret. The biscuit recipe...that's a whole 'NUTHER story!

[JKJunkie]

We just got back from rafting the New River out of Beckley, W.V.. We went with an all day trip with ACE Adventure. If you go with ACE be sure to ask for Big John for your guide! We are going back next year...during the spring!:thumbsup: