2025 Gauley Fest

Gauley Fest is hosted at Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park in Summersville, West Virginia. Most people drive, but you can fly into Charleston or Beckley airports commercially, or directly to Summersville privately.

No, all are welcome. And you can become a member at the festival!

Admissions costs include access to our whitewater marketplace, vendor raffles, live music Friday and Saturday nights, and camping onsight. There are a variety of American Whitewater facilitated activities and additional raffles and perks for AW members.

No. While camping is included in admissions, some people choose to stay at local hotels, other campgrounds and local cabin rentals. Wherever you choose to stay, please avoid drinking and driving.

Vehicle access is limited to daylight hours. After dark, parking is available in the exterior lots which can be a couple of hundred meters from your campsite. You may walk-in to the festival grounds after dark through our front or back entrance where volunteers will point you in the right direction.

Campsites are first come, first serve. There are no specific numbered campsites and areas that camping is not allowed are identified with signage.

The following items are ALLOWED: Food / drinks, Alcohol, Cameras, Portable camping grills & cooking equipment, Camping gear, Paddling gear

Glass, Fires on grass outside of designated fire rings, Weapons, Fireworks, Illegal Substances, Gas powered recreation vehicles, Vending outside of paid vendor spots (sharing, yes. Selling, no), Large generators

Fires are allowed in designated fire rings. Fires are prohibited on the ground. We highly recommend using a fire blanket under fires as well. A limited amount of portable fire rings are available to rent from Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park.

While there are no children specific activities at Gauley Fest, there are no age restrictions and all are welcome. Please supervise young children at all times.

Dogs are allowed, but do require a $20 dog admissions fee per dog. All dogs are required to be leashed at all times for theirs and other guests' safety. Please use responsible dog practices and properly dispose of all waste.

Yes, there are multiple bathrooms and portable toilets at Gauley Fest. The bathrooms located near the front entrance do have rustic showering facilities included with admissions costs. Please help us keep these facilities clean by disposing of paper supplies in receptacles.