NPS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Fees at the New Meadow Creek Campground

Date: August 16, 2013
Contact: Jamie Fields, 304-465-6527

The New River Gorge National River plans to open its new flagship campground to the public in the early summer of 2014. The Meadow Creek Campground, located on the banks of the New River about two miles downstream of the Sandstone Visitor Center, will offer visitors a variety of individual campsite types and one large group camping site. Amenities will electric hook-ups at all campsites, water hook-ups at some campsites, communal water spigots, vault toilets and a camp host. An amphitheater for park interpretive programs and a public boat launch will serve both campers and the general public.

The campsites – four walk-in tent-only sites, 17 drive-in car sites and five drive-in RV sites – in the first phase of development at this new facility will provide expanded amenities to visitors. In order to cover the expenses of providing campers with electricity and water, the park may charge a per-night fee. The park is proposing fee rates that are based on comparisons to rates and amenities in other campgrounds in Southern West Virginia. By law, these rates must be comparable and not undercut rates at campgrounds in the local area. The park's fee proposals are as follows:

Walk-in tent-only site with electricity,  $18.00 per night.

Drive-in, car site with electricity,             $24.00 per night.

Drive-in RV site with electricity and water,         $28.00 per night.

Fee revenues, under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, will be dedicated to managing the fee collection program, covering electricity and water costs, providing other campground amenities, and to maintaining and upgrading Meadow Creek Campground facilities, as well as facilities in other park campgrounds.

For more information and to submit comments on the proposed fees, please go to www.nps.gov/neri and from the links on the left side of the page, select "Management," then "Park Planning," then "Civic Engagement for Proposed New Fees at Meadow Creek Campground," then "Document List." Comments can be submitted online through this website, or may be submitted by mail to:

NPS – New River Gorge National River

Attn: Comment on Proposed Camping Fees

P.O. Box 246

Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246

Please submit comments online or by mail no later thanSeptember 15, 2013.