Meadow River Campground: A Riverside Base on the Meadow River Rail Trail

NALLEN LODGING FIELD GUIDE

Meadow River Campground: A Riverside Base on the Meadow River Rail Trail

Riverside campsites on the Meadow River with direct access to the Meadow River Rail Trail, whitewater options nearby and Summersville Lake just 11 miles away — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Meadow River Campground: A Riverside Base on the Meadow River Rail Trail.

Duration
1 Night to 1 Week • Check-in 4:00PM, Check-out 11:00AM
Location
Nallen
Operator
New & Gauley River Adventures
Category
Lodging
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set on the banks of the Meadow River in Russellville, Meadow River Campground (MRC) sits where quiet riverfront moments meet a working rail-trail corridor. The campground borders the Meadow River Rail Trail — more than 25 miles of converted rail corridor that links to the Gauley River National Recreation Area — and serves as a base for rafting, hiking, biking, tubing, swimming and other ways to get on the water or trail.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RIVERFRONT

Peaceful waterfront evenings

MRC offers calm, scenic riverfront spaces for relaxing with family and friends at the water’s edge — the campground is described for waterfront days and evenings spent together.

THE RAIL TRAIL

Direct access to a 25+-mile rail-trail

The campground borders the Meadow River Rail Trail, a corridor of more than 25 miles that connects to the Gauley River National Recreation Area and provides opportunities for hiking, biking, equestrian travel, tubing and paddling.

THE RIVER ACCESS

Whitewater and lazy-river options

Meadow River below Nallen is rated for experienced whitewater enthusiasts only, while the stretch from MRC to Nallen offers roughly three miles of lazy river ideal for tubing and easy floating.

What the day feels like

What the stay feels like

Expect a blend of easy, social riverfront camping and direct trail access: days can be spent swimming from the bank or launching a tube, hiking or biking the rail-trail that runs past your site, or arranging whitewater outings nearby. Summersville Lake is an easy day trip for boating, kayak or paddle-board rentals, expanding recreational choices beyond the river corridor.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this campground suits — and what booking rules to know.

1
Active familiesFamilies looking for relaxed riverfront camping, easy swims and trail access will find suitable options here; the site is described as a place for family and friends to enjoy waterfront days and evenings.
2
Whitewater enthusiastsExperienced paddlers can access challenging whitewater below Nallen, but that section is explicitly for experienced whitewater enthusiasts only.
3
Cyclists & hikersTrail users benefit from the campground’s frontage on the Meadow River Rail Trail — a long, multiuse corridor ideal for biking and hiking.
4
Pet ownersDogs are accommodated but you must bring a leash or chain as listed in the what-to-bring guidance; follow campground and operator rules about pets.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Stay Length

Stays range from 1 night to 1 week. Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.

What to Bring

Bring swimming gear, bikes, water toys, and a dog leash or chain if traveling with a pet.

On-site logistics

Full directions and the campground address are provided in the confirmation email after booking.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How far is the nearest grocery store?

Piggly Wiggly is about 12 miles from the campground off Route 60; the nearest Super Walmart locations in Fayetteville or Summersville are about 15 miles away.

How close is the nearest gas station?

There is a gas station just off Route 60 about 6 miles from the campground.

How close are the nearest restaurants?

Restaurants are available in Fayetteville or Summersville, each roughly 15 miles from the campground.

How long can I stay and what are check-in/check-out times?

Stays can be booked from 1 night to 1 week. Check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

What if I need to change or cancel my reservation?

If you cannot follow through with a reservation, contact the reservations office at 304-574-3008 or email [email protected] and reference your booking.

Are dogs allowed at the campground?

Dogs are permitted but you should bring a leash or chain for them.