Hello I will be attending the Gauleyfest for the first time and was wondering if anyone has any helpful tips about where to camp if campground is full? are there any spots next to the river nearby? are there any class I or II rivers nearby? a car wreck has left me with an artificial elbow, and am no longer capable of running the upper Gauley, not sure about the lower Gauley though? anyone know of any park and play spots in the area, or between the Gauley and the Nantahala?
thanks in advance, Just starting back up again, with new elbow and still not strong enough to do much but will be happy just to be kayaking again, A nice easy river with some playspots is what we are looking for

There's not going to be much class 2 park and play near the Gauley. If you're interested in an easier river run - take a look at the Upper New river (above the put in for the New River Gorge section). It's a beautiful run and is class 2 at this level.

Per camping, there's toms of campsites in that area. Most of the outfitters offer camping at their sites - and there are other areas around the New River Gorge (near the Gauley) that are quiet and available.

Of course, you could always camp at the Festival site.....

Thanks ! will definitely check out the New River, It has been 4 years since I was hit head on, on the highway and have gone from never being able to paddle again, to flatwater, to class I and II, so I am getting better but it is taking soooo long. Am just happy to get on the River again! Cant wait to see the Gauley and the New for the first time and re-join American Whitewater.
And if anyone else knows of any good park and play spots or runs between the Gauley and the Nantahala please let me know. the wave in front of the NOC store is about the perfect size for me right now,but could do a little bigger.maybe something between that and hell hole. Still have a good roll, problem is very weak left arm, and Im left handed so most all of my tricks were started on left side. Now I need to learn right handed. We will leave the Gauley and work our way south to be at GAF the next weekend. theres alot of easier rivers I have never done out there and was always doing rivers like the Chattooga,& the Ocoee (mostly Ocoee, I love that river!). But now its time to start little and hope to work myself back up to the Ocoee. Any info on the Tuck, little Tennessee, Hiwassie would also be very helpful, or anything else in that area. would like to see the secret wave on the Nolichucky, not sure if it is too big or not.
Thanks everyone cant wait to get back out there!!