What Families Need to Know About Rafting in the New River Gorge
ACE Adventure Resort sits on 1,500 acres bordering New River Gorge National Park, making it the most complete basecamp for family rafting adventures in the region. The resort has operated for more than 40 years, and the family-owned operation remains hands-on with daily guest experiences.
What sets ACE Adventure Resort apart is the ability to match families with the right trip. Kids as young as six can paddle the Upper New River on Class I-III rapids, while older kids (ages 10-12 and up) can tackle the Class IV+ Lower New River Gorge section. ACE Adventure Resort guides complete extensive training in whitewater safety, first aid, and wilderness response.
The overnight packages feature riverside camping at a private site with flushing toilets and hot showers. Your guides prepare all meals, from nachos and ribeye dinners to scrambled eggs and bacon breakfasts. After rafting, families can extend their stay with cabin rentals, a 5-acre spring-fed waterpark, ziplining, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
ACE Adventure Resort features
- Multiple rafting difficulty levels: Trip options for ages 6+ through advanced adult paddlers, letting families choose their comfort zone
- All-inclusive overnight trips: Two days of rafting plus one night camping with four prepared meals and all gear included
- Extensive Guide Training & Certifications: Professional instructors trained in whitewater rescue and wilderness first response
- Private overnight campsite: Our private site features running water, flush toilets, and hot showers
- Resort amenities: Waterpark access, cabin rentals, dining options, and 20+ additional activities on-site
- National park access: Trips run through New River Gorge National Park with views of the 876-foot New River Gorge Bridge
What should families pack for a rafting and camping trip?
ACE handles the big stuff: rafts, paddles, helmets, and PFDs (personal flotation devices). But packing right makes the difference between a comfortable trip and a soggy, sunburned one.
For the river, wear shoes that strap securely to your feet. Water shoes or old sneakers work well. Leave the crocs and flip-flops in the car. Bring synthetic or wool base layers if you’re renting a wetsuit for cooler spring trips.
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, and bug spray. Kids burn fast on the water where sun reflects off the surface. A hat with a chin strap stays put through rapids better than a baseball cap.
For overnight trips, bring your sleeping bag and pillow (or rent them from us), a headlamp or flashlight, and any personal toiletries. Leave valuables locked in your car. Pack a bag with a change of clothes for after the trip – don’t forget dry socks and shoes!
When is the best time for family rafting in New River Gorge?
Timing your trip depends on what experience you want. Each season on the New River creates different conditions, and understanding these helps you pick the right window for your family.
Late spring (April and early May) brings higher water levels from snowmelt and rain. Rapids are bigger and faster, which experienced rafters love. Water temperatures remain cool, so wetsuit rentals make sense.
Summer (June through August) offers warmer water perfect for swimming between rapids. Water levels drop, creating more technical maneuvering around boulders. This is prime time for families with younger kids who want to float, splash, and jump off rocks.
Early fall brings comfortable air temperatures and beautiful foliage along the gorge walls. Water levels vary based on rainfall. September also marks the start of Gauley Season, when dam releases create legendary whitewater.
Why ACE Adventure Resort is the top choice for family rafting trips
When you’re planning a family trip that combines whitewater rafting and overnight stays (whether that’s riverside camping or deluxe cabins), logistics matter as much as the adventure itself. ACE eliminates the guesswork by putting everything in one place.
The 1,500-acre resort borders New River Gorge National Park, giving your family direct access to the river and the surrounding wilderness. Kids as young as six can paddle the Upper New River, while parents don’t have to worry about cooking, gear, or campsite setup on overnight trips. Our guides handle the meals, from appetizers to desserts, while families focus on making memories around the campfire.
Beyond the river, ACE gives families room to explore. The spring-fed waterpark offers a different kind of day on the water with a floating obstacle course, water slides, and zip lines that go over and into the water. For more zip line adventures, our course runs along cliffs overlooking the gorge. Hiking trails connect to the national park system. And when evening comes, you can choose between riverside camping, cozy cabins with hot tubs, or budget-friendly tent sites.
More than 40 years of guiding experience means ACE Adventure Resort knows how to match families with the right trip. Call 800-787-3982 to talk with an Adventure Consultant who can help you plan your New River Gorge adventure.
FAQs about family rafting trips in New River Gorge
What age can kids start whitewater rafting in New River Gorge?
Kids as young as six years old can raft the Upper New River on Class I-III rapids with ACE Adventure Resort. The Lower New River Gorge, with its Class IV+ whitewater, requires participants ages 10-12 and up depending on whether they paddle or ride in an oar-rigged boat.
What gear do outfitters provide for family rafting trips?
ACE Adventure Resort provides rafts, paddles, helmets, and Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices for all guests. Overnight trips include tents, sleeping pads, and all meals. Wetsuit and splash jacket rentals are available for cooler conditions.
How physically demanding is family rafting?
Upper New River trips suit families with average fitness levels, including kids and grandparents. Paddling requires teamwork, and guides direct the crew through rapids. Lower New River trips demand more active paddling and comfort with bigger water.
What happens if the weather changes during a rafting trip?
ACE Adventure Resort guides make real-time decisions based on conditions. Rain often makes the river more exciting without creating danger. High water levels may shift trips to different river sections for safety.
Can we add other activities to a rafting and camping trip?
ACE Adventure Resort offers multi-sport packages combining rafting with ziplining, rock climbing, mountain biking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Overnight packages can include a second adventure activity, and resort guests have access to waterpark, hiking trails, and free amenities like a disc golf course.
What meals are included on overnight rafting trips?
The overnight packages include riverside lunch on both days, dinner on night one, and breakfast on day two. Dinner features ribeye steak, salmon, or vegetarian options with sides and dessert. Guides accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions with advance notice.
How can I start planning my family trip?
To start planning your family vacation in the New River Gorge, contact our team of on-site Adventure Consultants at 800-787-3982 or fill out the Family Trip Planning Tool below and we’ll put together a trip based on your interests.
