The Outpost Master Plan by cecinc

OCTOBER

2025

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Outpost is alive with creativity and connection, evolving into an unforgettable destination where music, nature, and people move together in one shared rhythm.

The Outpost at New River Gorge is more than a campground, it is a stage where the wild beauty of West Virginia jams with the magic of live music, glowing trails, and stays that hit every note. Choose your groove and find your rhythm here. Drift off to birdsong on a tent platform tucked into the hillside, kick back in a rustic cabin with a front row view of the stage, or roll with your crew in a spacious cabin where decks overlook the creek. Park your RV right next to the action or sink into the vibe of a themed vintage camper. However you crash after the encore, every spot keeps you close to nature and even closer to the music, with accessible cabins ready to welcome every fan. Highlights include:

• Luxury cabins with forest and creek views, and ADA-friendly options.

• Vintage RV campers styled with Appalachian charm and musical flair.

• Tent platforms and camping pads for under-the-stars dreamers.

• Full Sizze RV hookups with power, water, and Wi-Fi for comfort and convenience.

This master plan amplifies the spirit at The Outpost, layering in thoughtful design, fresh energy, and more ways to connect with music and nature. The cabins, trails, and gathering spots you know are still here, but each one has been enriched with details that make the experience shine even brighter. Guests can look forward to a forest-framed amphitheater, glowing art that lights the night, re-imagined halls for music and community, and trails that flow seamlessly into The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Every stay fuels the heartbeat of Fayetteville and uplifts local artists, musicians, and businesses.

REGIONAL SITE ANALYSIS

Site Context & Setting

The Outpost is located northwest of the New River Gorge Bridge at the end of the 8 miles drive through the National Park Fayette Station Road, just north of Fayetteville, West Virginia. It directly borders New River Gorge National Park, with immediate access to the Bridge Loop Trail via a trailhead at the entrance to the property. A small private residential neighborhood lies to the west, providing additional privacy and buffering. The setting offers a secluded atmosphere to relax and enjoy nature, while still positioned just minutes from Fayetteville and Oak Hill two of southern West Virginia’s most active and growing communities.

Fayetteville: A Growing Adventure Hub

Fayetteville, a town of about 2,800, has become one of West Virginia’s most active adventure communities and the gateway to New River Gorge National Park. Since the Park’s designation in 2020, the town has attracted remote workers, outdoor industry professionals, and new residents drawn to its lifestyle and access to recreation. Downtown has been revitalized with new restaurants, breweries, outfitters, lodging, and boutique shops, while tourism driven by rafting, climbing, biking, hiking, and events continues to fuel small business growth. With its mix of outdoor access, culture, and walkable historic character, Fayetteville is now recognized as one of Appalachia’s leading mountain towns.

8.5MILESTOOAKHILL

6.8 MILES TO FAYETTE COUNTY PARK

NEWRIVERGORGEBRIDGE

TOWN OF FAYETTEVILLE

New River National Park and Preserve

Camping/Lodging

• Very limited amount of camping or lodging is located around the National Parks, additional is necessary to support influx of visitors.

Trails

• 100+ miles of trails from river walks to cliffside

• Endless Wall Trail was once voted #1 national park hike in the United States.

Economic Impact

• 1.6-1.8 million visitors annually

• Visitor spending generates $140 million for surrounding communities.

• 1,500+ supported local jobs in hospitality, retail, guiding, and service industries.

CANYON RIM VISITOR CENTER

BRIDGE TRAILHEAD

CURRENT SITE CONDITIONS

Site History

Prior to being purchased and redeveloped by Ross Cherry, the property was home to Rivers Whitewater, a campground that served as a gathering place for raft guides and other high-energy outdoor recreation enthusiasts. While it had a vibrant community, the site was equally known for its rough and rowdy reputation, largely due to the presence of the Red Dog Saloon. That notoriety kept the campground from attracting a broader demographic of visitors. Despite its gritty past, the property carried a spiritual presence, with its perfect location, Ross Cherry recognized this unique potential and envisioned a new identity for the site. His intense care for high quality redevelopment has transformed it into a music-centric, family-friendly base camp that welcomes not only guides and adventure seekers, but also families, national park visitors, and those drawn to the cultural and natural richness of Fayetteville and the New River Gorge. Last but not least, dogs are always welcome.

Character & Amenities

The Outpost at New River Gorge offers a diverse mix of lodging and camping options for families, travelers, and recreation enthusiasts. Guests can choose from premium cabins with full amenities, rustic family and bunk-style cabins, and renovated vintage campers with themed interiors. The property also features full-hookup and partial-hookup RV sites, traditional tent areas, and elevated tent platforms equipped with electric service, fire pits, and picnic spaces. A climate-controlled bathhouse with showers, a central lodge for gathering, and laundry facilities support both short and extended stays. WiFi is available throughout the property, and a dump station accommodates RV users. Onsite grills, a small supply store, and communal fire areas add convenience and character. The campground is intentionally walkable, with wooded buffers that create quiet, well-spaced sites and natural connections to trails and creek areas. Paths link different lodging zones to nearby recreation assets, including access to the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding parkland. The site is dog-friendly and designed for visitors with a range of needs. Event programming, including music nights and seasonal gatherings, brings energy without overwhelming the relaxed atmosphere. Lighting, signage, and circulation improvements have made the property safer and more welcoming. Whether arriving for outdoor adventure, live music, or a scenic getaway, visitors experience a balance of comfort, nature, and authenticity.

Premium Cabins

Tent Platform

Tent Platforms

Vintage Camper

Ground Tent Sites

Main Entrance Signage

Community Fire Circle

RV Hookup SItes

The Outpost Community Lodge

Aerial View of Ground Tent Campground

Vintage Camper

Rustic Bunk Cabin

Premium Cabins

Tent Platform

SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK & CAMPGROUND

Spirit of the Suwannee in Live Oak, Florida is a forested wonderland on 800 acres along the Suwannee River where music and nature flow as one. Known best for Suwannee Hulaween, which draws close to twenty thousand people each fall, the park hosts a full calendar of festivals, from roots and jam to country and electronic. Guests can camp under ancient oaks, paddle the river, or explore art installations before drifting back to the stages that light up the night. It is a place where music lovers gather to live the festival lifestyle in the woods.

COMMUNITY

MUSIC • NATURE

A condensed look at our case studies (see Appendix) highlights how successful strategies from other campgrounds have informed this design. Rather than replicating those concepts, we’ve expanded upon them with a distinct Appalachian character and sense of place. Throughout the site plan, you can clearly see how those precedents influenced decisions in circulation, lodging variety, guest experience, and event integration each adapted to fit the terrain, culture, and identity of The Outpost.

Main Stage

Epic Crowds And Multi-Day Lineups

The Spirit of Suwannee “Spirit Lake” Camping And Nature On The River

Hulaween Secondary Stage “The Patch” Immersive Light Shows Under The Trees

PINE CREEK LODGE

• INTIMATE •

• RUSTIC •CONNECTED •

Pine Creek Lodge in Paradise Valley, Montana is pure mountain magic a backyard hangout with a cinematic Absaroka backdrop. Summer lawn shows and beer garden jams keep the vibes alive with touring stars and local legends, while cozy winter sets bring warmth to long Montana nights. With cabins, glamping tents, camping, and a full restaurant and bar, you can eat, stay, and dance without ever leaving the grounds. Every night feels like a gathering of friends under the stars.

On Site Lodging

Epic Crowds And Multi-Day Lineups

The Spirit of Suwannee “Spirit Lake” Camping And Nature On The River

Hulaween Secondary Stage “The Patch” Immersive Light Shows Under The Trees

OVERALL MASTERPLAN

SUMMARY

After our site visit with Ross and our case study analysis, we arrived at the following conclusions for the campground. The Outpost at New River Gorge is evolving into a four-season base camp for music, adventure, and connection. The master plan expands the site by 125 lodging opportunities including cabins, vintage campers, RV pads, and camping platforms, with over 450 parking spaces to welcome guests. A expanded amphitheater that will be built for 1,500–2,000 music lovers, expanded firefly lighted trails, a dog park, and family playground create a one-of-a-kind family festival vibe. Every visit supports the local community and the National Park, making The Outpost a true Appalachian destination where the mountains set the stage.

Choose Your Groove

From cabins and campers to tents and RVs, find the spot that matches your rhythm and keeps you close to the music.

Proposed Cabins & Camping

• All-season cabins

• Event-area cabins

• Additional luxury cabins

» Forest & creekside, with ADA accessible options

• Themed vintage RV campers

• Class A RV spaces

• Loop campground sites

• Hillside platforms and rustic cabins

• Flexspace Hilltop Campground sites

Existing Cabins & Camping

• 4 Existing all-season cabins + 11 rustic cabins

• 10 Existing tent platforms + 30 ground sites

Festival & Event Vibe

From side-stage grooves to rooftop views, every show pulses with light, sound, and soul.

Elevated Amphitheater and Jam Venue

• Expanded amphitheater for 1,500–2,000 guests

• Postcard cabins

» With rooftop decks overlooking the stage

• Hilltop VIP decks and hillside camping near the event area

• Side-stage and bar decks for late-night energy

Community & Play

The new welcome center, restaurant and camp store create a vibrant gathering hub where every adventure begins.

Check In, Chow Down

• New welcome center, camp store, and quick-stop restaurant

• Ice cream shop and terraced decks

• Playground and dog park

• Expanded Marr Creek trail system with overlooks, bathhouse, and direct access to the gorge

Class A RV Sites: 17 units

Vintage RV Sites: 9 units

Postcard Cabins: 6 units

Hillside Platform Tent Sites: 16 units

All-Season Cabins: 11 units

Treetop Villas/Ewok Village: 7 units Hilltop Campground: 59 units

OVERALL MASTERPLAN

CIRCULATION

Safety and Flow

Proper circulation is essential to maintaining safety between pedestrians and vehicles. During site visits, it became clear that the campground is challenging to navigate for RV drivers due to steep entrances and tight turning areas, issues that are further compounded when parking areas are full. Our goal is to redesign and reroute traffic flow to improve safety and create clear separation between vehicles and foot traffic throughout the property. In addition, a simple and intuitive circulation layout will make arrival and departure more efficient, reducing stress for guests. Ensuring that visitors have an easy first impression and a smooth final experience helps protect the positive memories they create during their stay, rather than allowing logistical frustrations to overshadow them.

Pedestrian Circulation

Building on the campground’s well-designed and heavily used pedestrian trail network, the proposed updates will strengthen connections between key destinations on the property. New and improved footpaths will link lodging areas to the welcome center, restaurant, indoor event space, event lawn, bathhouses, playgrounds, dog parks, and trail systems within the National Park. With the addition of the hilltop campground and new platform tent sites along steeper slopes, it was also essential to design routes with gentle grades. These lower-slope paths will accommodate provided motorized carts, making it easier for guests to transport tents, gear, and glamping items. This approach maintains the campground’s character by allowing visitors to personalize their space and create their own vibe, while improving accessibility and overall flow.

Event Circulation

Event circulation is a key consideration in the campground’s upgrade strategy. For higher-capacity events, both additional onsite and offsite parking will be required to meet demand while maintaining safe separation between vehicles and pedestrian movement. Coordination with the Town of Fayetteville has already secured free downtown parking and shuttle access to help manage visitor influx during major events. Onsite, new parking areas have been strategically located to accommodate a significant number of vehicles without disrupting guests staying at the campground. With only minimal traffic control measures, these areas will allow for efficient and low-impact arrival and departure during shows.

Roundabout Design

The proposed roundabout will require coordination with both the West Virginia Division of Highways and the National Park Service. A small portion of National Park property will be needed to achieve the proper grading and turning radius to accommodate RV circulation. Currently, Fayette Station Road functions as a two-way road that dead-ends at the edge of the campground before transitioning to a one-way route coming south from the National Park. This split configuration creates significant safety and circulation challenges for existing traffic. To ensure safe, efficient movement of vehicles particularly larger rigs, the roundabout is essential. Beyond improving internal circulation, it provides a sense of arrival upon exiting the Gorge, strengthening the connection between the campground and the National Park.

Relocated Road to Back of House

To further promote separation between vehicles and pedestrians, the road adjacent to the event lawn has been shifted to the rear of the space. This relocation allows backof-house access during events without intersecting pedestrian areas. As a result, staff, performers, and their teams can move efficiently and discreetly to and from the site, including accessing the exit, without disrupting guests or crossing foot traffic.

TWO-WAY ROADS

ONE-WAY ROADS

EVENT PEDESTRIAN TRAIL

STAGING/RV CHECK-IN AREA

EVENT DROP-OFF

Parking Totals

Event Specific Parking: 231 spaces

Campground Parking: 235 spaces

Total On-site Parking: 466 spaces

MASTERPLAN

ROADSIDE SOUTH

Red Dog Saloon Removed

The removal of the former Red Dog Saloon (now replaced with full hookup RV sites) marks the symbolic shift from the campground’s rough-androwdy past to the family-friendly, music-centric destination The Outpost has become. This area has been converted into seven (7) Class A–capable full hook-up sites with 50-amp electric, water, and sewer service. These premium RV sites fill a critical lodging need and place guests within close proximity to the music venue.

Vintage Campers Expanded

The already popular Begonia and Mellow Yellow vintage campers will be expanded into a collection of ten total units, each themed after a beloved band or song. Every camper site will include full sanitary service, water, and electric hookups. Guests can relax above the creek with views toward the music venue. Bring a guitar, unwind, and make it your own backstage-style retreat.

Campground Manager Housing

The former welcome center and camp store has been converted into on-site housing for the campground manager. This location provides ideal visibility and oversight of daily operations and campground activity. The building can also function as the ticketing hub for large-scale events and serves as a centralized space to support safety, security, and guest assistance throughout the property.

Other Amenities

The pristine condition of the existing bathhouse sets the tone for how well the campground is currently operating, and it remains an essential component in the master plan. Parking has been incorporated at the front of the facility to improve access and convenience. Nearby, a proposed small playground is strategically located between the RV sites and within clear sight of the event area. This placement allows children to play safely and independently while their parents remain close by, whether relaxing at their campsite or enjoying a show.

Vintage RV Example

TYPICAL RV SPACE LAYOUT

FAYETTE STATION ROAD

MASTERPLAN

ROADSIDE NORTH

Roadside Building Revamped

The existing roadside building has been redesignated as the new welcome center for the campground. RVs can stage at the striped pull-off area for check-in, while campers can access the expanded camp store for supplies, gear, and essentials during their stay. A 1,500-square-foot addition includes a kitchen and indoor seating area designed to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu focused on quick-prep items such as breakfast sandwiches, flatbreads, burgers, wraps, quesadillas, soups, and grab-and-go options. This space connects seamlessly to the terraced outdoor patios and flex parking areas, creating an inviting setting for both campground guests and visitors coming from the Gorge. The building also provides four open offices to support daily operations for the campground manager and staff. Its highly visible location positions it as the first food and service stop for travelers exiting the Gorge. With these improvements, the welcome center becomes a year-round hub that supports extended stays and enhances the overall guest experience.

Directly connected to the terraced patios overlooking the creek are a fenced children’s playground and a fenced dog park. Both are fully visible from the seating areas, giving parents and pet owners a safe, convenient space for kids and dogs to burn off energy while waiting for food or relaxing outdoors.

Lodging

Class A full hook-up back-in RV sites are positioned along the creek and offer generous amenity packages, including fire pits and picnic tables, with the option to expand to outdoor kitchens. The sites sit beneath a shaded hillside filled with mature rhododendron, creating a peaceful and scenic camping experience on the northern side of the property. Adjacent to these RV spaces, four all-season raised luxury cabins also line the creek. Each cabin features a full kitchen, bathroom, and private hot tub, making them ideal for romantic getaways or family gatherings.

FAYETTESTATIONROAD

Plan Key

RV STAGING CHECK-IN

WELCOME CENTER

TERRACED PATIO/FLEX SPACE

PLAYGROUND

DOG PARK

MASTERPLAN

ALL-SEASON CAMPGROUND

All-Season Campground

The Outpost currently features four all-season luxury cabins along the creek, and seven additional cabins are proposed to expand this offering. Of the new units, two will be ADA-accessible and connected by a shared deck, ensuring inclusive access without sacrificing comfort or views. The cabins are thoughtfully situated, with some overlooking the creek and others backed into the wooded hillside, offering both privacy and scenery. Each cabin includes a full kitchen, two bedrooms, a living room, and a full bathroom, along with a private hot tub and outdoor grill. Parking is provided directly at each unit, and the space beneath the raised decks is designed for hammocks, patio seating, or lounge areas. The layout allows guests to rent multiple cabins together for family gatherings or reserve a single unit as a romantic escape between shows. Adding to the experience, every cabin is uniquely themed after a different song or band, creating a memorable connection between the setting and The Outpost’s music-focused identity.

HILLTOP CAMPING MASTERPLAN

Hilltop Camping

A major new addition to The Outpost is the purchase of the hilltop located above the event lawn. A new access road will be cut in to climb the hillside and create two one-way campground loops. Loop A will include 52 campsites, while Loop B will consist of 17 campsites, three of which will be ADA-accessible. The owner intends to use these sites flexibly, starting with a mix of base camp-style accommodations such as ground tent sites, glamping tents, or platform tent sites, and phasing in cabins or higher-end lodging over time. This approach provides a cost-effective path to achieve a faster return on investment while allowing amenities and infrastructure to be upgraded as revenue grows.

Direct trail connections will provide easy access from the hilltop loops to the centralized bathhouse, and sanitary service will follow the natural western slope. The layout naturally divides the area and creates the opportunity to purchase the adjoining property to the west in the future, allowing for a mirrored expansion and a more secluded camping experience. All sites will initially include electric service, with water and sewer planned as part of later development phases.

Treetop Villas / Ewok Village

The Treetop Villas, inspired by the Ewok Village in Star Wars, offer an elevated lodging experience woven into the forest canopy. Perched among tall trees and rhododendron-covered hillsides, each villa connects to others through suspended bridges, decks, and wooden walkways. The structures blend rustic charm with modern comfort, providing private retreats with full amenities and scenic views of the woods and creek below. Shared platforms create opportunities for gathering, music, and stargazing, while the layout allows guests to choose solitude or community. Accessible pathways and gentle grading maintain inclusivity without losing the elevated, adventurous feel. Whether used for family stays, group rentals, or romantic getaways, the Treetop Villas transform the traditional campground experience into something memorable, playful, and immersive.

EVENT AREA MASTERPLAN

Event Atmosphere

The revitalized event lawn is designed to create an unforgettable concert experience that blends natural ambiance with elevated production. The stage has been expanded to accommodate larger performances, and its roof is crafted from reclaimed elements of the former Red Dog Saloon, a symbolic nod to the property’s history and a bold statement of its evolution. Atmospheric lighting woven through the hillside trees creates a fully immersive backdrop, illuminating the forest canopy in sync with the music and enhancing the sense of place long after sunset. The lawn itself spans nearly 32,000 square feet, comfortably accommodating 1,500 to 2,000 concertgoers with room for VIP areas, food and beverage service, and social spaces. With the ability to attract bigger-name artists, the venue is poised to deliver one-of-a-kind shows that stand apart from traditional festival or amphitheater settings. Drawing inspiration from the case studies that shaped the vision, the atmosphere captures the spirit of adventure, the intimacy of a boutique venue, and the energy of a music destination, it’s a vibe all its own.

Event Lawn

The redesigned event lawn addresses several key concerns identified during the site visit. One of the most impactful improvements is the relocation of the access road to the rear of the indoor event center, creating a clear separation between vehicles and concertgoers. While the main lawn footprint remains largely unchanged, there is an opportunity to install artificial turf to reduce long-term maintenance. The most significant enhancement is the expansion of the fenced event area to include the south side of the stage. This adjustment strengthens the connection to the indoor event space and provides a safer, more direct route for guests to access food, drinks, and amenities during shows. The expanded zone also allows space for additional food trucks, beer trailers, and portable bathhouses, increasing the site’s capacity and flexibility for larger events.

Postcard Lodging

Designed as an Instagram-worthy experience, the 300-square-foot square cabins feature full 8-foot plate-glass windows and elevated observation decks that overlook the event lawn. From inside or out on the deck, guests can take in the show with unobstructed views while relaxing with friends in their own private cabin. It’s a social, elevated, and photogenic way to experience a concert, immersive, comfortable, and completely unique.

Indoor Event Area & VIP Seating

The indoor event space, once underutilized, is now being transformed to reach its full potential. The Outpost has already begun interior redevelopment to create an immersive indoor concert venue paired with a small-scale dining area. This expansion opens the door to year-round entertainment, especially during the colder fall and winter months when outdoor events are limited. Above the main space, VIP seating decks offer restaurant-style hosting with unobstructed views, allowing guests to remain fully engaged in the show from start to finish. The VIP experience continues beyond the building, extending across the rear driveway on an elevated bridge and cutting into the hillside to reach an observation platform high above the venue. From this overlook, guests gain a sweeping view of the stage, crowd, and lighting effects, capturing the full energy and vibe of the event area in a way that feels both exclusive and connected.

Hillside Tent Platforms

This isn’t ordinary camping, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to stay fully immersed in the show. These aren’t typical tent platforms; each site includes full electric service with optional water hookups, inviting guests to create their own personalized glamping setup. A nearby shed houses motorized carts, making it easy to access the platforms along gently sloped, trail-connected hillsides. Whether guests want to lounge, host friends, or set up a stylish campsite overlooking the stage, the experience is entirely customizable. It’s camping re imagined,social, elevated, and directly connected to the energy of the concert.

EVENT AREA

Event Atmosphere

Side Stage Vibes

Event Atmosphere

Postcard Cabin

Food Trucks Above Grade

Hillside Firefly Lighting Customizable Tent Platform

Reclaimed Wood Stage

MASTERPLAN

BACK OF HOUSE

Event Back of House

The back-of-house area has been purposefully designed to support largescale event operations. It accommodates load-in and load-out for up to three tractor trailers with ample turning space, ensuring efficient setup and breakdown for major performances. In addition, three designated parking locations are provided for tour buses to support multi-day festivals and bigger-name acts. A newly constructed green room has been added to the expanded stage, offering artists a comfortable, high-end space to relax and prepare before performing. The green room also includes secure storage for equipment during cooler months. The entire area is fenced off from the public, providing safety, privacy, and controlled access, as well as convenient entry and exit for performers and their teams at any time.

Employee Back of House

Beyond the event back-of-house area, the design includes dedicated employee facilities to support daily operations and quality of life. Staff parking is located nearby, along with a 30’ x 50’ laundry facility and a private bathhouse reserved exclusively for employees. A gated entrance provides direct access to on-site bunkhouses for team members who choose to live on the property. Additional space is allocated for material storage and a maintenance laydown yard to support repairs and operational needs. Together, these features create a functional, private zone where employees can work efficiently and enjoy a comfortable place to relax during their downtime.