Boots in the Gorge Brings Country Music + Mountain Adventure to the New River Gorge
We’re officially 100 days away from Boots in the Gorge (July 31–August 1, 2026)—and if you’ve been craving a summer weekend that’s more than just a music festival (or just an outdoor getaway), this is your sign. For two days, we’re heading to the mountaintop at ACE Adventure Resort in the New River Gorge for live country music, on-site camping, and the kind of adventure you can only get when the venue itself is an adventure resort.
This setting is the real deal. ACE’s Mountaintop Event Venue is described as a ten-acre venue “nestled in the New River Gorge,” designed for events that need both big energy and mountain scenery. ACE lists a permanent stage setup and a huge covered pavilion (a major win for comfort—rain or shine), along with the on-site infrastructure that keeps a festival weekend running smoothly. And when the last song hits, you’re not battling traffic—you’re already home: ACE notes an adjacent 40-acre campground with a 3,000-person capacity right next to the event area.
Now let’s talk about the music. Our headliners include Clint Black, Josh Turner, and Confederate Railroad—and more. The official lineup also features Ward Davis, Tigirlily Gold, Sadie Bass, Cieratherapper, Spencer Hatcher, Colton Bowlin, Nathan Bess, and Noah West, giving you a weekend mix of hitmakers, rising talent, and fresh voices you’ll be glad you found early.
Where Boots in the Gorge really stands out is how easy it is to build your dream “daytime adventure → nighttime show” schedule. The festival itself encourages mornings spent exploring the Gorge—whitewater rafting, ziplining, hiking, and more—followed by evenings singing along as the sun drops behind the mountains. If you’re circling one must-do adventure, make it rafting: ACE offers guided trips on the New River and Gauley River, and describes the New River as running trips across spring/summer/fall—so you can realistically paddle during festival weekend and still make it back for the music.
Camping is part of the experience—and yes, it’s included. The festival confirms that General Admission car camping is included with your festival ticket, with no need to reserve a site in advance. You’ll be assigned a spot when you arrive (first come, first served). You can park right at your campsite which makes for a convient setup. The festival describes camping as a flat, open mountaintop field adjacent to the stage area, with picnic tables and fire pits around camp. Amenities are also clearly addressed: expect multiple restroom facilities with showers and flushing toilets, plus supplemental porta-potties during the event (and a free shuttle to help you get around the campground and resort).
Ready to lock it in? Official ticket options currently list 2-Day General Admission (car camping included), 2-Day VIP (VIP camping plus VIP parking/lounge and Friday–Saturday waterpark access), and VIP Cabin Tent packages that bundle a cabin tent with two VIP 2-day passes (plus early Thursday arrival per the package listing). However you do it, don’t wait—grab your tickets now at bootsinthegorge.com, and start planning the country-music-and-rapids weekend you’ll be talking about all year.
