Bluestone Lake campgrounds sit at the convergence of the Bluestone and New River in southern West Virginia, creating a diverse terrain of wooded hillsides and water access points. Most camping facilities around Bluestone Lake operate from April through October, with primitive sites in the wildlife management area closing earlier due to hunting seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making seasonal preparation essential for campers visiting outside peak months.
What to do
Hiking trails from camp sites: Several trails lead directly from the campgrounds at Bluestone Lake. At Little Beaver State Park, "There are several nice walking trails directly from the campground" that connect to a larger trail network, making it easy to explore without driving.
Horseback riding: Pipestem Resort State Park Campground offers equestrian activities for all ages. "Horseback riding, hiking, boating, a fire tower you can climb, and an outdoor movie theater on the wknds a few miles from pipstem," notes camper Andrew S., highlighting the variety of options beyond water recreation.
Winter recreation options: Unlike many seasonal amenities, some facilities remain open year-round. One visitor to Camp Creek State Park noted, "We spent a weekend in one of the many cabins at the Campground; pet friendly! The RV/Tent camping sites were closed." This makes the area suitable for off-season exploration when most campgrounds have limited services.
What campers like
Quiet camping atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful environment at Bluestone Lake State Park, especially at the less developed sites. Craig B. simply states it's a "Nice getaway. If you like hiking and fishing this is the place," highlighting the basic recreation available without crowds.
Family-friendly facilities: Mash Fork Campground receives praise for its amenities. "All the roads are paved making it easy for the little ones to ride bikes," notes Michael, addressing a practical consideration for families with children.
Multiple waterfall access: The waterfalls near Camp Creek State Park are a highlight. "The waterfalls are easily accessible and were beautiful even without an abundance of water," reports Dawn M., suggesting that even during drier periods, these natural features remain worth visiting.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Little Beaver State Park Campground, "Most of the sites are wooded and would be a bit difficult for a rig our size but they are very nice." This practical insight from Marshall P. points to the importance of checking site dimensions before booking.
Seasonal bathroom availability: Facilities may be limited in shoulder seasons. Jessica D. cautions about Camp Creek: "Even though the campground is open year round, the bathrooms are not. We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away."
Varying site privacy: Site layout differs across campgrounds. At Meador Campground, one camper noted they stayed in "site 14, which was the furthest away from the bath house (still only maybe 150 yards), but it was on the water & was the most secluded."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Pipestem RV Park & Campground offers numerous activities. According to Molly F., "We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," making it easier to keep children entertained.
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Several Bluestone Lake camping areas feature play areas. Molly F. mentioned at Pipestem, "Kids loved biking around campground, very safe," highlighting the security aspect important to parents.
Consider pools for summer visits: When temperatures rise, water access becomes crucial. Jennifer S. noted one park has "Nice outdoor and indoor pools right down the road in the park," providing swimming options regardless of weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Check incline information when booking: At Brushcreek Falls RV Resort, campers note the terrain can be challenging. "Spots are long but pretty close together. Wifi didn't work, we're used to that at public places. We're a triple axl so we had to take it nice and slow getting there with the road and even navigating the property but it was fine."
Plan for hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. One visitor to Pipestem noted, "Now all the sites have electric and water, whereas before about half the campground had elec. and water and the rest were rustic." This upgrade makes extended stays more comfortable for those requiring power.
Be prepared for tight navigation: Larger rigs may struggle at some sites. At Pipestem, a camper advised, "There are pretty good sites, but watch the site descriptions for the incline. The water/electric sites surround a large field. These sites tend to be sunny. 1-49 are in the woods. The sites seem small, but the perimeter sites face the woods."
