Bluestone Lake in West Virginia offers multiple camping options across state parks and wildlife management areas, with established campgrounds like Pipestem Resort State Park and Meador Campground providing full-service sites. The area accommodates various camping styles from tent and RV sites to cabins and yurts. Campgrounds such as Brushcreek Falls RV Resort and Kairos Wilderness Resort feature amenities including electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, while more primitive sites can be found at Bull Falls and Indian Mills in the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area.
Access to camping facilities varies seasonally, with most developed campgrounds open year-round while others operate from April through October. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekends and summer months when visitation peaks. The terrain around Bluestone Lake includes both lakeside flat areas and more challenging hillside locations, with some sites requiring careful navigation for larger RVs. Weather conditions can affect camping experiences, especially during spring when rainfall may increase. Cell service is limited in more remote areas of the wildlife management area. A visitor commented, "You'll have quite the drive to get here, but once you've arrived, you'll be incredibly grateful for all the effort."
Water-based recreation stands out as a primary attraction for campers in the Bluestone Lake area. Several campgrounds provide direct river or lake access ideal for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Beyond water activities, the region features extensive hiking trails, horseback riding opportunities, and wildlife viewing areas. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and stargazing opportunities at the more secluded sites. However, facility maintenance varies by location—while state park campgrounds like Pipestem receive high marks for cleanliness and amenities, some visitors note that wildlife management area campsites offer more basic facilities. "Unlike a lot of other places that come baked in with all of the amenities of an amusement camping ground park, here you'll have to bring your own entertainment," explains one review of the more primitive camping areas.
"Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia. We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.
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"There is plenty to do within walking distance or a short drive. There is hiking all around the Pipestem area. There is a lake to fish and boat on."
"This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."
"Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year."
"This campground rests by Bluestone Lake, which is where the Bluestone River runs runs into the New River."
"We stayed in Meador 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 (just meaning it's at the end of the row not"
$55 - $65 / night
"Besides the aforementioned site hookups there are a lot of new activities to do at pipestem close to the campground on the Pipestem park property such as ziplining and swimming on the lake with inflatables"
"Short drive to Sandstone Falls, which are stunning."
"Good location not far off the exit. Would stay again!"
"Like a lot of private RV parks, the sites tend to be very close to each other. Beautiful backdrop of the mountains with mist and low clouds. Gravel parking pads."
"West Virginia at its finest! Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here."
"We enjoyed hiking the trails, swimming in the lake and sitting by our campfire. The ladies working at the check-in office were absolutely the sweetest and extremely helpful."
"The hill to climb to get there is SUPER sketchy but it’s a gorgeous location. If you want to go ride dirt bikes or UTVs this place is definitely the spot."
"It sits on 1500 acres and has 41+ miles of trails. The only complaint is the campsites are very close but everyone was friendly and respectful so all in all it was a great place."
$35 - $40 / night
"This CCC State Park is very picturesque and has several hiking trails and the man-made lake is small but offers plenty of recreation possibilities. I found the layout a little strange."
"This campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet."
"You’ve struck gold here at Bull Falls Campground if you’re looking to get away from it all, discover solitude in the heart of West Virginia’s lush, verdant nature garden of Eden."
"site: some shaded sites. some sites along water. semi-private sites. amenities: a few campground options. pretty clean. attractions: near town. fishing. near pool. hiking. nature activities."
ScoutIf you’re an outdoor lover like myself and you want to enjoy the gorgeous sights and sounds of Mother Nature, this campground is the perfect location.
Don’t forget your telescope for when the sun goes down. There’s a perfect spot on the side of mountain for breathtaking views.
ScoutCamped a few times with a group of veterans. The site is perfect for tent camping with multiple fire pits and firewood on site. Place isnt too far from Roanoke where I live so was a perfect weekend getaway without having to go far. We had cookouts and hung by the fire just relaxing and taking in the mountain scenery. Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!
ScoutCaldwell Fields is a great group campground with clean, large bathrooms (one for men, one for women, but they're identical pit toilets in the toilet facility) with a large firepit and creek access. Nice hikes walking distance with lots of beautiful stars, trees, and wildlife! Make sure you don't need to text though, you only are able to send messages via satelite.
ScoutI would definitely recommend this place.
Scout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains on nearly 100 acres, this property isn’t just a campground— it’s a place of peace, restoration, and purpose. From the moment you arrive, you feel the quiet. The kind of quiet that settles your spirit. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Rolling mountain views, stocked ponds, winding creeks, well-kept trails through beautiful hardwoods— it feels untouched yet thoughtfully cared for. Evenings around the fire pit under a sky filled with stars are unforgettable. You wake up to birds singing instead of traffic noise. It’s the reset we all need. What makes Camp S’mores stand out is the potential and the heart behind it. This is the perfect setting for:• Church retreats and ministry gatherings• Veterans looking for rest, healing, and brotherhood• Scout troops building skills and character• Families wanting a safe, peaceful outdoor experience• RV travelers seeking a quiet, resort-style mountain escape Whether you’re tent camping, van camping, or bringing your RV, the setting feels private, spacious, and serene. You truly feel like you have room to breathe. If you’re looking for a place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and spend meaningful time with people who matter— Camp S’mores delivers in every way. We will absolutely be back. Highly recommend supporting this hidden gem in Floyd, VA.
ScoutMyself and a small group of friends spent an extended weekend on the property of Camp S’mores and thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful and serene setting. The property has an abundance of everything that you would want when wanting to get away. The nature trails, ponds, creeks, beautiful trees, fire pit, and a night sky lit up by stars. So PEACEFUL! We couldn’t have found a better site to stay at! We have decided to make this an annual trip and will be heading back this spring!
ScoutVery beautiful scenery, amazing views.
LegendThis is a popular multi-level campround, from basic tent sites to cabins to really upscale glamping. The tent platforms or basic camper cabins are probably midling. The regular tent sites that you can drive in to are a bit crowded, but there are more secluded walk-in tent sites. The tent platforms are also walk-in but provide more space and shelter, which is nice as it did seem to rain a lot when we were there. The prices are all more than you would pay at a state or national park campground, but there is a lot going on here like concerts and other events, and a little of well kept amenities like bathrooms, and also equipment to rent to get out into the gorge. The Outpost is near the iconic gorge bridge as well as the Canyon Rim NPS visitor center which has a lot of good educational displays about the geology, geography and history of that part of the gorge, so the proximity is nice.
Overall the campground is a luxury set up for camping. I just reduced it by one stat because the price, the crowdedness, and the distance from the south end of the gorge where the Sandstone Falls and Sandstone Visitor. I do appreciate that they are dog friendly though!
ScoutWe stayed a week. Truly peaceful. There's alot of traffic from locals and wellness checks by law enforcement. Your truly looked after! Other than the bear hunting that went on, was scary..this is a peaceful spot to reset with plenty of hiking trails right next to the creek.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Bluestone Lake campground?
Bluestone Lake campgrounds offer a range of amenities for campers. Old Mill Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park features water activities with access to the marina for boat rentals. The campground has a rugged, natural setting with mountains and trees providing shade and privacy. Meador Campground is situated along the lake where the Bluestone River meets the New River, offering scenic views and water access. Most Bluestone Lake campgrounds provide basic facilities including water access, toilets, and some have electric hookups. The surrounding area offers abundant recreational opportunities including hiking trails and fishing.
Are there cabins available for rent at Bluestone Lake?
Yes, cabins are available for rent near Bluestone Lake. Pipestem Resort State Park Campground is located a short distance from Bluestone Lake and offers cabin rentals with comfortable accommodations. These cabins provide an alternative to tent camping while still allowing visitors to enjoy the lake's recreational opportunities. Additionally, Kairos Wilderness Resort near Bluestone Lake offers cabin-style accommodations with access to water and toilet facilities. For those seeking cabin rentals, it's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes limited.
How does Bluestone Lake camping compare to Bluestone State Park?
Bluestone Lake camping and Bluestone State Park camping are interconnected yet distinct experiences. While Bluestone Lake offers waterfront camping opportunities at locations like East Shore Campground with boat-in access, Bluestone State Park provides more developed facilities. The State Park is right next to the lake, offering easy access to water activities while providing more amenities. For comparison, nearby Babcock State Park Campground offers more developed camping with spectacular park features like the famous grist mill, while Bluestone Lake camping tends to emphasize water access and a more natural experience. Essentially, Bluestone Lake camping focuses on water recreation while Bluestone State Park offers a more comprehensive park experience with additional amenities.
What fishing opportunities are available at Bluestone Lake in WV?
Bluestone Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with catfish being particularly plentiful. The lake, formed by the confluence of the Bluestone River and New River, creates diverse fishing habitats. Bull Falls Campground — Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area provides access to prime fishing spots. Anglers can rent boats at the marina to reach the best fishing areas on the lake. Beyond catfish, the lake supports various game fish species. The backwaters of the Bluestone portion have a swampy appearance, creating good habitat for different fish species. For a unique fishing experience, the nearby Greenbrier River Trail offers river fishing opportunities as well.
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