Cabin camping near Beckley, West Virginia offers access to the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet. The area receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests surrounding cabin sites. Most cabin campgrounds remain open from April through October with limited winter availability at select locations, though temperatures can drop below freezing even in early fall.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 2 miles from Camp Creek Campground. Camp Creek State Park features accessible waterfall trails connecting directly to the camping area. A visitor noted, "The waterfalls were very sparse when we were there so not sure about other times of the year. There is an ADA-accessible short trail."
Mountain biking: Available at Adventures on the Gorge. The resort offers numerous biking trails with varying difficulty levels throughout their property. One camper reported, "The campground is great for biking and hiking trails. The campground has so much to do including trails, swimming, and an awesome water park."
Hiking to New River Gorge viewpoints: 25-minute drive from Beckley. The Endless Wall Trail provides spectacular views of the gorge from several overlooks. A reviewer mentioned, "Near by is a beautiful hiking trail that is a must! It's called the Endless Wall Trail, it's a 2.4 mile loop that follows along the New River Gorge about halfway through it is a diamond peak, a spot that offers breath taking views of the Gorge."
Fishing at Boley Lake: 8 miles northwest of Beckley. Babcock State Park offers a stocked 19-acre lake with boat rentals available. A camper noted, "Boley Lake, a short drive up the mountain is picturesque and well-stoked with fish. You can paddle the 19 acre lake with personal paddle craft or rent paddleboats, canoes or rowboats from the Boley Lake Marina."
What campers like
Clean bathhouse facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained shower buildings at most cabin areas. At Rifrafters Campground, a visitor stated, "The bathrooms were clean and well maintained. We stayed on site 9 which we liked - very easy to get in and out of."
Accessibility of cabin locations: Most cabin rentals are positioned for easy access regardless of weather conditions. A camper at Little Beaver State Park shared, "Just stayed for one night passing through and we were sad we couldn't stay longer. Sites are big and spread out. It's quiet. Walking trails all over."
Privacy between sites: Many cabins offer good separation from neighboring units. At Meador Campground, one visitor reported, "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 between other spots)."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabins often allow close observation of local wildlife. A camper mentioned, "There were also TONS of deer all around (just hanging out eating vegetation) during our short one night stay."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most cabin facilities close completely from November through March. At Camp Creek, a visitor cautioned, "We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away which was not exactly convenient. Rustic camping is fine when we have planned for it."
Cell service variability: Coverage can be spotty depending on location and carrier. One camper at Mash Fork Campground reported, "No service for Verizon users. Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time."
Road conditions to remote cabins: Mountain access roads can be challenging, especially for larger vehicles. A reviewer at Twin Falls Resort State Park warned, "Make sure your truck/vehicle towing is not underrated for what you're pulling as it is a lot of big uphill elevation and tons of windy roads and tight turns."
Wildlife encounters: Nocturnal animals frequently visit cabin areas. One camper shared, "The surrounding mountains and valleys are absolutely beautiful. The New River Gorge Bridge is not too far and I highly recommend going there to see it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Lake Stephens Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The RV area seems to have grown into a very friendly community. They have regularly scheduled events like movie night, and they even host a 'trick-or-treat' event each year that attracts hundreds."
Swimming options: Available May-September. Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek offers a resort-style pool included with cabin stays. A family reported, "We loved our experience here! We enjoyed live music and dinner one night at Canyon Rim. And despite the rainy weather that weekend, our kids enjoyed the pool."
Structured activities for children: Some resorts offer organized recreation programs. A family visitor noted, "Took our family of 4 (kids ages 7 and 9) and had a blast. Something for all ages. People were all nice."
Cabin rental supplies: Most cabins require guests to bring their own linens and pillows. One visitor advised, "We brought our own gear but they do have sites with tents already set up."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many cabin campgrounds also accommodate RVs but may require leveling equipment. A reviewer at Little Beaver State Park observed, "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 with a 23 ft TT and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site."
Hookup availability: Water and electric are standard, but sewer connections are limited. An RVer at Twin Falls Resort State Park noted, "They do not have sewage hookups, so prepare accordingly."
Dump station access: Convenient dump stations are available at most parks. One camper mentioned, "Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump. I'd like to go back and spend some more time there."
Site spacing for larger rigs: Some cabin areas offer more spacious RV sites than others. An RV camper reported, "The extremely accessible pull-throughs are strategically placed in a semi-circle/horse shoe. The entire park is very clean, sites are level and ample parking."
