Cabins near Belington, West Virginia range in elevation from 1,900 to 3,000 feet, providing varied forest environments and temperature conditions throughout the year. The Tygart Valley River basin shapes much of the local terrain, creating riverside camping opportunities with seasonal water activities from April through October. Primitive forest cabins typically close during winter months due to access challenges on unpaved forest roads.
What to do
Hiking trails: Kumbrabow State Forest offers the 2-mile Potato Hole Trail leading to Rich Mountain overlook. "If you hike the 2-mile Potato Hole Trail, you'll arrive at the top of Rich Mountain and an overlook with a fantastic view. You can also park at the Kumbrabow gun range and hike the longer, but less strenuous, Rich Mountain Fire Trail," notes Jennifer B.
Water activities: Kayaking and fishing are popular at Tygart Lake State Park. "The lake offers great relaxation and the trails around the lake offer pretty views. Only wish that there were more trails available because it's so beautiful in that area," writes Desireé.
Bird watching: Morning hours provide the best wildlife viewing at cabin sites. "The birds are active and wonderful to listen too! Would love to spend more time here at the lake on a boat," shares Shane T. about his Tygart Lake experience.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Revelle's River Resort provides direct water access for many cabins. "Beautiful campground located in the middle of nowhere. Quiet and peaceful with a fantastic stream going through the campground to either fish or play in," explains Megan B.
Cabin privacy: Site selection impacts seclusion level at most locations. "Some of the campsites are smaller and less private than others. We stayed in campsite 11, and it had plenty of privacy and space," shares a Kumbrabow State Forest visitor.
Weekend activities: Some resorts organize scheduled events. "They have weekend activities for guests, and a small convenient store that's well stocked with the basics. We were feet from the river and it was super peaceful," notes Paul S.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many forest cabins require travel on unpaved roads. "Access is by about 6 miles of dirt/rock road. There are many trails at all hiking levels," explains Kenneth K. about Kumbrabow State Forest cabins.
Wildlife concerns: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers rustic riverside cabins with basic amenities. "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available," reports Tina D.
Seasonal availability: Most primitive cabins close during winter. "The campground closes in the late fall, but some cabins, and the lodge, are open year-round," mentions one reviewer about area accommodations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Stuart Recreation Area provides child-friendly amenities. "There is a pool and other activities available. We stayed at sites 35 & 36," shares Missy S., highlighting facilities for children.
Waterfall excursions: Waterfall trails vary in difficulty for different ages. "Mills Creek Falls and admire the really cool CCC-built rustic cabins. The cabins don't have water or electricity, but offer gas lights, gas refrigerator, fully-equipped kitchen," notes a Kumbrabow State Forest visitor.
Bath facilities: Bathroom quality impacts family comfort. "This is a really beautiful park! The shower houses were cleaned three times a day. The sites have electric and at the shower house there is a spigot for fresh water," reports Cassia M.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Stonewall Resort State Park offers cabin and RV sites with varying terrain. "The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow. I like to have a little bit of space when camping," notes Tadd and Justin.
Hookup reliability: Electrical systems vary between locations. "Most of the sites are very out of level. As far as cell signals, we have either AT&T and Sprint/TMobile onboard. There is no Sprint connectivity but AT&T was a full 5G signal," reports Ron from Stuart Recreation Area.
Road conditions: Access routes may require specific vehicles. "Campsites were easily accessible. Most of them were on the larger size, with nicely paved driveways, and big, flat, gravel tent pads," explains Megan B., contrasting with the rougher roads to other locations.
