Cabin camping near Hernshaw, West Virginia offers access to the Appalachian foothills with elevations typically ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter nights can drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal availability an important consideration for cabin rental planning.
What to do
Trail access at Babcock State Park: Explore over 20 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. The park spans 4,127 acres with terrain suitable for day hikes. One visitor noted, "The hiking was great and my young children hiked all of it with us. Overall, highly recommended."
Whitewater activities: ACE Adventure Resort offers guided rafting trips on the nearby New and Gauley Rivers. A camper reported, "We were able to go whitewater rafting one day and then explored the surrounding area on another day. The resort is awesome."
Water recreation: Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins provides lake access with swimming areas. "The lake is amazing, clear and has so many visual gems that I highly suggest a visit," one reviewer mentioned. The campground also features multiple playgrounds and mini-golf courses for children.
ATV trail proximity: Many cabins serve as convenient bases for exploring the Hatfield McCoy ATV trail system. Little Coal River Campground offers direct access to these trails with sites specifically designed for ATV enthusiasts.
What campers like
Quality of facilities: The Outpost at New River Gorge receives praise for its modern amenities. A camper reported, "Bathrooms are nicer than our bathrooms at home. Friendly and helpful staff." Another mentioned, "The bathhouse was clean, big and heated."
Entertainment options: Campgrounds often provide on-site activities. "They had a band/party Saturday night that was super fun," one visitor at The Outpost noted. Another camper at ACE Adventure Resort shared, "The main one is the Lake with multiple giant anchored inflatables to play on for all ages."
Peaceful settings: Rippling Waters Church of God Campgrounds offers tranquil surroundings. A visitor described it as "Very quiet and peaceful. My 25 year old son was the youngest person there." Another mentioned, "We watched the resident swan swim around the fountain and I got to play with my camera perfecting my skills with day and night shots of the Chapel."
Proximity to attractions: Most cabin locations provide strategic access to regional highlights. "It is super close to all that this recreational area has to offer," noted one visitor about their campground location.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak season (May through September), cabin availability becomes extremely limited. Book at least 2-3 months in advance for weekend stays.
Road conditions: Some cabin locations require navigating steep, winding roads. A visitor at Mountain Lake noted, "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out."
Site variations: Rifrafters Campground offers distinctly different camping areas. "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity," explained one camper.
Seasonal availability: Many cabin campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Babcock State Park cabins are typically available "mid April to October 31," according to their seasonal information.
Utility variations: While most cabin sites provide electricity, water access varies significantly. A camper at Adventures on the Gorge noted, "RV sites are limited, but they're very nice. I wish they had water, and sewer would be an added bonus."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience. At Mountain Lake Campgrounds, one parent advised, "We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup."
Safety considerations: Water activities require proper safety equipment. A visitor at ACE Adventure Resort mentioned, "Everyone has to wear a life jacket which is kind of a pain. The campground is spread around a really big area but it's very hill-y."
Multiple bathhouse locations: Huntington/Fox Fire KOA and similar campgrounds feature centrally located facilities. However, at larger properties like Mountain Lake, "There is one single bath house for each level making some sites very far from a bathroom/shower."
Booking adjacent sites: For multi-family trips, reserve neighboring cabins well in advance. Some campgrounds have specific cabin clusters designed for group camping.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many cabin and RV sites in this mountainous region require significant leveling. A visitor at Adventures on the Gorge noted, "Sites are big, a few are un-level but ours in site 15 was great."
Power limitations: During peak summer heat, electrical systems may struggle. One RVer at Mountain Lake reported, "A/C power was an issue. 1 camper had 30 amp breaker blow 2 days in a row and my 50 amp ran A.C. units fan but didn't cool all day."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs and rig size. At Rifrafters, a camper advised, "We stayed in site 9 which we liked - very easy to get in and out of."
Seasonal road conditions: Spring and fall bring potential for muddy access roads. Consider weather patterns when planning visits to more remote cabin locations.