Cabin options within the Monongahela National Forest provide year-round accommodations in an area with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. The Kerens region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with winter lows regularly dropping below 20°F and summer temperatures averaging in the mid-70s to low 80s. Primitive cabin facilities generally operate from April through October while more developed properties remain open through winter.
What to do
Waterfront recreation access: Revelle's River Resort cabins place guests directly on the Shavers Fork River with opportunities for wading and fishing. "My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups," notes camper Kevin C., who visited in early 2024.
Hiking near cabin sites: Cabin guests at Stuart Recreation Area can access the 1.5-mile loop trail directly from the campground. The trail contains abundant mountain laurel and moderate terrain suitable for families. One visitor describes it as "just challenging enough to be fun" with the entire area "filled with beautiful mountain laurel."
Winter activities: For cold-weather stays, cabins at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground provide access to downhill ski facilities. According to visitor Dave V., "Winter brings copious snowfall and the skiing here draws thousands...downhill and XC." The resort also features a covered ice skating rink during winter months.
What campers like
Scenic locations: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground cabin users appreciate the riverfront setting. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks," reports Tiel M., who stayed in one of their 10x12 lofted barn cabins.
Staff assistance: Cabin guests consistently mention helpful personnel across different properties. At Brooklyn Heights, one mobility-impaired visitor noted, "The guys were super helpful bringing the wheelbarrow of wood to me, which would have been difficult for me." Similarly, cabin guests at Revelle's Resort frequently mention "friendly people" and that it's "very well run."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening wildlife sightings enhance cabin stays. One Canaan Valley visitor observed, "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening." Another camper at the same location remarked on the abundant wildlife, stating "Deer galore! Someone saw a black bear on the trail... Beautiful birds with tons of color!"
What you should know
Weather considerations: The mountainous terrain creates variable conditions year-round. A visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest advises, "We rode out a decent storm and 2.5 inches of rain in 24 hours. One tree came down close to us. Probably no more risky than anywhere else." Forest cabins require weather-appropriate gear regardless of season.
Firewood regulations: Most cabins provide fire rings but visitors must obtain their own wood. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers firewood for purchase on-site. Some primitive cabins have community fire areas rather than individual pits - "Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available," notes a recent visitor.
Bathroom facilities: Cabin bathroom arrangements vary significantly between locations. Higher-end cabins include private facilities, while primitive cabin rentals require use of shared facilities. A Swallow Falls visitor mentions "The campground had modern shower houses, although we did not use them," while a Brooklyn Heights camper points out their "clean porta johns" serve the primitive cabin units.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tygart Lake State Park Campground cabin sites include a playground area for children. "There's a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play," reports one visitor who found the layout conducive to family activities.
Swimming options: Several properties offer swimming access for cabin guests. Canaan Valley provides "a large and heated" outdoor pool plus an indoor pool and hot tub for a small fee. Tygart Lake visitors mention unofficially swimming from the shoreline: "Trails to lakeside/shore where campers do swim although no swimming from shore is 'not' allowed. Just be respectful and clean up after yourselves and usually no drama involved."
Family-friendly trails: Flat, accessible trails around cabin areas accommodate younger hikers. A Stuart Recreation visitor with children notes, "My kids didn't love [the outhouses] so we took a lot of trips down to the bathroom building," suggesting families book cabins closer to central facilities.
Tips from RVers
Winter utility considerations: For cold-season stays, confirm specific cabin heating systems and insulation quality. Cabins in Kumbrabow State Forest operate seasonally from April 15 to October 31, while Canaan Valley cabins remain open year-round with proper heating systems. One Kumbrabow visitor notes their cabins "don't have water or electricity, but offer gas lights, gas refrigerator, fully-equipped kitchen, wood fireplace."
Phone service limitations: Cabin visitors should expect limited connectivity. At Coopers Rock, one visitor reported, "The camp Wi-Fi isn't the best but we did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped." Brooklyn Heights cabins have minimal to no coverage, creating a "primitive feel" appreciated by those seeking to disconnect.
Off-season availability: Non-summer cabin bookings often provide better availability. Several properties reduce rates during shoulder seasons when temperatures remain comfortable but crowds thin significantly. Many primitive cabins close entirely during winter, limiting off-season options to more developed properties with proper heating systems.
