Camping cabins near Lansing, West Virginia position visitors at elevations between 1,400-2,500 feet with temperatures dropping to 30°F even in spring months. The surrounding New River Gorge region receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions for campers. Cabin accommodations in this region typically sit along steep mountain roads with limited cell service outside major towns.
What to do
Paddling access points: Summersville Lake offers clear water recreation with boat rentals from Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins' marina. "We love summersville lake after stopping randomly on a trip down south last year... The lake is amazing, clear and has so many visual gems that I highly suggest a visit," notes one visitor.
Rock climbing instruction: New River Climbing School provides guided sessions for beginners through advanced climbers. A visitor explains, "We stayed in one of the cabins for Christmas... This spot was a short drive away from awesome rock climbing in the New River Gorge."
Mountain biking trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the area, with Ace Adventure Resort featuring private trails right from their property. "Mountain bike and hiking trails all over. We had a blast at the lake and rafting! Beautiful area as well," shares a camper who appreciated the diverse activities.
Hidden hiking gems: Explore beyond the popular trails to Mann's Creek Gorge Trail, a two-mile path from Babcock State Park to Camp Washington Carver with swimming holes. "About a quarter of a mile you come to the creek with a great swimming hole. We didn't make it past the swimming hole but I'm looking forward to finishing the trail in the future."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Rays Campground provides secluded spots with electrical options. "The site we had, site 10, was large and secluded. Clean shower house and hot water and the owners were extremely friendly," notes a visitor who appreciated the privacy.
Clean bathroom facilities: Little Beaver State Park maintains exceptional hygiene standards. "Cleanest bathrooms and showers I've seen. Cute little store for firewood...they bring to you. Daily trash pickup. Beautiful trails. Scenic lake. Must see this little secret gem!" raves one satisfied camper.
On-site entertainment: Evening activities at The Outpost at New River Gorge include regular scheduled events. "This place rocks! Live music on weekends throughout the summer included with your stay. Also, they have some ticketed events for live music. Not to mention the New River NP borders the campground," shares an enthusiastic visitor.
Reliable WiFi: For remote workers needing connectivity, certain campgrounds maintain strong signals. "The fact that they had reliable WiFi throughout the park was a huge bonus for a remote worker," mentions a digital nomad staying at Rifrafters Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most small cabin facilities close between November and March. Rifrafters Campground notes: "Eight basic cabins with electricity but no running water. Pricing is based on occupancy, much like tent camping."
Terrain challenges: Many access roads require vehicles with adequate clearance. "We watched many RVs/trailers come and go. The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out," cautions a visitor at Mountain Lake Campground.
Booking patterns: Weekends fill faster than weekdays, especially for cabins. One visitor at River Expeditions Campsites noted, "Luxury cabins, lodges, bunkhouses, and cute Safari tents are available" but recommended booking well ahead for weekend stays.
Wildlife encounters: Expect regular deer and small mammal visits. "Friendly campground dog who likes to roam free and check on tenants... Not a lot of dirt or mud which is always a plus," mentions a camper at Rays Campground about both the wildlife and ground conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas to monitor children easily. At Mountain Lake Campground, "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site."
Multi-day itineraries: Plan activities across different locations to minimize daily driving. "We spent 4 days at the end of July. The bathrooms were cleaned twice a day for the COVID and the showers had good pressure," notes a visitor about staying at Babcock State Park for an extended period.
Youth-friendly hiking: Island-In-the-Sky trail at Babcock provides adventure without overwhelming difficulty. "To get to the top you have to climb up a couple ladders and over rocks. There are also several spurs off the trail that lead to overlooks and one that leads to a good size cave the size of the room."
Water features: Adventures on the Gorge maintains a pool for children when river conditions aren't suitable. "First time here and we were not disappointed. The kids absolutely loved it all. The pool, views, food were all amazing," shares a family visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Look for pull-through options at Little Beaver State Park. "We had site 19 which is one of the few pull thrus. We have a triple axl, had plenty of room and the site is wooded. Only downside for longer term stays is no sewer hookup."
Power considerations: Many campgrounds offer only 30-amp service, requiring load management. "We were in a full service RV spot, but the camp offered a variety of accommodations. Power had been knocked out the few days prior to our visit but luckily came back on soon after we checked in."
Setup positioning: At Rifrafters Campground, consider sites away from the entrance. "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."
Backup systems: When camping in remote cabins, bring alternative power sources. "We chose site 15 (non-electric site), which I thought was one of the best sites. The campground was quiet, family-friendly, and clean. Some of the campsites were small and right on top of each other."
