Cabin rentals near Lookout, West Virginia offer diverse accommodation experiences in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The New River Gorge region sits at elevations between 1,400 and 2,500 feet, creating temperature variations that affect cabin comfort throughout camping seasons. Winter temperatures regularly dip below freezing between November and March, making cabin amenities like heating systems particularly important during off-season stays.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: New & Gauley River Adventures provides rafting trips with personalized attention. "Our guides, Brian and Mason were efficient, conscientious, and FUN!!! They made the most of every rapid and even tailored the trip especially to our group!" notes a visitor who appreciated their family-run operation.
Mountain biking: The trail systems at Ace Adventure Resort offer varied terrain for riders. As one visitor mentioned, "We hiked and ran in the trail system on site. Beautiful vistas and great opportunities for many activities."
Fishing: Boley Lake at Babcock State Park Campground provides stocked fishing opportunities. "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," writes Dave V.
Photography: The historic gristmill at Babcock State Park ranks among West Virginia's most photographed locations. "The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around," confirms Jonda M.
What campers like
Clean modern bathrooms: The Outpost at New River Gorge features exceptional facilities. "The bathrooms were incredible, and the shower was so good that it was almost annoying (I'm jealous and want it at home now too)," wrote Benjy B.
Spacious wooded sites: Rays Campground offers secluded camping spots. "The site we had, site 10, was large and secluded. Clean shower house and hot water and the owners were extremely friendly," reports Tyler H. Another camper noted: "The tent area I stay in Is very spacious and often you cant see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house."
Level camping pads: Rifrafters Campground provides well-maintained sites. "Our site was plenty large and the concrete pad was perfectly level. It was our last night of the season so we spent a lot of time in the morning cleaning out our gray and black tanks," writes Patience W.
Cabin placement: Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers strategic cabin placement. "We camped here for 3 nights the campground is very large with multiple nice playgrounds for children, hiking trails frisbee golf, miniature golf, a beach lake access and other things."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most cabin facilities close during winter months. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins operates from April 15 to October 31, with limited accommodations available outside these dates.
Varied bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek, "Bathhouses were very clean, firewood was delivered which made things easy."
Terrain challenges: Many sites require careful navigation. At Mountain Lake, "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out. It should be paved, no exceptions for that hill."
Utilities limitations: Few cabins offer full hookups. "Be prepared to dry camp as there are no water hookups. That would be the only negative for us," reports a visitor at Adventures on the Gorge.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations affect comfort levels. "The temperature got down to 30 degrees and frost covered everything," notes a spring visitor at Babcock State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers multiple play areas. "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," shares Katie J.
Water activities: The inflatable water features at Ace Adventure Resort provide family entertainment. "The main one is the Lake with multiple giant anchored inflatables to play on for all ages," explains Terah J. Another visitor adds: "Everyone has to wear a life jacket which is kind of a pain."
Hiking difficulty: Trails at Babcock State Park accommodate various skill levels. "Hiking was great and my young children hiked all of it with us," reports Kaley A. about their October visit.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to spot native animals. "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" reports a family at Mountain Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Little Beaver State Park Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "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," advises Adam and Suzanne B.
Dump station accessibility: Facilities vary between campgrounds. "Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump," notes Charlie W. at Little Beaver.
Site selection for big rigs: Limited options exist for larger vehicles. "Sites are big, a few are un-level but ours in site 15 was great," reports Scott B. about The Outpost at New River Gorge.
Hook-up availability: Most cabin camping areas offer limited connections. "RV sites are not private but we had great neighbors and a great weekend. Bathhouses were very clean, firewood was delivered which made things easy. Be prepared to dry camp as there are no water hookups," explains Rachel S.