Karissa R.
Scout
ScoutArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Perfect camp spot
Perfect camp spot has a fire ring and table lots of trees around
Camping near Bluestone Lake
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Bluestone Lake in West Virginia offers multiple camping options across state parks and wildlife management areas, with established campgrounds like Pipestem Resort State Park and Meador Campground providing full-service sites. The area accommodates various camping styles from tent and RV sites to cabins and yurts. Campgrounds such as Brushcreek Falls RV Resort and Kairos Wilderness Resort feature amenities including electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, while more primitive sites can be found at Bull Falls and Indian Mills in the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area.
Access to camping facilities varies seasonally, with most developed campgrounds open year-round while others operate from April through October. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekends and summer months when visitation peaks. The terrain around Bluestone Lake includes both lakeside flat areas and more challenging hillside locations, with some sites requiring careful navigation for larger RVs. Weather conditions can affect camping experiences, especially during spring when rainfall may increase. Cell service is limited in more remote areas of the wildlife management area. A visitor commented, "You'll have quite the drive to get here, but once you've arrived, you'll be incredibly grateful for all the effort."
Water-based recreation stands out as a primary attraction for campers in the Bluestone Lake area. Several campgrounds provide direct river or lake access ideal for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Beyond water activities, the region features extensive hiking trails, horseback riding opportunities, and wildlife viewing areas. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and stargazing opportunities at the more secluded sites. However, facility maintenance varies by location—while state park campgrounds like Pipestem receive high marks for cleanliness and amenities, some visitors note that wildlife management area campsites offer more basic facilities. "Unlike a lot of other places that come baked in with all of the amenities of an amusement camping ground park, here you'll have to bring your own entertainment," explains one review of the more primitive camping areas.
Best Camping Sites Near Bluestone Lake (145)
1. Pipestem Resort State Park Campground
15 ReviewsPipestem, WV6 milesWebsite+1 (304) 466-1800"Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia. We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.
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"There is plenty to do within walking distance or a short drive. There is hiking all around the Pipestem area. There is a lake to fish and boat on."
2. Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
16 ReviewsCamp Creek, WV15 milesWebsite+1 (304) 425-9481"This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."
"Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year."
3. Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
9 ReviewsNimitz, WV9 milesWebsite+1 (304) 466-2805"This campground rests by Bluestone Lake, which is where the Bluestone River runs runs into the New River."
"We stayed in Meador site 14, which was the furthest away from the bath house (still only maybe 150 yards), but it was on the water & was the most secluded (just meaning it's at the end of the row not"
4. Pipestem Camping
4 ReviewsPipestem, WV6 milesWebsite+1 (304) 466-9121$55 - $65 / night
"Besides the aforementioned site hookups there are a lot of new activities to do at pipestem close to the campground on the Pipestem park property such as ziplining and swimming on the lake with inflatables"
"Short drive to Sandstone Falls, which are stunning."
5. Brushcreek Falls RV Resort
6 ReviewsAthens, WV11 milesWebsite+1 (304) 431-1950"Good location not far off the exit. Would stay again!"
"Like a lot of private RV parks, the sites tend to be very close to each other. Beautiful backdrop of the mountains with mist and low clouds. Gravel parking pads."
6. Old Mill Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
5 ReviewsNimitz, WV9 milesWebsite+1 (304) 466-2805"West Virginia at its finest! Blue stone state park is right next door to the lake so there are wonderful water activities here."
"We enjoyed hiking the trails, swimming in the lake and sitting by our campfire. The ladies working at the check-in office were absolutely the sweetest and extremely helpful."
7. Little Beaver State Park Campground
23 ReviewsDaniels, WV21 milesWebsite+1 (304) 763-2494$35 - $50 / night
"This CCC State Park is very picturesque and has several hiking trails and the man-made lake is small but offers plenty of recreation possibilities. I found the layout a little strange."
"Note that there is a walking path that runs directly behind the site and will take you over to loop 2. There weren't too many people using it while we were there though."
8. Kairos Wilderness Resort
2 ReviewsGlen Lyn, VA5 milesWebsite"The hill to climb to get there is SUPER sketchy but it’s a gorgeous location. If you want to go ride dirt bikes or UTVs this place is definitely the spot."
"It sits on 1500 acres and has 41+ miles of trails. The only complaint is the campsites are very close but everyone was friendly and respectful so all in all it was a great place."
9. Blue Jay Campground — Camp Creek State Park
5 ReviewsCamp Creek, WV14 milesWebsite+1 (304) 425-9481$25 / night
"On a weekday in the fall, the road was very quiet, but I imagine that in the summer when carloads of people head to Campbell Falls, it would be a different story and would take away from the peacefulness"
"Except of one, all other campsites are directly next to a beautiful creek. It was very calm and peaceful. The toilets were kinda messy."
10. East Shore Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
2 ReviewsNimitz, WV9 milesWebsite+1 (304) 466-2805"site: some shaded sites. some sites along water. semi-private sites. amenities: a few campground options. pretty clean. attractions: near town. fishing. near pool. hiking. nature activities."
Recent Camping Photos near Bluestone Lake
235 Photos of 145 Bluestone Lake Campgrounds
Stuart K.
Indian Mills Camping Area — Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area
David B.
Kairos Wilderness Resort
Molly F.
Pipestem Camping
Andrew S.
Pipestem Resort State Park Campground
Chelsey R.
Old Mill Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
Tomas R.
Gentrys Landing
Jeremiah S.
Meador Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park
Anna S.
Blue Jay Campground — Camp Creek State Park
Jim P.
Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Cub
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Glamp Greenbrier
Amanda J.
Eggleston Springs Campground
Recent Reviews near Bluestone Lake
683 Reviews of 145 Bluestone Lake Campgrounds
- AAdee W.Scout
Rifrafters Campground
Homey feel, spotless grounds, and top-notch hospitality!
We had a wonderful stay at Rifrafters! The campground is remarkably clean, well-organized, and has a truly welcoming, homey feel. The dog park is large, open, and was a great spot for our dogs to run around and burn off some energy.What really sets this place apart is the incredible owners. They are as friendly, accessible, and easygoing as they come. They guided us into our spot perfectly on the first attempt, constantly checked in to ensure we were comfortable, and even recommended a great local mechanic when our truck needed service. You can really tell they care about their guests. We will definitely be staying here again next time we're in the area!
- BBen L.Scout
Rays Campground
Nice Place
Very low key place. Self check-in. Bath house is old but clean, plenty of hot water. Washing machine and dryer available. Free coffee every morning.
- CChris H.
GuideDixie Caverns
Typical rural campground
I stayed at Dixie Caverns Campground for two weekend nights and found it to be a good value for the money. This is a very basic campground, so if you're looking for resort-style amenities like a pool, playground, or organized activities, this probably isn't the place for you. However, if you understand what a typical rural campground is like, you'll likely find it meets expectations. One of the biggest advantages is the location. The campground is in the Dixie Caverns parking lot, making it incredibly convenient to visit the caves, and campers receive a discount on cave tours. There is also a brand-new gas station and Which Wich sandwich shop within sight of the campground, which made grabbing fuel, snacks, or a quick meal very easy. The staff deserves special recognition. Everyone I encountered was exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming, honestly some of the nicest campground staff I've met anywhere. The sites are fairly small and close together, but all the hookups worked properly during my stay, including water, sewer, and electric. I had read reviews complaining about unlevel sites and roads, but I didn't experience any issues with leveling my rig. The bathhouse was about what I'd expect from a rural campground. It was functional, but it could use a fresh coat of paint and a more thorough cleaning. It wasn't anything unusual for an older campground, but it is an area that could use some attention. One thing to be aware of is the road noise. The campground sits close to a roadway, so you'll hear traffic throughout much of the day and night. There are also some older RVs in the campground that add a bit of character and are interesting to look at. Overall, Dixie Caverns Campground is not fancy, but it was affordable, convenient, and served its purpose well. If you're a very particular camper who wants premium amenities and a pristine campground experience, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a reasonably priced place to stay with great staff and reliable hookups, I'd say it's exactly what you'd expect for the money and maybe a little better thanks to the outstanding people who run it.
Andrew S.GuideRifrafters Campground
Great Campground, TERRIBLE owners.
The owners of this campground are among the rudest people we have ever come across in the camping world.
On our first attempt at reserving a site, we reserved the site three months in advance. When we arrived, they moved us to a different spot to accommodate 'other campers' with zero explanation. When we tried to explain we reserved that site in advance and specifically, the older bald guy, became unprofessionally furious and threatened to kick us off the grounds without a refund. The second year we tried to stay there,we again, reserved a specific site AND paid the lock-in fee, thinking, surely, this will not happen again. Unfortunately, the campground is rather beautiful, so we simply tried to fully abide by THEIR OWN rules the second time to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Nope. When we arrived, they moved us AGAIN to a terrible site. Bottomline, these people are power-trippers. They're argumentative, they're rude, they're short, and if you even try to ask about the reservation process, they will just kick you off the property with no refund and no campsite.
And again, they do not calmy explain what they're doing or why. They just do it...and if you question them, they will escalate the situation to an incredulous level of arguing.
This place could be incredible, but the owners have completely ruined it. We will never be trying to stay here again, and will pass it along to anyone trying to stay in that area.
- EEric W.Guide
Summer Wind RV Park
Super convenient & peaceful
An exceptional setting, this RV park is conveniently located next to I-64 in the mountains of WV. While during the day one can hear the traffic, it’s not that bad, and it’s not loud at night. The park sits adjacent to a cattle ranch nestled in the mountains. All arrangements are made via text and payments are made via cash or Venmo. You definitely get a sense of community with the other campers here as all seem to be very courteous and cordial at the time of my stay. Sites are gravel and fairly level. A very clean and well kept bathhouse is on the premises. Laundry can also be done here with a load costing $2 to wash and $2 to dry. Currently there is no camp host but the park does have quite the surveillance camera set up. WiFi is also available and it works extremely well! All sites are pull-thru. I only planned to stay for one night but enjoyed it so much I decided to stay for two. I most certainly will be staying here during my next trip through WV!
- CChris F.Guide
Babcock State Park Campground
Quiet, out of the way
We stayed here for 3 nights, occupying site 32. Although is was close to the bath house, I would not recommend this specific site, as it is not very level.(But, there are plenty of other nice sites around the park.) When you arrive, you check in at the small building along Clifftop Rd. They have ice($3/bag) and firewood(skip it...find another place to buy wood as the park's is too green to burn).
The campground is a maze of fairly unmarked roads winding lazily through the trees.(Seriously, put up a sign or two for direction.) The bath house is dated, but relatively clean. Showers take a minute or two to heat up and lack serious pressure, but they work. Sites are generally spaced far enough apart and noise is kept to a minimum. The weekend we were there had a lot of kids riding bikes, playing in the playground and doing kid stuff. Good to see.
The park is out of the way, but only a short drive to the New River Gorge and park system. Cell service was 5G for both Verizon and T-Mobile. The park has wi-fi, but we never needed it.
Troy O.
TravelerAdventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek
Good adventurous day
It is full service campground with store, restaurant, swimming pool, paintball, and cabin.
Cari E.
RangerLittle Beaver State Park Campground
Nice trails, an okay site
The second time I stayed was in site 36, which was far preferable to 41 as it was a larger site, but still moderately unlevel. Fun hiking trails down the creek and close proximity to New River Gorge.
Guide to Bluestone Lake
Bluestone Lake campgrounds sit at the convergence of the Bluestone and New River in southern West Virginia, creating a diverse terrain of wooded hillsides and water access points. Most camping facilities around Bluestone Lake operate from April through October, with primitive sites in the wildlife management area closing earlier due to hunting seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making seasonal preparation essential for campers visiting outside peak months.
What to do
Hiking trails from camp sites: Several trails lead directly from the campgrounds at Bluestone Lake. At Little Beaver State Park, "There are several nice walking trails directly from the campground" that connect to a larger trail network, making it easy to explore without driving.
Horseback riding: Pipestem Resort State Park Campground offers equestrian activities for all ages. "Horseback riding, hiking, boating, a fire tower you can climb, and an outdoor movie theater on the wknds a few miles from pipstem," notes camper Andrew S., highlighting the variety of options beyond water recreation.
Winter recreation options: Unlike many seasonal amenities, some facilities remain open year-round. One visitor to Camp Creek State Park noted, "We spent a weekend in one of the many cabins at the Campground; pet friendly! The RV/Tent camping sites were closed." This makes the area suitable for off-season exploration when most campgrounds have limited services.
What campers like
Quiet camping atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful environment at Bluestone Lake State Park, especially at the less developed sites. Craig B. simply states it's a "Nice getaway. If you like hiking and fishing this is the place," highlighting the basic recreation available without crowds.
Family-friendly facilities: Mash Fork Campground receives praise for its amenities. "All the roads are paved making it easy for the little ones to ride bikes," notes Michael, addressing a practical consideration for families with children.
Multiple waterfall access: The waterfalls near Camp Creek State Park are a highlight. "The waterfalls are easily accessible and were beautiful even without an abundance of water," reports Dawn M., suggesting that even during drier periods, these natural features remain worth visiting.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Little Beaver State Park Campground, "Most of the sites are wooded and would be a bit difficult for a rig our size but they are very nice." This practical insight from Marshall P. points to the importance of checking site dimensions before booking.
Seasonal bathroom availability: Facilities may be limited in shoulder seasons. Jessica D. cautions about Camp Creek: "Even though the campground is open year round, the bathrooms are not. We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away."
Varying site privacy: Site layout differs across campgrounds. At Meador Campground, one camper noted they stayed in "site 14, which was the furthest away from the bath house (still only maybe 150 yards), but it was on the water & was the most secluded."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Pipestem RV Park & Campground offers numerous activities. According to Molly F., "We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," making it easier to keep children entertained.
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Several Bluestone Lake camping areas feature play areas. Molly F. mentioned at Pipestem, "Kids loved biking around campground, very safe," highlighting the security aspect important to parents.
Consider pools for summer visits: When temperatures rise, water access becomes crucial. Jennifer S. noted one park has "Nice outdoor and indoor pools right down the road in the park," providing swimming options regardless of weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Check incline information when booking: At Brushcreek Falls RV Resort, campers note the terrain can be challenging. "Spots are long but pretty close together. Wifi didn't work, we're used to that at public places. We're a triple axl so we had to take it nice and slow getting there with the road and even navigating the property but it was fine."
Plan for hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. One visitor to Pipestem noted, "Now all the sites have electric and water, whereas before about half the campground had elec. and water and the rest were rustic." This upgrade makes extended stays more comfortable for those requiring power.
Be prepared for tight navigation: Larger rigs may struggle at some sites. At Pipestem, a camper advised, "There are pretty good sites, but watch the site descriptions for the incline. The water/electric sites surround a large field. These sites tend to be sunny. 1-49 are in the woods. The sites seem small, but the perimeter sites face the woods."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Bluestone Lake campground?
What amenities are available at Bluestone Lake campground?
Bluestone Lake campgrounds offer a range of amenities for campers. Old Mill Campground — Bluestone Lake State Park features water activities with access to the marina for boat rentals. The campground has a rugged, natural setting with mountains and trees providing shade and privacy. Meador Campground is situated along the lake where the Bluestone River meets the New River, offering scenic views and water access. Most Bluestone Lake campgrounds provide basic facilities including water access, toilets, and some have electric hookups. The surrounding area offers abundant recreational opportunities including hiking trails and fishing.
Are there cabins available for rent at Bluestone Lake?
Are there cabins available for rent at Bluestone Lake?
Yes, cabins are available for rent near Bluestone Lake. Pipestem Resort State Park Campground is located a short distance from Bluestone Lake and offers cabin rentals with comfortable accommodations. These cabins provide an alternative to tent camping while still allowing visitors to enjoy the lake's recreational opportunities. Additionally, Kairos Wilderness Resort near Bluestone Lake offers cabin-style accommodations with access to water and toilet facilities. For those seeking cabin rentals, it's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes limited.
How does Bluestone Lake camping compare to Bluestone State Park?
How does Bluestone Lake camping compare to Bluestone State Park?
Bluestone Lake camping and Bluestone State Park camping are interconnected yet distinct experiences. While Bluestone Lake offers waterfront camping opportunities at locations like East Shore Campground with boat-in access, Bluestone State Park provides more developed facilities. The State Park is right next to the lake, offering easy access to water activities while providing more amenities. For comparison, nearby Babcock State Park Campground offers more developed camping with spectacular park features like the famous grist mill, while Bluestone Lake camping tends to emphasize water access and a more natural experience. Essentially, Bluestone Lake camping focuses on water recreation while Bluestone State Park offers a more comprehensive park experience with additional amenities.
What fishing opportunities are available at Bluestone Lake in WV?
What fishing opportunities are available at Bluestone Lake in WV?
Bluestone Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with catfish being particularly plentiful. The lake, formed by the confluence of the Bluestone River and New River, creates diverse fishing habitats. Bull Falls Campground — Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area provides access to prime fishing spots. Anglers can rent boats at the marina to reach the best fishing areas on the lake. Beyond catfish, the lake supports various game fish species. The backwaters of the Bluestone portion have a swampy appearance, creating good habitat for different fish species. For a unique fishing experience, the nearby Greenbrier River Trail offers river fishing opportunities as well.
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