Cabin accommodations in New River Gorge National River area range from rustic shelters to fully-equipped lodging options across multiple campgrounds. The gorge cuts through the Appalachian Plateau, creating steep canyon walls that rise 1,000 feet above the river in places. Late fall through early spring can bring temperature swings of 30 degrees within 24 hours, making cabins particularly valuable during these seasons.
What to do
Hiking with cabin access: Little Beaver State Park Campground offers over 20 hiking trails directly accessible from the campground. "This campground is situated in the woods, near Lake. Has a good WFI everywhere, very clean and quiet," notes a recent visitor. The campgrounds are open April through October with cabins available year-round.
Fishing opportunities: Babcock State Park Campground maintains a well-stocked 19-acre lake adjacent to cabin areas. "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," explains one camper who visited the park.
Winter cabin retreats: Winter stays in New River Gorge cabins allow access to less-crowded trails and rock climbing areas. "We stayed in one of the cabins for Christmas. We were one of a handful of visitors staying at that time of year. The staff were accommodating of our late-night arrival. The cabins are heated, which kept us plenty warm in the middle of winter," reports one winter visitor to Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: The Outpost at New River Gorge provides exceptionally maintained shower facilities at their cabin sites. "As a car camper I was initially hesitant about paying for a partial hookup RV spot knowing that I wouldn't be fully utilizing what I was paying for, but man am I glad I chose to stay here. 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)," shares one camper about their experience.
Community atmosphere: Many cabin campgrounds host regular events during summer months. "There was low key live music Friday and a band/party Saturday night that was super fun," notes a visitor at The Outpost at New River Gorge. Sites often organize activities especially on holiday weekends.
Privacy options: For campers seeking seclusion between adventures, certain cabins provide more isolated settings. "It was on a loop with 5 other cabins, but well spaced and situated overlooking the forest. It was quiet and beautiful. Our cabin was pet friendly, clean, well stocked kitchen, COMFORTABLE DOUBLE BEDS, firewood, it was excellent," reports a Babcock State Park visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most New River Gorge cabin facilities require substantial advance booking during peak season (May-September). Winter cabin stays often offer more availability and significant discounts.
Cabin variations: Even within a single property, cabin amenities vary significantly. "The small cabins are very nice... Our cabin was pet friendly, clean, well stocked kitchen," notes a visitor, but others caution that not all cabins include kitchen supplies. Always confirm specific amenities when booking.
Seasonal operation: Several cabin facilities have limited winter operations. Rays Campground maintains rustic cabins that appeal to rock climbers and kayakers during shoulder seasons. "This is my favorite developed campground in the new river / gauley river area. Known by kayakers and rock climbers. It also has rustic cabin bunkhouses that are also reasonably priced," shares one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin locations: Request cabins near playgrounds for families with young children. "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy," notes one family at Rifrafters Campground, which maintains year-round cabin availability.
Waterpark access: Several cabin sites offer additional water recreation beyond the river. "My daughter and I had a fabulous stay here. We camped in our tent for 2 nights on the mountaintop. We were able to go whitewater rafting one day and then explored the surrounding area on another day. The resort is awesome. They have cabins and they have hot tubs. The park has so much to do including trails, swimming, and an awesome water park," notes a visitor to Ace Adventure Resort.
Kitchen facilities: Family-friendly cabins should include basic cooking equipment. Babcock State Park's cabins include "well stocked kitchen" according to visitors, while others require bringing all cooking supplies. Confirm specific kitchen amenities when booking, especially for multi-night family stays.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal parking: For RVers wanting occasional cabin stays, some facilities offer combination options. "At $300 a month utilities included we're thinking about getting a spot ourselves next year!" notes a visitor at Lake Stephens Campground about their seasonal cabin/RV options.
Cabin access roads: Several cabin areas have challenging access roads. "The road in off the highway isn't too long, but it seemed long, winding, and up and down...especially as night fell," cautions a Babcock State Park visitor. Large motorhomes may need to use alternative parking areas at some cabin facilities.
Wi-Fi considerations: Internet quality varies dramatically between cabin sites. "The big kicker for me was the lodge/Wi-Fi situation. As someone camping in a Prius, it can get pretty tight at times, so having a nice big space with great internet to get some work done was a huge bonus," explains a visitor to The Outpost, one of the few sites with reliable connectivity.
