Cabin camping near Scarbro, West Virginia sits in the heart of the New River Gorge region at approximately 2,000 feet elevation. Winter temperatures can drop to 30°F with frost covering campgrounds at higher elevations, while summer days reach the 80s. The mixed hardwood forest provides natural shade at most cabin sites and campgrounds while steep terrain creates challenging access roads to some facilities.
What to do
Hiking at New River Gorge: Access numerous trails directly from West Virginia Adventures Campground where "kids loved it!! Nice family atmosphere" according to one visitor. Most cabin stays put you within 15 minutes of popular trails like Endless Wall and Long Point.
Water activities beyond rafting: The 19-acre Boley Lake near Babcock State Park offers alternatives to whitewater. You can "paddle the lake with personal paddle craft or rent paddleboats, canoes or rowboats from the Boley Lake Marina" as noted in visitor reports. Fishing requires proper licensing, available online.
Winter cabin stays: The Outpost at New River Gorge operates year-round for cabin guests. As one winter visitor shared: "We spent July 4th weekend here and really enjoyed it. Bathrooms are nicer than our bathrooms at home." Several cabin facilities maintain winter operations when tent camping isn't practical.
What campers like
Private wooded settings: Cabins at Babcock State Park Campground offer seclusion among mature forests. "It was on a loop with 5 other cabins, but well spaced and situated overlooking the forest. It was quiet and beautiful," noted one visitor who appreciated the layout.
Budget-friendly options: Small rustic cabins start around $40/night for basic shelter with electricity. One camper at Rifrafters Campground explained, "We stayed in Cabin 5, which offered a few wooden bunkbeds, one table, four chairs, one door and two windows...that's all you get in a camper cabin."
Modern comforts in remote settings: Several cabins offer unexpected amenities. At Adventures on the Gorge, "the cabins are heated, which kept us plenty warm in the middle of winter" according to winter visitors. Most properties maintain clean shower facilities separate from the cabins themselves.
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Many facilities operate limited schedules. One visitor to Lake Stephens Campground observed that "this park acts as the locals' Summer Home from May to Late October. At $300 a month utilities included we're thinking about getting a spot ourselves next year!"
Wildlife management: Raccoons and skunks frequent cabin areas after dark. At Ray's Campground, "the owners were extremely friendly" and helped campers with wildlife concerns. Bear-proof food storage isn't required but keeping food secured prevents encounters.
Reservation requirements: Holiday weekends fill completely, especially Bridge Day weekend in October. A camper noted, "We spent Bridge Day weekend in Fayetteville, WV. The New River Gorge area is amazing." Reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance for peak dates.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ace Adventure Resort offers extensive recreation for children. "The Mountain Top Campground was quite nice... They have a picnic bench, fire ring and garbage can at each site," observed a family. Their water park provides structured activities between wilderness adventures.
Space considerations: Cabin interiors can be tight for large groups. A visitor explained: "The tent area I stay in is very spacious and often you can't see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house." Consider separate accommodations for extended families.
Educational opportunities: The historic structures throughout the region offer learning experiences. "This building and surrounding stone structures, retaining walls, and staircases were built by the CCC and are magnificent and in great shape," noted one visitor regarding historic facilities at Babcock State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many cabin and RV sites require adjustment. A camper at Little Beaver State Park reported: "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."
Winter hookup limitations: Water connections at most campgrounds shut down from November through March. "The RV sites are limited, but they're very nice. I wish they had water, and sewer would be an added bonus," shared one winter visitor at Adventures on the Gorge.
Access road navigation: The region's mountain roads challenge larger rigs. "The road in off the highway isn't too long, but it seemed long, winding, and up and down...especially as night fell," warned one RVer about navigating to cabins after dark.
