Cabins near Philippi, West Virginia provide access to the Tygart Valley region at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests and vibrant waterways throughout the camping season. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal availability an important consideration when booking cabin accommodations.
What to do
Waterfront activities: At Tygart Lake State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy the 10-mile lake for boating, fishing, and kayaking. As one visitor noted, "The lake offers great relaxation and the trails around the lake offer pretty views. Only wish that there were more trails available because it's so beautiful in that area!!!"
Mountain biking: Coopers Rock State Forest maintains numerous bike trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels. A reviewer mentioned, "Tons of Mountain Bike trails, indoor and outdoor pools," highlighting the variety of terrain available.
Hiking to waterfalls: Swallow Falls State Park Campground features several accessible falls including Muddy Creek Falls, the highest in Maryland at 53 feet. "The trail head is right in the campground so that made it extremely easy," reported one camper, making this an ideal day trip from Philippi.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers secluded camping with direct river access. A visitor remarked, "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available. Relaxing."
Wildlife viewing: Many cabins around Philippi offer excellent wildlife watching opportunities. As one camper at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground observed, "The campground is absolutely beautiful. There are full hookups. Lots of trails and wildlife."
Four-season accessibility: Unlike many campgrounds that close during colder months, several cabin properties remain open year-round. A Stuart Recreation Area visitor noted, "This is a great campground with nice large sites. I can imagine if you go when the rhododendron are blooming it would be ever more beautiful."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak season from May through October. At Stonewall Resort State Park Campground, expect higher rates but better amenities: "It's not your typical WV state park because it's managed by a private developer which means that Benchmark Management gets to set the pricing for the lodge, cabins and campgrounds."
Wildlife considerations: Take proper food storage measures to prevent wildlife encounters. One visitor warned, "There is a HUGE raccoon problem here, even during the day. I wish we were warned ahead of time. Many people bring an extra tent to keep their food in."
Bathroom facilities: Cabin amenities vary widely between properties. Some feature private bathrooms while others offer only communal facilities. A Camp Ara visitor explained, "On our second night after taking a HOT shower in one of the lodges we were offered a warm meal and even warmer company from one of the families running the site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. A Swallow Falls visitor shared, "I gave it a 5 star for many reasons. First the campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground... I didn't feel like I was walking in the dirt or through someone's campsite to get to the bathroom or the playground for the kids."
Educational opportunities: Seasonal programs often focus on wildlife, geology, and local history. At Stuart Recreation Area, one visitor recommended, "The 1.5 mile loop trail was great and just challenging enough to be fun. The campground and trail are filled with beautiful mountain laurel."
Swimming options: Revelle's River Resort provides water access suitable for families. According to a visitor, "My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many mountainous campgrounds around Philippi feature uneven terrain. One RVer noted, "Nice private camping areas more well suited to tents than RV. Most of the sites are very out of level."
Electric service quality: Monitor power supplies at older campgrounds. An RVer reported, "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time."
Site selection for larger units: Prioritize campgrounds with dedicated RV loops when traveling with bigger rigs. At Family Fishing N' Camping, sites accommodate various vehicle sizes but travelers should call ahead as a visitor mentioned, "This establishment does NOT offer tent sites anymore! 5/18/2024. I called to make a reservation and they said they do not do that anymore as of a few years ago."
