The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Sports

December 10, 2007

Winter camping available at West Virginia state parks

Winter camping isn’t for everyone, but for those individuals who have the camping bug year-round, many West Virginia state parks have open campgrounds.

The campgrounds at Beech Fork (www.beechforksp.com) and Pipestem Resort state parks (www.pipestemresort.com) remain open for campers looking for an alternative to indoor winter getaways, and they have the advantages of little-to-no-chance of neighbors nearby, very quiet mornings and the opportunity to take in some of the prettiest scenery in the parks, according to Steve Bolar, superintendent at Pipestem. “It’s not the busiest time of year for camping by any means, but there are several guests who do enjoy camping in winter time.”

Pipestem’s campground offers a heated bathhouse with hot water showers. Fifteen full hook-up sites are available for winter camping with a total of 31 sites for seasonal camping. Registration at the campground is on the honor system, a traditional aspect of the winter camping experience. Bolar reminds campers that reservations are not needed in the winter months, but are suggested for summertime. Pipestem Resort is located in Summers County and is about 25 minutes from I-77’s Pipestem exit.

Beech Fork State Park, near Huntington, has consistent winter camping interest, according to Superintendent Matt Yeager. “Old Orchard Campground with pull-through sites offers 50 amp electric service, sewer, fire ring and picnic table. Water has to be shut off once the temperatures are consistently below freezing, so campers need to consider the water situation for hook-up or fill up,” Yeager said. “We have a lot of campers during the winter when the weather is above freezing for any length of time.”

The bathhouse is open and heated. Reservations are not required in the winter.

Other parks with winter camping opportunities include Twin Falls Resort (www.twinfallsresort.com), Stonewall Resort and Canaan Valley Resort.

Many state parks and forests post camping discounts and incentives on the Web site at www.wvstateparks.com. “Our superintendents create new ideas to encourage park visitation, even in the wintertime when camping may not be high on a list of things to do,” said Acting State Parks Chief Ken Caplinger.

Campgrounds in state parks re-open mid-spring for traditional camping. Reservations are available at the majority of parks and forests, and detailed information is online at www.wvstateparks.com. The Web site includes campground reservation applications available for downloading and detailed information regarding camping reservations that begin on Feb. 15, along with other guidelines.

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