Pipestem State Park West Virginia (WV) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Pipestem State Park is a prime destination for RV camping, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and recreational activities. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the park boasts rich cultural significance, as it was once home to Native American tribes and later became a thriving logging community.

The park’s most striking feature is the “pipestem” formation, created by the convergence of the Bluestone River and the New River. Over thousands of years, water erosion carved a narrow gorge, resulting in the steep, towering cliffs that give the park its name. This geological wonder provides a breathtaking backdrop for campers, as well as opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Pipestem State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Pipestem State Park.

Transportation

Accessing Pipestem State Park by private vehicle is straightforward with multiple entrances available. Visitors can enter through the main gate on Route 20 or use the secondary entrance on Route 219. RV renters should be aware of rig size restrictions as some park roads have tight turns and low clearance. It’s recommended that RVs do not exceed 40 feet in length and 13 feet in height. Additionally there are no restrictions on towing a vehicle behind an RV.

RV parking is available in designated areas throughout the park with some spots offering electrical hookups. Overnight parking is restricted to designated campgrounds only. RV camping allows for easy access to amenities and makes exploring the park via alternative transportation methods convenient.

Pipestem State Park offers a variety of transportation options for visitors. Shuttle buses are available seasonally providing easy access to popular park destinations. Additionally miles of walking paths and hiking trails make it simple to explore the park on foot.

Top Campsites in Pipestem State Park

If you’re planning a trip to Pipestem State Park in West Virginia you’ll want to know which campsites are the most popular and require reservations. Here are the top 4 campsites near Pipestem State Park listed in order of popularity

Bluestone Lake Campground

This campground is located near Bluestone Lake and has 120 sites with electric and water hookups as well as a dump station. The sites are spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. The campground is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Activities include swimming fishing boating and hiking.

Pipestem Campground

This campground is located within Pipestem State Park and has 82 sites with electric and water hookups as well as a dump station. The sites are shaded and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. The campground is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Activities include hiking horseback riding and golfing.

Mountaineer Campground

This campground is located in nearby Athens and has 75 sites with full hookups including cable TV. The sites are level and can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet. The campground is open year-round and is pet-friendly. Activities include swimming fishing and mini golf.

Beaver Creek Campground

This campground is located near Bluestone Lake and has 50 sites with electric and water hookups as well as a dump station. The sites are spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. The campground is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Activities include swimming fishing and boating.

If you’re looking for a more spontaneous camping experience Pipestem State Park offers several first-come-first-served campsites. Here are 3 campsites that are available on a first-come-first-served basis

McKeever Campground

This campground is located within Pipestem State Park and has 16 sites with no hookups. The sites are shaded and can accommodate RVs up to 20 feet. The campground is open from April to October and is pet-friendly.

Bluestone Campground

This campground is located near Bluestone Lake and has 20 sites with no hookups. The sites are spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. The campground is open from April to October and is pet-friendly.

Horse Creek Campground

This campground is located within Pipestem State Park and has 10 sites with no hookups. The sites are shaded and can accommodate RVs up to 20 feet. The campground is open from April to October and is pet-friendly.

If the campsites inside Pipestem State Park are full there are alternative camping options nearby. Here are 3 alternative camping options for RV renters

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds near Pipestem State Park including Lazy A Campground and Hidden Valley Campground. These campgrounds offer full hookups amenities and activities.

Backcountry Camping

For a more rustic camping experience backcountry camping is available in the nearby Bluestone Wildlife Management Area. Campers must obtain a permit and follow Leave No Trace principles.

State Forest Camping

Pocahontas State Forest and Bluestone State Forest both offer primitive camping options for RV renters. These forests have no hookups but offer hiking fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Pipestem State Park is a popular destination for RV campers who love the outdoors and enjoy recreational activities. Here are the top five popular activities that draw in the crowds

Hiking

With over 22 miles of hiking trails Pipestem State Park offers a range of difficulty levels from easy to challenging. The Rhododendron Trail is the most popular taking you through lush forests and rhododendron thickets. The trailhead is located near the park’s entrance.

Fishing

The Bluestone River and Bluestone Lake are excellent spots for fishing with a variety of fish species such as bass catfish and bluegill. The park provides fishing equipment rentals and there’s a fishing pier near the visitors center.

Biking

The park has several bike trails that wind through the forests and offer scenic views. The River Trail is the most popular with a moderate difficulty level and stunning views of the Bluestone River.

Ziplining

Pipestem State Park’s zipline course is a thrilling adventure that takes you soaring over the treetops. The course has eight ziplines and two aerial bridges offering breathtaking views of the park.

Horseback Riding

The park has over 12 miles of horseback riding trails that take you through the beautiful forest. Horseback riding tours are available led by experienced guides.

For those who prefer less strenuous activities Pipestem State Park offers plenty of alternative options. Here are the top five popular activities that are perfect for RV campers

Sightseeing

The park’s scenic overlooks offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The McKeever Lodge offers panoramic views from its restaurant and observation deck.

Nature Watching

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including deer turkey and black bears. The Nature Center offers guided tours and educational programs.

Instagram-worthy Photo Opportunities

The park’s scenic beauty offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs. The bridge over the Bluestone River the waterfalls near the Rhododendron Trail and the sunset views from the McKeever Lodge are popular spots.

Bird Watching

Pipestem State Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 200 species of birds including hawks owls and songbirds. The park offers guided birdwatching tours.

Visiting the Pioneer Farm

The Pioneer Farm offers a glimpse into the past with a reconstructed 19th-century farmhouse blacksmith shop and barn. Visitors can learn about life in the early days of West Virginia.

Season-specific experiences in Pipestem State Park

When it comes to springtime in Pipestem State Park there are several recreational activities and landmarks that RV campers flock to. One popular spot is the McKeever Lodge which offers stunning views of the Bluestone River. Visitors can enjoy fishing hiking and bird watching in this area.

Another must-see destination is the Pipestem Resort State Park Aerial Tramway. This cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the park’s lush forests and rolling hills. The tramway takes passengers on a scenic tour of the park providing a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty.

For history buffs the Bolt Mountain Fire Tower is a must-visit. This tower was used to spot forest fires in the early 20th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike to the top of the tower and learn about the history of forestry in the region.

The park’s many hiking trails are also a popular draw for RV campers. The Rhododendron Trail is especially beautiful in the spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom. This trail takes hikers through dense forests and offers views of the Bluestone River.

Lastly the park’s many fishing spots are a big draw for anglers. The Bluestone River is home to a variety of fish including bass trout and catfish. Visitors can fish from the shore or rent a boat and explore the river’s many coves and inlets.

When it comes to summer activities in Pipestem State Park there’s no shortage of things to do. One popular activity is swimming in the park’s many swimming holes. The Bluestone River offers several spots for swimming including the popular Twin Falls area.

Another must-do summer activity is tubing down the Bluestone River. Visitors can rent tubes from local outfitters and float down the river taking in the stunning scenery along the way.

For those looking for a more adventurous activity the park’s many hiking trails offer challenging routes for experienced hikers. The Panorama Trail for example offers steep inclines and rocky terrain but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

The park’s many picnic areas are also a popular draw for RV campers. The Pipestem Picnic Area offers stunning views of the Bluestone River and plenty of space for a picnic lunch.

Lastly the park’s many golf courses are a big draw for golfers. The Pipestem Resort State Park Golf Course offers 18 holes of challenging golf with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

In the fall Pipestem State Park offers a variety of recreational activities that attract RV campers. One popular activity is hiking on the park’s many trails which offer stunning views of the changing leaves. The Rhododendron Trail in particular is a favorite among visitors for its picturesque scenery. Another popular fall activity is visiting the Pipestem Resort State Park’s Aerial Tramway which offers breathtaking views of the Bluestone River Gorge. For history buffs the park’s McKeever Lodge and Museum is a must-visit offering exhibits on the area’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally the park hosts the annual Autumnfest celebration which features live music craft vendors and food. Finally birdwatching is a popular pastime in the park during the fall as many species migrate through the area.

When the snow falls Pipestem State Park transforms into a winter wonderland offering a variety of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular winter activity is sledding on the park’s many hills which offer fun for the whole family. Another favorite winter pastime is cross-country skiing on the park’s trails which offer beautiful views of the snow-covered landscape. For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping activity the park also offers snow tubing. Additionally the park hosts the annual Winter Festival which features ice sculptures live music and food. Finally wildlife watching is popular in the park during the winter as many animals are easier to spot against the snow.

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