Camping in Babcock State Park is a fantastic way of getting to really immerse yourself and slow down a bit and be surrounded by nature. Whether you are coming to the park itself to do one of the many amazing things to do in Babcock State Park, or if you are heading to nearby New River Gorge National Park (or both!), then camping here will be a great experience!
There are a few options in the park for camping, including cabins, so we put this guide together to help you figure out the best fit for your situation when camping in Babcock State Park!
BABCOCK STATE PARK CAMPGROUND: OVERVIEW
There is only one campground to choose from at Babcock State Park. The campground is not very large, but it’s quaint and quiet. It’s set back from the road so you won’t have much in the way of road noise, and since the campground is not in the main part of the park, you won’t have the traffic that the rest of the park has, particularly in the summer and fall when visitors go to check out the grist mill.
In addition to traditional camping, there are also a large number of cabins in the park.
Reservations for the cabins fill up fast and well in advance of the summertime in particular, so be sure to get your reservations early. Campground reservations are a bit less competitive, but you still want to book early!
BABCOCK STATE PARK CAMPING SUPPLIES
There is a small store on-site at the campground (for wood, etc). You can get a small amount of goods in the town of Lookout, WV, which is 4 miles to the north. For a larger selection of groceries, head to the town of Lansing, WV, which is about 20 minutes away.
If you are need of larger camping supplies or just a lower-cost selection, then head to Fayetteville, WV for box stores and larger grocery stores.
BABCOCK STATE PARK CAMPING: DETAILS AND CAMPGROUND MAP
Babcock State Park Campground
Babcock State Park Campground map, courtesy of West Virginia State Parks
- Location: The Babcock State Park Campground is situated off Route 11 (Clifftop Road), just 3 miles north of the state park. Directions from the Glade Creek Grist Mill to the Babcock State Park Campground.
- Accessible via: Car.
- Reservations: Open from mid-April through late October. Babcock State Park Campground.
- Capacity: 52 sites—28 electric and 24 non-electric sites.
- Electricity / Water Hookups / Dump Station: Yes / No / No.
- Toilets / Showers: Flush toilets and showers.
- Pet friendly: Yes.
- Nearby: The Manns Creek Gorge Trail leaves right from the campground and heads down to Manns Creek after about 0.25 miles of walking. From here you can continue along the creek for another 0.25 miles before the trail starts to head to Highway 11.
- Additional details: This campground is extremely popular since it is just a 2-minute drive to the Canyon Rim area of New River Gorge National Park. Book in advance. Other amenities at the campground include laundry machines in the bathhouse building, ice and firewood for sale, a dumping station, and a water fill-up station.
BABCOCK STATE PARK CABINS
The park has 28 cabins for rent in three different sizes/styles—vacation cabins (large modern cabins), legacy cabins (CCC cabins) and economy cabins (1-room, studio style). All provide linens and have full equipped kitchens. A few cabins are pet-friendly (1-2, 9, 12-15, 17-18 and 24-27). 13 of the cabins are located near the grist mill, and the rest are located deeper within the park. All cabins have Wi-Fi.
BABCOCK STATE PARK GROUP CAMPING
There is a single area for group camping which has picnic tables, a shelter and an area for up to 20 tents. Be sure to reserve this spot early, as it is quite popular.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON BABCOCK STATE PARK FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS
- For details on the entire park, check out our blog on Things to Do (and the Best Hikes) in Babcock State Park.
- After your visit, let us make a custom, vintage travel poster from a photo you send to us!
