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Cabwaylingo State Forest RV & Campground Guide

West Virginia

With the goal of restoring wooded land in southern West Virginia, the Civilian Conservation Corps established Cabwaylingo State Forest in the 1930s, deriving its name from the four surrounding counties: Cabel, Wayne, Lincoln, and Mingo. It spans 8,296 acres and offers camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Overhanging rocky cliffs provided shelter for settlers in the region. On the third Saturday of September, Cabwaylingo State Forest hosts the Cabwaylingo Annual Forest Festival with entertainment including an antique car show, a parade, games for children of all ages, a horseshoe tournament, live music, and food and drinks. In October, you can visit a haunted house at the state forest's McClintic Group Camp.

Nearby cities:

  • Dunlow, WV

  • Missouri Branch, WV

  • Wilsondale, WV

  • Kermit, WV

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Weather
Spring 35–75 F
Summer 61–85 F
Fall 37–78 F
Winter 25–47 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Cabwaylingo State Forest

Campground Accommodations

Tick Ridge Campground

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: No

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: No

  • Max RV length: 30 feet

  • Other amenities: Toilets, showers, playground, picnic tables

Spruce Creek Campground

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: No

  • Max RV length: 30 feet

  • Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, drinking water, firewood

East Lynn Lake Campground

East Lynn Lake Campground is located next to East Lynn Lake, so it is a great place for anglers and those who enjoy doing water activities to stay. The campground has 167 sites with electric and water hookups, and there is plenty of shade at each site.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: A boat ramp, basketball courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds, trails, and kayak and canoe rentals

The Falls Campground

The Falls Campground is located near the Falls of Blaine Creek, so the sound of the water tumbling down the fall is peaceful and relaxing. There are about 100 campsites at this location, and many of them are pull-through so that you can easily park your RV.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: A playground, fishing, horseshoes pits, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and hiking trails

RV Rentals Near Cabwaylingo State Forest

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What to Do at
Cabwaylingo State Forest

Cabwaylingo State Forest has almost 100 miles of ATV riding trails in addition to many hiking trails and picnic areas. There are reservable picnic shelters at the park as well as picnic tables that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can fish for trout or hunt for deer, rabbits, and squirrels during the hunting season. Biking is allowed on some of the trails. You can rent equipment for playing basketball or volleyball on one of the courts at the park.

Hiking allows you to explore the protected beauty of a dense southern West Virginia forest. There are plenty of other activities for enjoying the forest, including ATV riding, fishing, and nature watching.

Inside Cabwaylingo State Forest

Cabwaylingo State Forest is a great place to go hunting if you have the right license. You will also want to do some fishing in the park; you can do this off the shore or from a boat. Twelvepole Creek is stocked with trout between February and May, so the fish you can catch will be plentiful. There are also basketball and volleyball courts at the park to use, and if you don't have your own gear, rental options are available. There are also six trails that you can hike or bike, but since hunting is permitted in the park, make sure you wear bright clothing.

Fishing Fishing

In the west fork of Twelvepole Creek, park officials stock the water with fresh trout from February to May. Other species that you can catch in the creek include largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and white crappie. Twelvepole Creek at Wayne Dam is also stocked monthly with trout from January to April. The creek is 32.3 miles long, offering you plenty of options to find a good fishing spot. Some historians believe that a young George Washington was among the early explorers who measured Twelvepole Creek.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

You may see deer, turkeys, ruffed grouse, raccoons, or bears during your stay at Cabwaylingo State Forest. Cardinals, titmice, and chickadees are some of the bird species that call the forest home. Several bird species live seasonally in the forest, including scarlet tanagers, hooded warblers, cerulean warblers, and red-eyed vireos.

Flora and Fauna

The main tree species that make up the forest are oak, hickory, cove hardwood, and northern hardwood. You may see cucumber magnolia, black walnut, black cherry, basswood, white ash, and sugar maple trees as well. Colorful wildflowers bloom in the spring.

Swimming Swimming

Cabwaylingo State Forest has a swimming pool near McClintic Group Camp. A wading pool is available for children. The pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, and all park visitors are allowed to use it.

Hiking Hiking

Check out some of the rock formations in Cabwaylingo State Forest by hiking Copley Trail and Sleepy Hollow Trail. You'll also want to see the historic Tick Ridge Fire Tower, which is at the end of Indian Trail. Spruce Creek Trail is a serene primitive route by a creek that has wildlife viewing opportunities.

Biking

Nine miles of trails at Cabwaylingo State Forest allow biking, including Ash Branch Trail and Spruce Creek Trail. Ash Branch Trail is a challenging two-mile trail that travels through Perry Ridge and ends at Long Branch Picnic Area. Spruce Creek Trail starts in Spruce Creek Picnic Area and provides access to Tick Ridge Road.

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How to Get to
Cabwaylingo State Forest

Cabwaylingo State Forest is located near the town of Dunlow, in West Virginia. From Dunlow, travel along WV-152 S, and turn left onto Co Hwy 40. You'll need to quickly stay right to continue onto Co Hwy 35. After 3.7 miles, continue onto County Hwy 41. From there, your destination will be on the left after 0.5 miles.

Entering Cabwaylingo State Forest

Cabwaylingo State Forest doesn't charge entry fees. Only up to two vehicles can park at each campsite, and an adult who is at least 18 years old has to occupy each campsite.

Cabwaylingo State Forest Entry Fee : $0.0

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cabwaylingo State Forest

What is the best time of year to visit Cabwaylingo State Forest ?

Summer is the best time of year to visit Cabwaylingo State Forest because the campgrounds and other seasonal amenities are open. If you want milder temperatures for hiking or to see spring or fall colors, then spring and fall are beautiful times to visit as well.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Cabwaylingo State Forest ?

You can find a variety of birds, such as hooded warblers, red-eyed vireos, titmice, chickadees, and turkeys in Cabwaylingo State Forest. Bats and bears also inhabit the forest. As with most forests, you may see deer too.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Cabwaylingo State Forest ?

Yes, there are RV camping spots in Cabwaylingo State Forest, but there aren't a lot of campsites. One of the campgrounds is primitive, and the other has optional electric and sewer hookups.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Cabwaylingo State Forest and what is the cost?

Reservations aren't required, but you may want to reserve your camping spot because not many campsites are available. You need to stay at least two consecutive nights for a weekend reservation and at least one night for a weekday reservation. The average cost of RV camping at Cabwaylingo State Forest is $30 to $33 per night.

Are pets allowed at Cabwaylingo State Forest ?

Only cats and dogs on leashes are allowed at Cabwaylingo State Forest. However, pets aren't allowed in most of the cabin areas.