Babcock State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Situated along the New River Gorge in West Virginia, Babcock State Park has over 4,120 acres of picturesque mountain landscapes, including rhododendron-lined trails and rock-covered streams. Opened in 1934, Babcock State Park was established on two former campsites of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era program that employed young men to help build over 800 state parks across the country. One of the state’s most photographed spots is the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, which rests on the banks of the Glade Creek. This fully functional mill is a replica of nearby Cooper’s Mill and living monument to the 500+ mills that used to populate the state.
Visitors can hike and bike through more than 20 miles of trails that bear witness to the serene, yet rugged beauty of the New River Gorge. Catch sight of the many animals that live in the area, like white-tailed deer, red foxes, and Allegheny woodrats, and observe the different types of plants that flourish in the shaded hillsides and ravines of the gorge. During the summer, Boley Lake is open for swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as relaxing and sunbathing along its shore.
Babcock State Park is filled with many opportunities to experience nature, whether you’re up for adventure-filled days on the trail or quiet afternoons fishing along Boley Lake and Glade Creek. Read further to discover what you can do in and around Babcock State Park if you decide to plan your next trip here.
Spring 36-62 F
Summer 56-79 F
Fall 40-64 F
Winter 20-41 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Babcock State Park
State parks are excellent places to step back from the hustle and bustle of life and immerse yourself in nature. You could stay in a hotel with amenities galore or a tent that connects you to the earth, but what about an RV? RVing offers the best of both worlds — you can spend more time in nature without sacrificing amenities like a comfy bed and A/C. RVshare makes it easy to find and rent an RV near your home or travel destination. Near Babcock State Park, you can find RVs in Charleston and stay in campgrounds nearby, including:
Babcock State Park Campground
Take in the mountain vistas and breathe in fresh mountain air by staying on-site at Babcock State Park. Open from late April through October, the campground has 52 camping sites — 28 with electric, 24 non-electric — with quick access to the rest of the park. Rates are $29 per night with electrical hookup.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Batthouse, laundromat, picnic tables, fire pit, gift shop, ice and firewood for sale, dumping station
Eagle’s Nest Campground
Located in Beckley, about 10 miles from the park, this campground offers RV camping sites with full hookups available. Surrounded by green fields and mountain views, this campsite offers a peaceful respite after a long day of adventure. Call ahead for rates at 804-240-8149.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: N/A
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bathhouse, laundromat, arcade
What to Do at
Babcock State Park
Inside Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park is a highly sought-after destination for photographers and artists who want to capture the park’s natural beauty and landscapes, including the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill. Aside from its photogenic properties, visitors can enter the mill to learn more about the West Virginia’s milling history and purchase freshly ground cornmeal. The park’s Nature Center sponsors various programming from Memorial Day through Labor Day, including guided nature walks, outdoor movies, sports events, and geocaching.
Visitors can check out other recreational activities including:
Hiking and Mountain Biking - Explore the park through any of its 15 multi-use trails of varying length and intensity, from easy walks to steep climbs. Take the Lake View Trail for an easy loop around the Boley Lake or the more challenging Ridge Top Trail that follows along the edge of the ridge and offers some of the best views in the park. All gravel and paved roads are open for riders.
Swimming and Boating - Head to Boley Lake for a fun afternoon in the water. Jump in the water to cool off, head out on the lake in a canoe, or soak up the sunshine on the shore. Equipment rentals are available for rowboats, canoes, and paddle boats.
Outside Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park is not the only place where you can have some fun in the area! Nearby Fayetteville offers even more outdoor recreation, plus local eateries, craft breweries, boutique shopping, and historical sites. Fayetteville may be a small town but don’t let that fool you — there’s endless adventure to be found here!
Restaurants
Secret Sandwich Society
With hand-crafted sandwiches that creatively pair sweet and savory flavors, you’re sure to find a tasty choice that satisfies your hunger, like the burger with pastrami and balsamic onions or the pulled pork and pimento cheese sandwich.
Type: Sandwiches
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Pies and Pints
This BBQ joint serves up perfectly smoked meats along with delicious sides and a number of local beers on tap. Try favorites like the pulled pork and brisket and don’t forget about the peach cobbler for dessert!
Type: American, Barbecue
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Cathedral Cafe
This former church is now a quaint, eclectic cafe where locals hang out to drink top-notch coffee and eat homemade sandwiches, pastries and more. No matter if you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, every dish is served fresh and hot!
Type: American, Cafe
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Shopping
Ben Franklin Crafts
This place is a general store, craft supplier, and grocery shop all rolled into one. Whether you’re on the hunt for a souvenir, need a snack, or just want to look around, this store carries a little bit of everything and is worth checking out.
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Studio B Gallery & Gifts
This shop curates and sells local artwork and specialty alcohols. Whether you’re searching for new wines and craft beers to sample or want to browse unique jewelry and handicrafts, Studio B has you covered.
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Sightseeing
New River Gorge National River
With strong rapids and swift currents, the New River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting. There are numerous retailers that offer guided rafting trips in the area like ACE Adventure Resort, Adventures on the Gorge, and River Expeditions. Costs are $90-110 per person.
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Bridge Walk
The New River Gorge Bridge is an iconic 876-foot high steel bridge that spans the New River Gorge and is one of the world’s longest single-arch bridges. Take in panoramic views by walking the catwalk under the bridge (securely fastened, of course) on a 3-hour guided tour. Costs are $72 per person.
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Historic Fayette Theatre
Built in 1937, this historic theatre puts on 10 performances throughout the year, like a murder mystery show in January and Christmas play in December, along with other plays and concerts.
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Wild Blue Adventure Company
Get a bird’s eye view of the majestic New River Gorge by flying in a vintage Stearman Biplane. These sightseeing tours offer exceptional views of the Gorge, as well as Summersville Lake and Kanawha Falls. Flights start at $175 per person.
Location: Fayetteville, WV
How to Get to
Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park is located in Clifftop and is accessible from larger routes like Interstate 64 and Interstate 77, which intersect for about 60 miles between Beckley and Charleston, WV.
From I-64 / I-77, take exit 96 for US-60 East. Continue on US-60 East for about 40 miles, then take a left onto US-60 East / Midland Trail. After 20 miles, turn right onto WV-41 South and continue for about 4 miles before turning right onto Babcock Road and entering the park.
Address : 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831
Entering Babcock State Park
The park has no entrance fee and is open from 6am to 10pm everyday.
Now that you know all about Babcock State Park, it’s time to plan your trip! We’d love to hear all about your adventures, so tag us on social media or send your photos and stories to [email protected]. You might just end up on our blog or social media. Happy (RV) camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Babcock State Park
Although the hiking trails are enjoyable during any month, many visitors agree that the best time to visit Babcock State Park is fall. The vibrant foliage creates an amazing backdrop for Glade Creek Grist Mill, the park's biggest attraction.
Yes, pets are allowed at Babcock State Park as long as they are leashed. Trails vary in terrain and length, giving dog owners the option to embark on easier hikes.
Babcock State Park is home to a number of West Virginia's most iconic bird species. Along the trails, you may also spot deer, squirrels, muskrats, hares, and more.
Visitors can expect temperatures in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit) during the summer months and consistent 30s in the winter. Each month generally sees between three and five inches of rainfall.
Yes, the campground, restrooms, buildings, and picnic areas are generally accessible for disabled visitors. Although many of the park's trails have fairly rugged terrains, there are several flat areas that offer great views of the scenery.