Pipestem Resort State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Pipestem Resort State Park stretches over 4,050 acres in the Bluestone River Gorge of West Virginia and boasts scenic views of steep terrains, rugged wilderness, and rushing waters against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. The park derives its name from a local shrub that Native Americans and early pioneers used to create shafts for their tobacco pipes. This “pipe stem” became the namesake of Pipestem Resort State Park, which officially opened in 1970 thanks to President John F. Kennedy, who established the park in an effort to stimulate the local economy.
Adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts are attracted to Pipestem Resort State Park for its plentiful recreational activities. There’s no shortage of things to do at the park, whether it’s getting an adrenaline rush from zip lining, hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding through the wilderness or heading to the waters of Long Branch Lake and Bluestone River for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. And that’s not even including the Nature Center’s educational programs, open-air concerts at the amphitheater, or the 18-hole championship golf course.
Pipestem Resort State Park offers non-stop fun for everyone, no matter if you’re traveling solo, in a group, or with your family. With numerous outdoor activities and stunning mountain scenery, Pipestem Resort State Park is a no-brainer for where you should go on your next vacation. Read further for where to stay, eat, and play near the park.
Spring 36-61 F
Summer 57-77 F
Fall 40-62 F
Winter 21-39 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pipestem Resort State Park
Visitors flock to Pipestem Resort State Park for adventure and relaxation in the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. When planning where to stay during your trip, you may research hotels, hostels, and tent camping in the area — but have you considered researching RVs?
RVing is a popular, convenient way to get the most out of your trip: you can connect with nature while traveling (and camping) at your own pace. You’ll also have numerous amenities at your fingertips, including a refrigerator, comfy bed, and A/C. RVshare makes it easy to rent an RV in your area or travel destination. Near Pipestem Resort State Park, you can find RVs in Charleston and Roanoke and stay in campgrounds nearby, including:
Pipestem Resort State Park Campground
Stay close to all the action by camping at Pipestem Resort State Park. Open year-round, the campground has 82 RV and tent camping sites — 31 with full hookups, 19 electric only — and access to numerous amenities like heated bathhouses, coin laundry, and a camp store. Plus it’s a short walk to the park. Rates are $30 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Heated bathhouses, laundry facility, playground, camp store, propane filling station, bike rentals
Bluestone State Park Campground
Located 12 miles from Pipestem, this campground is open from spring through fall and has 76 camping sites with limited electrical and water hookups. Check out Bluestone State Park to hike along rugged mountain terrain and swim in the vast waters of Bluestone Lake. Rates are $29 per night with electrical hookup.
Water hookup: Yes (limited)
Electrical hookup: Yes (limited)
Sewer hookup: No
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bathhouse, picnic area, camp store, dump station, firewood for sale, hiking, biking, swimming pool, lake access
What to Do at
Pipestem Resort State Park
Inside Pipestem Resort State Park
There’s truly an endless amount of recreational activities at Pipestem Resort State Park, from multi-use trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding to aerial tours like ziplining and tramway rides and water sports like swimming, canoeing, and fishing — not to mention the outdoor concerts and plays at the park’s open-air amphitheater. And that’s just in the summer!
Wintertime transforms the park into a snow resort where visitors can go cross-country skiing and sledding. Added to that, the Nature Center is open year-round with displays of native plants and animals, plus programmings like guided tours and bird watching.
Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of the park’s most popular activities:
Hiking and Biking - Hiking is popular year-round with 20 different trails of varying length and intensity, from easy loops like Dogwood Trail to challenging climbs like Bluestone Turnpike Trail. Bring your own bike or rent one on-site for an exciting ride through the park’s picturesque trails.
Aerial Tours - Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through treetops on the Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour, which also includes nine zip lines and cable bridge. The aerial tramway transports visitors up and down the 3,600 feet of the Bluestone River Gorge for a complete view of its majesty.
Swimming - Swim around the park’s new adventure lake and splash park, complete with 15 inflatable features, or visit the indoor swimming pool at McKeever Lodge, where you’ll also find a sauna and fitness center for next-level relaxation.
Fishing and Boating - Fishing and boating enthusiasts alike will enjoy the waters of Long Branch Lake, Bluestone River, and New River. Anglers with a valid fishing license can cast a line for some of the best trout and smallmouth bass fishing in the state. In the summer, boating rentals are available for rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Golfing - Test out your golf game at the par-3 golf course or 18-hole championship course with stunning views of Bluestone River Gorge or check out the shorter 9-hole course and driving range. The Recreation Center also has disc golf and putt-putt golf.
Sledding and Skiing - Snow transforms the Appalachian Mountains into a winter wonderland, which is perfect for cross-country skiing and sledding. Bring your own sled or cross-country skis or rent equipment at the park’s Pro Shop.
How to Get to
Pipestem Resort State Park
Pipestem Resort State Park is located in Pipestem, WV and is near major routes like Interstates 64 and 77.
From I-77, take exit 14 for County Highway 7 toward WV-20 / Athens Road. Continue on WV-20 North for 12 miles before reaching the park’s entrance on the left.
From I-64, if traveling south, then continue on I-64 until it turns into 1-77, then follow the directions for I-77 above. If traveling west, continue on I-64 until exit 139 toward WV-20 / Standstone / Hinton. Continue on WV-20 South for 25 miles before reaching the park’s entrance on the right.
Address : 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979
Entering Pipestem Resort State Park
The park has no entrance fee and is open from 6am to 10pm everyday.
We hope you’re ready now for your next adventure to Pipestem Resort State Park! Whether you zipline through the wilderness or ride the aerial tramway down the gorge, take us along for the fun by tagging us on social media or sending your photos and stories to [email protected]. You could end up on our blog or social media. Happy (RV) camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pipestem Resort State Park
Summer, spring, and fall are the best times to visit Pipestem Resort State Park. With the Appalachia Mountains as the park's backdrop, many visitors prefer fall when the trees are bursting with color and the weather is still pleasant.
Pipestem Resort State Park's climate is favorable for camping most of the year. Highs in the summer, spring, and fall hit the mid-70s, with winter highs around 39 degrees. If you come to the park in the winter, expect snowfall.
Many people visit the state park to catch a glimpse of its wildlife, including tree frogs in the woods and toads lazying along the water's shore. In the spring, visitors enjoy watching the azure butterflies.
Pipestem Resort State Park campground has sites that accommodate RVs and tent camping. You'll find 31 sites with full hookups and 19 that have electricity only. The campground also has a propane filling station.
Pipestem Resort State Park is a pet-friendly West Virginia state park. Bring your cat, dog, or other pet to the park. If you're hiking or walking around the park, make sure that your pet is leashed.