Babcock State Park Camping: The Perfect Place to Camp Near New River Gorge!

Babcock State Park is home to the Glade Creek Grist Mill, which just so happens to be one of the most photographed places in West Virginia. Not to mention this campground comes with an opportunity to stay very close to New River Gorge National Park too. So let’s get you planning a Babcock State Park camping trip!

Founded in 1934, this 4,000 acre state park is connected to the northeastern section of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. There are 2 ways to camp here, campsites with electric and campsites without electric. But there are also a plethora of cabins nestled in woods of this state park if you prefer to not sleep in a tent.

Whether you travel to southern West Virginia for the amazing white water rafting, the rock climbing, the hiking or to check another national park off your list, you’ll love camping in Babcock State Park!

Important Links

Babcock State Park website

Hiking Map

Babcock State Park Camping

Campground Map

Babcock State Park Cabins Information

New River Gorge National Pa r k website

Location

Babcock State Park is located in Danese, WV which is just outside of New River Gorge National Park. This beautiful state park gives you access to over 20 miles of trails, and is just a few minutes from some of the most popular places in the national park.

However, this park is practically in the middle of nowhere when you consider its distance from major cities. Babcock is 4 hours south of Pittsburgh, PA, 4 hours west of Richmond, VA, 4 hours northeast of Knoxville, TN and 4 hours east of Columbus, OH. In other words, Babcock is not an easy day trip for most people.

Time to Spend Here

Because of the long drive, you will definitely want a few days to experience Babcock State Park and New River Gorge National Park. With hundreds of miles of trails and dozens of experiences in the area, you will probably want at least 3 full days here. One day to hike in Babcock and at least two days to hit the highlights of New River Gorge.

You might want an additional day if you plan on white water rafting, or doing any sort of formal tour in the park. Fortunately, planning a multi-day trip to Babcock and New River Gorge is fairly easy with an accompanying Babcock State Park camping trip!

Glade Creek Grist Mill

Before we get into all the information about the campground, I have to mention the biggest highlight in Babcock State Park. And this highlight is the Glade Creek Grist Mill.

Unfortunately, the original mill that once stood here burned down before Babcock even became a state park. This current mill is a gorgeous replica of the mill that once functioned along the Glade Creek.

The legacy of mill work in the hills of West Virginia inspired the recreation of this iconic mill in 1976. The highly photographed Glade Creek Grist Mill stands as a tribute to the 100+ mills that were once located all throughout the area.

Campground

The Babcock State Park Campground is a few miles down the road from Canyon Rim Visitor Center, making it a great place to stay while visiting New River Gorge National Park.

The peaceful campground is home to 52 campsites, with a separate section of 28 cabins deeper in the park. You can choose how you want to stay based on the amenities, and based on your preferred budget.

With various options for every comfort level, you can’t go wrong with planning a Babcock State Park camping trip!

Details

28 Electric Campsites
24 Non-Electric Campsites
28 Cabins (various sizes)
Playgrounds
2 Dump Stations
Potable Water Stations
A Centrally Located Bathhouse with Showers
Laundry Room (Coin Operated)

Non-Electric Sites (Tent-Only)

Let’s start with the cheapest, and most rustic way to camp! The Non-Electric Sites at Babcock State Park are exactly what people think of when they think of a camping trip. There is a place for your tent, the provided fire ring, and the provided picnic table…and that’s it.

These sites are well-shaded and spread out enough that you aren’t on top of your neighbor like in some campgrounds. There is a centrally located bathhouse with showers and toilets so you never have to walk too far to use the facilities.

As long as you don’t mind sleeping on the ground (or a cot/air mattress) this is the most economical way to stay in Babcock.

A few Electric Campsites at Babcock State Park.

Electric Sites (Tents, Campers, RVs)

The other option for a Babcock State Park camping trip is to camp on an Electric Site. These sites have a pad for a camper/RV to park, as well as a large section of grass for those who are tent camping.

They also have the provided fire ring and picnic table, but they have a 30-AMP hookup service for campers and 2 outlets for regular items. While the sites are slightly more expensive, these sites are still a great price for being so close to a national park.

Cabins

Now if you are looking for a more comfortable Babcock State Park camping trip, the cabins will probably be what you want to book! There are 3 different types of cabins at Babcock, each growing in comfort… and expense.

Economy Cabins

First up, we have the cheapest style of cabin in the Economy Cabins. Cabins numbered 21-28 are the economy cabins and they each sleep 4 people. These wood framed structures have water, electric, a fully stocked kitchen, bunk beds for sleeping, a combined living/sleeping area, provided linens, bathrooms with showers and an outside grill.

These cabins also have Central Air or Heat (depending on the season you visit) and Wifi for those who need to stay connected. Each cabin costs $100 per night and they are open from mid-spring to October 31st each year.

Legacy Cabins

Next up we have what are known as the Legacy Cabins. These Legacy Cabins were available for rent all the way back when Babcock opened in 1934. There are several different size Legacy cabins and they sleep 2 people, 3 people, 4 people or 6 people depending on which one you book.

The Legacy Cabins offer the same amenities as the Economy Cabins, and additionally they have a wood fireplace within the cabin.

Cabins 3, 10, 17, and 18 accommodate 2 people
Cabins 2, 11, 12, and 13 accommodate 3 people
Cabins 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 19 accommodate 4 people
Cabins 16 and 20 accommodate 6 people

Vacation Cabins

Finally, we have the most lavish (and most expensive) way to stay at Babcock State Park. There are only 2 Vacation Cabins, so if you want this level of luxury, be sure to book sooner rather than later.

The Vacation Cabins come in 2 different sizes, number 15 can sleep 4 people and number 14 is a larger cabin that can sleep 8 people. These modern cabins offer a relaxing environment with all the touches of home. Heat, air conditioning, gas fireplaces, television, microwaves, and fully equipped kitchens, and provided linens are all included with this booking.

Price Comparison

*Disclaimer: These were the prices during our trip in 2024. Prices may vary depending on holiday and weekend surcharges. This is to merely give you an idea of the cost of a Babcock State Park camping trip.*

Non-Electric Campsites

Daily Rate: $35 per night
Weekly Rate: $245 per week

Electric Campsites

Daily Rate: $45 per night
Weekly Rate: $315 per week

Economy Cabins

Daily Rate: $100 per night
Weekly Rate: $700 per week

(2 person) Legacy Cabins

Daily Rate: $105 per night
Weekly Rate: $735 per week

(3 person) Legacy Cabins

Daily Rate: $110 per night
Weekly Rate: $770 per week

(4 person) Legacy Cabins

Daily Rate: $125 per night
Weekly Rate: $875 per week

(6 person) Legacy Cabins

Daily Rate: $135 per night
Weekly Rate: $945 per week

Vacation Cabins (4 people)

Daily Rate: $175 per night
Weekly Rate: $1,225 per week

Vacation Cabins (8 people)

Daily Rate: $210 per night
Weekly Rate: $1,470 per week

As you can see, there is a huge price variance depending on how you stay at Babcock State Park! But there is something for every budget and comfort level here.

Non-Electric and Electric Campsites at Babcock State Park are dog friendly!

Hiking Options

Babcock State Park has some amazing hiking trails all throughout the park. There are trails from 0.5 mile long to over 10 miles long, which is great for any level of hiker. Here is the list of trails in the park.

Island-in-the-Sky Trail (0.5 miles)
Lake View Trail (1 mile)
Old Sewell Trail (5.5 miles one-way)
Ridge Top Trail (2 miles one-way)
Rocky Trail (0.5 miles)
Manns Creek Gorge Trail (2 miles one-way)
Mountain Heath Trail (0.25 miles)
Narrow Gauge Trail (2.25 miles)
Skyline Trail (2 miles one-way)
Triple Creek Trail (1 mile)
Twin Hollow Trail (0.5 miles one-way)
North Slope Trail (0.5 miles one-way)
Old Pond Trail (1.5 miles one-way)
Wilderness Trail (1.5 miles one-way)

With over 20 miles of trails in the park, you’ll be able to spend plenty of time on the trails. For more details on all the hikes offered within the park, check out my Hiking in Babcock State Park post here.

Our Camping Experience

My husband and I have taken 2 Babcock State Park camping trips. Our first trip was in 2021 with one of our closest friends and we booked a non-electric site for 4 nights. The second trip was in our travel trailer and we camped at Babcock for 2 full weeks on an electric site.

Both trips gave us plenty of hiking within the state park as well as easy access to New River Gorge National Park for all of the adventure that this area holds.

Our only complaint when camping in Babcock was the unevenness of the gravel pad where we had to park our camper. Let’s just say we had to find some rock to place under the legs of our stairs.

Besides that, the showers were hot and clean, the laundry room worked well, and we enjoyed our stay in Babcock State Park.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an affordable way to go hiking in New River Gorge National Park, get busy booking a Babcock State Park camping trip! This quiet campground is right off the northeast side of the national park and it offers a beautiful history within its borders.

The iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill and the picturesque trails and streams allow you to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The spaced out campground will allow you relax around a campfire and sleep in peace. And all of the hiking, rafting, biking and rock climbing will keep you busy on your vacation in southern West Virginia.

As always, feel free to reach out to averagewildexperience@gmail.com with any questions about Babcock State Park.

-Happy Camping!