If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a night under the stars after a day of chugging along on a historic steam train, you’re in luck! West Virginia’s beloved Cass Scenic Railroad State Park just announced the park is getting its very first campground. It will offer rail enthusiasts and nature lovers alike a brand-new way to enjoy the park’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
Back in time
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park has long been a go-to destination for those who love a mix of history, natural beauty, and a bit of adventure. Nestled in the mountains of Pocahontas County, the park is famous for its historic steam locomotives that take visitors on a journey back in time along the same routes used to haul timber in the early 20th century.
New campground
The campground will be located near the base of the mountain, giving campers easy access to the train depot and other park attractions. With both RV and tent sites available, it’s designed to accommodate everyone from seasoned RVers to those who prefer a more rustic camping experience.
Amenities
Each campsite will be equipped with essentials like fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for those evening cookouts after a day of riding the rails. Plans also include modern bathhouses with hot showers. For those of you who love staying connected, the campground plans to offer Wi-Fi access, enabling you to share your scenic photos or check out the train schedule from the comfort of your campsite.
A special place
The new campground will offer campers a complete experience. Imagine waking up to the sound of a steam whistle echoing through the mountains, then heading out for a ride on one of the park’s iconic trains. You can take the Cass Scenic Railroad up to Bald Knob, the third-highest peak in West Virginia, for some truly breathtaking views.
When you return to your campsite, you’ll still have plenty to do. The park offers miles of hiking trails, fishing spots along the Greenbrier River, and even opportunities to learn more about the region’s logging history. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the park’s special events, like stargazing nights or photography workshops.
Tourism boost
The addition of the campground is not just great news for visitors—it’s also a big win for the local community. Cass Scenic Railroad is a major draw for tourists, and the new campground is expected to attract even more visitors to the area. That means more business for local shops, restaurants, and other attractions, helping to boost the economy in this rural part of West Virginia.
Plan your visit
Construction has already begun on West Virginia’s new campground and is slated to be completed by July 2025. Sites are expected to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so it’s a good idea to book your spot when reservations open next year.
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Can’t wait to head that way again in the near future, thanks Gail !!
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 Sounds like a great concept. I wonder if they did a dry-run or two as a Harvest Host site? I hope this plan works and is not a waste of money, time, and effort. Thanks again, have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stsys! 🙂
Hmmm, I have experienced “waking up to the sound of a train whistle” – every 20 minutes all night! It’s why we don’t camp at Lake Louise, but instead camp at Banff and drive to where the best hiking is.The busy train tracks run right beside the campground.
Hopefully, being a historic railroad, it only runs during decent hours! 🙂
I’ve been to Cass, and it’s an awesome place. I look forward to this campground. But until it opens, can I suggest one in the nearby town of Durbin? It actually connects to the Cass Scenic Railway, and when I stayed there, had a loco of it’s own. Because of the effort required to steam them up in the mornings, it’s more practical to leave them fired up overnight, tended by a fireman. We had the most interesting discussions (and an up-close tour!) As the sun was setting. The campground was nestled between the tracks and a river, so I slept with the soft sound of a stream, and an occasional “chuff” of a masterpiece of engineering.
SHHH Dont tell anyone but West Virginia has the nicest state parks and camping in the country still at reasonable prices. I am sure Cass will be no different.
Have you stayed in New Mexico State Parks? $14/night for W/E hookups and $18/night for FHU sites. Yes, they now charge a reservation fee, but that rate includes the daily park pass and free hot showers!
If you like trains & camping don’t forget Williams AZ & Grand Canyon Railroad rv park. Great park. Great town. Has pet hotel for when you ride the train to the Grand Canyon. A route 66 little town. And don’t forget to visit Bearizona.
There is a private RV park north of Durango CO that is along the tracks of the Durango & Silverton NG Railroad.
The “Skunk Train” railroad runs from Willits, California to Fort Bragg. When we rode the diesel railcar called the “Skunk Train” years ago, it stopped at the Willits KOA.
We are on a 4 month RV trip and our stop in early Oct is at a State Park in Davis, WV near the Cass RR. Just got tickets for Oct 4th on the Tygart engine out of Elkins. It would have been nice to have a closer Campground. BTW, snatched one of the few remaining tickets. Forgot it is leaf changing season. Can’t wait for our choo choo trip.