Bertha Camping Area

Hello, West Virginia outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a camping spot that feels like coming home, a place steeped in generations of memories, then Bertha Camping Area in Hinton, WV, is exactly what you're searching for. This isn't your average, amenity-packed resort campground; it's a traditional, rustic haven that has held a special place in the hearts of West Virginia families for 50, 60, even 70+ years. It's where countless childhood memories are made, where stories are shared around crackling campfires, and where the simple beauty of our state truly shines.

Bertha Camping Area, located within the expansive Bluestone Wildlife Management Area (WMA), offers a quintessential primitive camping experience. It’s a place where the focus is on connecting with nature, enjoying the company of loved ones, and appreciating the peaceful surroundings. While you won't find flashy amenities, you'll discover the genuine charm of West Virginia camping – a place where tradition runs deep and the natural landscape provides all the entertainment you need. If you're ready to create new family traditions or revisit cherished old ones, Bertha Camping Area is waiting to welcome you.

Bertha Camping Area is nestled at Seminole Rd, Hinton, WV 25951, USA. This location places it firmly within the vast and beautiful Bluestone Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a sprawling natural preserve managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The WMA covers over 17,000 acres in Summers County, offering a diverse landscape of forests, waterways, and abundant wildlife. Its close proximity to Bluestone Lake, West Virginia's second-largest body of water, and the New River, makes it an ideal destination for water-based recreation and exploring the wider Appalachian region.

To reach Bertha Camping Area, you'll typically navigate through the scenic roads of Summers County. If you're coming from Hinton, you'd head generally east or southeast on local routes that lead into the Bluestone WMA. While specific turn-by-turn directions might vary depending on your starting point, Seminole Road is a recognized access point within this area. It's important to remember that as a primitive campground within a WMA, the access roads might be less developed than those leading to state parks, so being prepared for rural driving is advisable.

While public transportation isn't an option for reaching such a natural, secluded spot, Bertha Camping Area is generally accessible by personal vehicle. Its location provides a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions. You're just a stone's throw from Bluestone Lake, perfect for boating and fishing, and the mighty New River offers opportunities for world-class fishing and white-water adventures. This strategic placement allows locals to easily access a wide array of outdoor activities that West Virginia is famous for, all while enjoying a back-to-basics camping experience.

• Primitive Camping: Bertha Camping Area offers a traditional, primitive camping experience, focusing on basic amenities and a natural setting.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and gathering.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site, allowing campers to safely build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance.
• Tent Pads: The campground provides tent pads, offering a prepared and often leveled area for setting up tents, which can enhance comfort.
• Vault Toilets: For convenience, vault toilets (outhouses) are available on-site, providing essential restroom facilities in this rustic environment.
• No Reservations: Unlike many other campgrounds, Bertha Camping Area does not accept reservations. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Fishing Access: Located within the Bluestone WMA and near Bluestone Lake and the New River, the camping area provides easy access to excellent fishing opportunities.
• Boating Access: There is a boat launch at Bertha, allowing for small boats, jon boats, and canoes to be put onto Bluestone Lake.

• Generational Appeal: A standout highlight is the deep generational connection many families have with Bertha Camping Area, with some reporting 50+ or even 70+ years of camping history. This speaks to its enduring charm and suitability for creating lasting family traditions.
• Authentic Primitive Camping: For those who seek a genuine "back to basics" camping experience, Bertha offers exactly that. It's an opportunity to truly unplug and connect with nature without the distractions of modern amenities.
• Scenic Setting within Bluestone WMA: Being located within the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area provides a stunning natural backdrop of forests, hills, and proximity to major waterways like Bluestone Lake and the New River.
• First-Come, First-Served: The no-reservation policy means spontaneous trips are possible, though it's wise to arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot. This adds to the laid-back, informal feel of the campground.
• Abundant Wildlife and Outdoor Activities: The WMA status means the area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting (during designated seasons), hiking, and a variety of water sports on the nearby lake and river.
• Fishing Access: With a designated fishing access point and close proximity to renowned fishing waters, it's a prime spot for anglers looking to catch various species common to the New River and Bluestone Lake.
• Seclusion and Quiet: While not explicitly stated, primitive campgrounds often offer a more secluded and quiet experience compared to developed campgrounds, appealing to those seeking peace and tranquility.

As a primitive camping area located within a Wildlife Management Area and managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Bertha Camping Area typically does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Primitive campgrounds usually operate on a fixed, often very low, fee structure or are sometimes even free, with the cost of camping being minimal compared to private campgrounds or state parks with more amenities.

The "offer" of Bertha Camping Area lies in its accessibility as a first-come, first-served site, providing a low-cost or free option for a rustic camping experience. Its primary value is in the access it provides to the natural resources and recreational opportunities of the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area.

To confirm any applicable fees, if any, and current regulations, campers should consult the official West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) website or contact their local WVDNR office that oversees the Bluestone WMA. Information regarding primitive camping regulations, potential permit requirements, and any minimal fees (which are rare for truly primitive WMA campgrounds) would be found there. It's always best to check directly with official sources before planning your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding usage and any costs.

• Address: Seminole Rd, Hinton, WV 25951, USA
• General Information/Management: As Bertha Camping Area is part of the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area, which is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. For inquiries about the WMA, primitive camping regulations, or general information regarding the area, it is best to contact the WVDNR district office responsible for this region. The phone number for the Bluestone WMA office is typically (304) 466-3398. This would be the most relevant contact for questions about Bertha Camping Area.

For West Virginia locals, Bertha Camping Area embodies the very essence of traditional Appalachian outdoor living. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a cherished family tradition for generations, a testament to its enduring appeal and suitability for those who truly appreciate the natural, no-frills camping experience. If your family has a history of camping in West Virginia, or you're looking to start one rooted in authenticity, Bertha offers that perfect, timeless setting.

The primitive nature of the campground, with its basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, means less distraction and more connection – with nature, with your loved ones, and with the simple joys of outdoor life. It's a fantastic opportunity to unplug from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area. For anglers, the easy access to Bluestone Lake and the New River provides unparalleled fishing opportunities right at your fingertips.

The first-come, first-served policy, while requiring a bit of flexibility, adds to its charm, ensuring that no elaborate booking process stands between you and your spontaneous desire for a campfire under the West Virginia stars. Bertha Camping Area is more than just a place to stay; it’s a living piece of West Virginia’s outdoor heritage, offering a genuine, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying camping experience that resonates with the local spirit. It’s a perfect spot to create new memories or relive beloved ones, all within the breathtaking landscapes of our "Almost Heaven" state.

Bertha Camping Area

Seminole Rd, Hinton, WV 25951, USA