Camp Dawson Bivouac Site

West Virginia, often celebrated for its rugged landscapes and deep-rooted history, holds many hidden gems for those seeking a true outdoor experience. Among them is the Camp Dawson Bivouac Site in Tunnelton, WV. This isn't your typical commercial campground, but rather a more rustic and often quieter option for West Virginia locals looking to immerse themselves in nature, with a unique local flavor.

The Camp Dawson Bivouac Site provides a no-frills, back-to-basics camping experience, appealing to those who appreciate simplicity and the natural environment. While it's part of the larger Camp Dawson military training facility, certain areas are accessible to the public, offering a chance to camp in a historically significant and naturally beautiful region. Visitors often find it to be a peaceful retreat, occasionally punctuated by the unique presence of military personnel training, which adds an interesting dimension to the experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy the quietude of the West Virginia wilderness, observe some intriguing local activities, and truly get away from the hustle and bustle.

Camp Dawson Bivouac Site is located near the Danser-Blaser Bridge in Tunnelton, WV 26444, USA. This places it within Preston County, West Virginia, a region known for its mountainous terrain, forests, and the nearby Cheat River. Camp Dawson itself is a major training center for the West Virginia National Guard, encompassing approximately 5,000 acres, including diverse training lands and facilities. However, specific bivouac sites or public access areas are designated for use, separate from core military operations.

For West Virginia locals, accessing the Camp Dawson Bivouac Site typically involves a drive through scenic rural roads. Tunnelton is a small community, and directions will lead you to the specific entry points for the public-accessible bivouac areas. It's crucial for visitors to be aware that they are entering an area that is primarily a military training installation, and adherence to all posted signs and regulations regarding public access, restricted zones, and safety is paramount.

Despite being part of a larger military facility, the site offers a surprisingly tranquil environment for camping. Its location near the Cheat River and other natural features provides opportunities for outdoor activities. While it might not feel as "remote" as some wilderness areas due to the presence of the base, it offers a different kind of unique charm and convenience for those looking for an accessible camping spot within Preston County. It's advisable to research specific public access points and any current operational information from official Camp Dawson sources before planning your trip.

As a "bivouac site" associated with a military training facility, Camp Dawson Bivouac Site likely offers a more primitive set of services compared to a full-service commercial campground. The emphasis is on providing basic, functional necessities for a rustic camping experience. Based on common understanding of such sites and limited public reviews, expected services would include:

• Designated Camping Areas: Sites for pitching tents. These are typically unimproved, meaning they may not have designated pads, but rather open ground suitable for camping.

• Basic Sanitation: Given the reviews, the presence of "porta-potties" is confirmed. The review indicates they are "kept clean and stocked with good quality toilet paper," which is a notable positive for portable facilities.

• Trash Disposal: The mention of a "large dumpster for trash" (specifically during an event like Chest Fest, implying general availability for public use) is a crucial service for waste management, helping to keep the site tidy.

• Fire Rings: While not explicitly stated, primitive camping areas almost always provide basic fire rings or designated areas for campfires, allowing for cooking and warmth. Campers should always check for fire bans.

• No Direct Hookups: It is highly unlikely that a "bivouac site" would offer electric, water, or sewer hookups. Campers should be prepared for dry camping.

• Limited Potable Water: Access to potable water might be limited, possibly from a central pump or requiring campers to bring their own supply.

• "Pie" (as per review): One unique and intriguing review mentioned "the pie was tasty," suggesting there might be a very informal or occasional offering of food, perhaps during specific events or from a small, on-site, locally-run stand. This is not a standard campground service but adds to the unique charm mentioned by visitors.

• Security/Oversight: As part of a military installation, there would be an inherent level of security and oversight, ensuring adherence to rules and general safety, though this is primarily for the base's operations.

The Camp Dawson Bivouac Site, while rustic, offers several unique features and highlights that make it a distinctive choice for campers in West Virginia:

• Unique Military Environment: The most unusual highlight is its location within the larger Camp Dawson military training facility. Reviews mention seeing "men wearing black hoodies with red arrowheads on them with camo pants," indicating the occasional presence of military personnel training. For some, this offers a fascinating and unique backdrop to their camping experience.

• Quiet and Secluded (Often): Despite being on a military base, reviews suggest it is "often quiet." This provides a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking solitude and a break from busy life, especially outside of training exercises.

• Clean Porta-Potties: A significant highlight for a primitive site is the specific praise for "clean and stocked with good quality toilet paper" porta-potties. This attention to basic hygiene is crucial and highly valued by campers.

• Rustic Charm: The site offers an authentic, no-frills camping experience. It appeals to those who enjoy roughing it slightly while still having essential amenities available.

• "Tasty Pie" (Unique Local Flavor): The mention of "tasty pie" in a review, while anecdotal, hints at a quirky, localized charm or occasional offering that adds to the site's unique character and a pleasant surprise for visitors.

• Proximity to Natural Features: While not explicitly detailed, its location near the Danser-Blaser Bridge implies proximity to the Cheat River, potentially offering access for fishing or simply enjoying the river's presence. West Virginia's natural beauty surrounds the general Camp Dawson area.

• Accessibility: Despite its rustic nature, being located on N Preston Hwy in Tunnelton, WV, makes it reasonably accessible for West Virginia locals looking for a quick getaway.

• Opportunity to Unplug: Given its nature as a more rustic site, it's likely that cell service might be limited, providing an excellent opportunity for campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in their surroundings.

Given that Camp Dawson Bivouac Site is likely a designated public access area within a military training installation (Camp Dawson), it typically does not engage in traditional commercial promotions, discounts, or special offers like privately owned campgrounds or resorts. Its pricing, if any, would likely be set by the military base or relevant governing body, potentially as a nominal fee for use, or it might even be free for public access as a basic bivouac area.

The "offer" here is primarily the unique, rustic camping experience and the public access to a specific area within a military training zone. There are no readily available public advertisements for promotions specific to "Camp Dawson Bivouac Site" in the traditional commercial sense.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any fees, rules for public use, or specific access details, it is highly recommended that interested West Virginia locals consult official Camp Dawson public affairs or range control information, or the relevant state tourism and natural resource departments if they oversee public access to parts of the installation. Direct contact with the Camp Dawson administration (if a public contact point is available) would be the best approach to confirm any usage policies or costs.

Accessing direct contact information specifically for a "bivouac site" within a large military installation like Camp Dawson can be less straightforward than for a commercial campground. The primary contact point for Camp Dawson as a whole often relates to military operations, event centers, or lodging for authorized personnel. However, for general inquiries about public access to specific areas like a bivouac site, the overall Camp Dawson administration would be the most relevant resource.

Address:
Danser-Blaser Bridge
Tunnelton, WV 26444, USA

While the provided phone numbers for "Camp Dawson Bivouac Site" are (304) 387-8060 and +1 304-387-8060, it's important to note that these numbers are linked to "Wild Yough Glamping Huts" in the previous entry, not Camp Dawson. For accurate contact information related to Camp Dawson itself and its public access policies, you would typically look for official contact details of the Camp Dawson Event Center or the West Virginia National Guard's Camp Dawson administrative offices.

Based on public information for Camp Dawson as a whole:

• Camp Dawson Event Center Phone: (304) 791-7022 (for conferences/events)

• Camp Dawson Lodging/Billeting: (304) 791-7001

• General Camp Dawson Address (Main Base): 1001 Army Road, Terra Alta, WV (This is the primary base address, while the Bivouac Site is a specific location within/near the broader base area).

Given that the "Bivouac Site" is likely a more rustic, designated public camping spot, direct contact with the Camp Dawson Event Center or lodging office might be the best route for West Virginia locals to inquire about public access rules, any potential fees, and the availability of specific bivouac sites. It's crucial to confirm public access and any regulations before planning your trip to this unique location.

For West Virginia locals, the Camp Dawson Bivouac Site in Tunnelton offers a distinctive and highly suitable camping experience, particularly for those who appreciate rustic charm, a quiet environment, and a touch of unique local character. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the uncommon backdrop it provides.

Firstly, its location within Preston County and relatively accessible via local highways makes it a convenient option for many West Virginians seeking a quick escape without extensive travel. The knowledge that it's part of the Camp Dawson military facility adds an intriguing dimension, and the occasional presence of training activities, as noted in reviews, provides a glimpse into a unique aspect of the state's operations.

Secondly, for campers who prefer a more primitive style of camping, the Bivouac Site delivers. The emphasis on basic amenities, notably the "clean and stocked" porta-potties and available dumpsters, ensures that essential needs are met while maintaining the rustic feel. This provides a refreshing break from overly commercialized campgrounds, appealing to those who truly want to immerse themselves in nature without excessive distractions. The "often quiet" atmosphere is a significant draw for locals looking for genuine peace and tranquility.

Furthermore, the anecdotal mention of "tasty pie" hints at a charming, unexpected local touch that can enhance the camping experience, adding to the memorable nature of a stay here. While the primary purpose of Camp Dawson is military training, the designated public access to specific bivouac areas provides a unique opportunity for locals to experience a different facet of their state's landscape and local dynamics.

In essence, Camp Dawson Bivouac Site is perfect for West Virginians who are seeking an authentic, no-frills outdoor adventure with a quirky local twist. It's a place to unwind, embrace simplicity, and enjoy the quiet beauty of Preston County, making it a suitable and intriguing choice for locals looking for something a little different from their usual camping spots.

Camp Dawson Bivouac Site

Danser-Blaser Bridge, Tunnelton, WV 26444, USA