Chestnut Ridge Regional Park

chestnut ridge regional park camping

For West Virginia locals seeking a refreshing escape into nature, Chestnut Ridge Regional Park in Bruceton Mills offers an inviting and well-rounded outdoor experience. This beautiful park provides a diverse range of amenities and activities, making it an ideal destination for families, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind in a serene setting. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Preston County, Chestnut Ridge Regional Park strikes a wonderful balance between rustic charm and convenient facilities. From its "nice and clean and spacious" campsites to its recently renovated shower houses, the park is clearly committed to providing a comfortable stay for its visitors. Its proximity to other beloved West Virginia natural attractions, like Coopers Rock State Forest, only adds to its appeal as a prime base for exploring the region. Whether you're casting a line in one of its stocked lakes, letting the kids enjoy the playground, or simply enjoying the quiet ambiance of nature, Chestnut Ridge Regional Park is a fantastic local gem, highly recommended for a memorable West Virginia outdoor adventure.

Chestnut Ridge Regional Park is conveniently located at 346 Chestnut Ridge Camp Rd, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, USA. This prime address places it strategically in Preston County, a beautiful part of North Central West Virginia, known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Its location offers excellent accessibility for West Virginia locals, being a manageable drive from many parts of the state, particularly the Morgantown area and surrounding counties. One reviewer even noted finding the recommendation for the park despite Coopers Rock State Forest being so close, underscoring its proximity to other popular natural attractions.

The park's location off major routes ensures relatively easy navigation for visitors. While tucked away enough to provide a sense of natural escape, it remains well-connected, making it a viable option for weekend getaways or longer family vacations. It's important for campers, especially those with larger RVs, to be aware that while the "remainder of the park looks nice," specific areas, such as "Area E," might present challenges. One reviewer explicitly cautioned against bringing a "larger camper down in Area E," noting that spots in E are "not level" and can have "HORRIBLE MUD," requiring 4-wheel drive for access. This insight is crucial for planning your stay and selecting the most appropriate campsite for your equipment. However, this specific warning about Area E does not detract from the overall accessibility and quality of the rest of the park. With careful planning based on your vehicle type and site preference, Chestnut Ridge Regional Park is readily accessible and offers a fantastic setting for West Virginia residents to enjoy the outdoors.

• Spacious Campsites: Reviewers highlight that sites are "nice and clean and spacious," suggesting ample room for campers to set up comfortably. The park likely offers a variety of site types to accommodate different camping preferences.
• Renovated Shower Houses: A significant highlight, the shower houses appear to be "recently renovated" and, at least the men's room, was described as "pretty clean," with one reviewer even calling it "luxury" compared to others. This indicates a commitment to providing modern and comfortable hygiene facilities, a major plus for campers. While the ladies' room was noted as "needing cleaning," this suggests attention is being paid to maintenance, even if it requires daily oversight.
• Stocked Fishing Lakes (No Permit Required): The park boasts "2 stocked lakes that require no permit." This is an exceptional service for fishing enthusiasts, providing convenient and free access to fishing opportunities directly within the park. One reviewer even caught a "nice small mouth first cast."
• Camp Store: A "nice" camp store is available, offering convenient access to essential supplies.
• Firewood Availability: Firewood is available for purchase at the camp store, although a reviewer noted it was "expensive," suggesting campers might prefer to bring their own.
• Playground: The park features a "playground," making it an excellent choice for families with children, providing dedicated space for kids to play and burn off energy.
• Basketball Goal: A "basket ball goal" is available, offering another recreational option for active campers.

While some specific details about site hookups (electric, water, sewer) are not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, the presence of renovated shower houses and spacious sites suggests a reasonably developed camping infrastructure. The comprehensive list of amenities, particularly the unique feature of stocked lakes with no permit, makes Chestnut Ridge Regional Park a well-equipped destination for a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip in West Virginia.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: A major highlight of Chestnut Ridge Regional Park is its "2 stocked lakes that require no permit." This is a significant draw for anglers, offering immediate and free access to fishing. The success story of catching a "nice small mouth first cast" underscores the quality of the fishing experience available.
• Clean and Renovated Shower Facilities: The "recently renovated" shower house, particularly the men's room, was praised for being "pretty clean" and even described as "luxury" compared to other camp showers. While there was a minor note about the ladies' room needing more frequent cleaning, the overall quality of the facilities is a standout feature, significantly enhancing the comfort of a camping stay.
• Spacious and Quiet Campsites: Reviewers consistently described the campsites as "nice and clean and spacious," suggesting a comfortable and uncrowded camping experience. The park is also noted for being "nice and quiet for the most part," making it ideal for relaxation and enjoying the sounds of nature (perhaps even the unique calls of "Canadian geese migrating and mating").
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Beyond camping, the park offers a "playground" and a "basket ball goal," providing excellent recreational options for families with children and keeping younger campers entertained.
• Proximity to Coopers Rock State Forest: Chestnut Ridge Regional Park is recognized as a "great spot to go to" with "Coopers Rock so close." This proximity allows campers to easily access the dramatic overlooks, extensive hiking trails, and climbing opportunities of one of West Virginia's most iconic state forests, enhancing the overall outdoor adventure.
• Well-Maintained Park (General Areas): Apart from specific notes about Area E, the "Remained of park looks nice," indicating that the general grounds and common areas are well-kept and inviting for visitors.

It is important to note the specific caution regarding "Area E" for larger campers due to unlevel spots, mud, and difficulty in access. This is a crucial detail for planning, but it doesn't diminish the appeal of the rest of the park's features which offer a comfortable, engaging, and peaceful outdoor retreat.

Publicly available information, including the provided customer reviews, does not detail specific ongoing promotions or special offers for Chestnut Ridge Regional Park. As a regional park, its pricing structure for camping and amenities is typically set and may not involve frequent, advertised discounts in the way larger commercial campgrounds might. However, it's always a good practice for West Virginia locals planning a visit to consider the following:

• Direct Inquiry: The most reliable way to find out about any current or upcoming offers is to contact Chestnut Ridge Regional Park directly using the provided phone numbers. They may have seasonal specials, group rates, or off-peak discounts that are not widely advertised online.
• Check Their Official Website or Social Media: If the park maintains an official website or social media pages, these would be the primary channels for announcing any special promotions, events, or booking deals. A quick online search for "Chestnut Ridge Regional Park" would be recommended.
• Seasonal Variations: Like many parks, rates or availability might vary by season. Visiting during shoulder seasons (spring or fall outside of major holidays) could potentially offer a more peaceful experience, and sometimes lower rates, although this is not explicitly stated.
• Value in Current Offerings: The park already offers significant value through its clean, spacious sites, renovated shower houses, and unique amenities like stocked fishing lakes with no permit required. For many, these intrinsic features already represent a "special offer" in terms of quality and convenience for the price.

Given the positive reviews emphasizing cleanliness, spaciousness, and useful amenities, the park's primary appeal lies in its consistent quality and a pleasant camping environment. While formal promotions aren't listed, the value proposition of a well-maintained, quiet, and amenity-rich park so close to other major attractions like Coopers Rock State Forest is already a strong incentive for West Virginia locals.

For reservations, inquiries, or more detailed information about Chestnut Ridge Regional Park, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 346 Chestnut Ridge Camp Rd, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, USA
• Phone: (304) 594-1773
• Mobile Phone: +1 304-594-1773

The park staff will be able to assist you with site availability, specific details about different camping areas (like Area E), and any other questions you may have to help plan your enjoyable West Virginia outdoor adventure.

Chestnut Ridge Regional Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for West Virginia locals, offering a compelling blend of accessibility, comfort, and diverse recreational opportunities. Its location in Bruceton Mills, within easy reach of Morgantown and other parts of North Central West Virginia, makes it an ideal spot for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a planned family vacation without extensive travel. The convenience of having a "great spot to go to" so close to iconic areas like Coopers Rock State Forest further enhances its appeal, allowing locals to maximize their outdoor adventure time.

What truly makes Chestnut Ridge resonate with West Virginians is its dedication to providing a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. The "nice and clean and spacious" campsites ensure a relaxing stay, while the "recently renovated" and "luxury" shower houses address a common pain point for campers, offering a level of comfort that makes a significant difference. For families, the presence of a "playground" and "basket ball goal" provides much-needed entertainment for younger campers, making it a stress-free environment for parents.

Perhaps one of the most unique and appealing features for local outdoors enthusiasts is the two "stocked lakes that require no permit." This is a fantastic amenity for anglers, providing immediate and free access to fishing, as evidenced by the reviewer catching a "nice small mouth first cast." This highlights the park's commitment to offering tangible, accessible benefits to its visitors. Even the seemingly minor detail of hearing "Canadian geese migrating and mating" at night adds to the authentic wilderness ambiance, fostering a true connection to West Virginia's natural sounds. While acknowledging the specific challenges with "Area E" for larger campers underscores the importance of planning, the overall positive feedback about the "remainder of the park" paints a clear picture of a well-maintained, quiet, and genuinely welcoming outdoor haven. For West Virginians seeking a reliable, enjoyable, and amenity-rich camping experience that truly embodies the spirit of our "Wild and Wonderful" state, Chestnut Ridge Regional Park is an excellent choice.

Chestnut Ridge Regional Park

346 Chestnut Ridge Camp Rd, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, USA