Kitty Wilson Campground

For West Virginia residents eager to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in the natural beauty and unique charm of their home state, Kitty Wilson Campground offers an exceptional opportunity. Nestled within the expansive Calhoun County Park in Grantsville, this campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a gateway to outdoor adventure, family fun, and truly unforgettable stargazing experiences. If you're looking for a peaceful and well-equipped basecamp to explore the rolling hills, dark skies, and rich history of West Virginia, Kitty Wilson Campground is an ideal destination for locals.

West Virginians appreciate accessible outdoor recreation, and Kitty Wilson Campground delivers exactly that. As one happy camper noted, it's a "small dark sky campground with cabins to rent as well. Water and electricity are on most sites. No dump station. Free fire wood for campers and each site has a grill and fire ring. Showers and flushing toilets are at the main building and the honor system is how they do business. 20 bucks a night! Nice people and great night time sky watching. Easy to get any size rig in. Plenty for the kids to do and great hiking trails." This testament to its amenities and welcoming atmosphere speaks volumes. Located conveniently "behind the Community Building" at Calhoun County Park, it’s one of the park’s newest additions, offering "eight campsites with electricity, gravel parking area, and picnic table." The park itself is a "pristine jewel" offering "dozens of opportunities" including a walking/bicycling trail, playgrounds, and even a "historical village." For those who dream of sleeping under a blanket of stars, Calhoun County Park is renowned as an "East Coast's Finest Stargazing" location, making Kitty Wilson Campground a prime spot for astronomical wonders.

Kitty Wilson Campground is conveniently located within Calhoun County Park, at 380 Park Pl, Grantsville, WV 26147, USA. This placement is advantageous for West Virginia locals, as Grantsville is situated in the central-western part of the state, making it a manageable drive from various regions.

The park itself is located approximately three and a half miles south of Grantsville on Route 16, offering a peaceful rural setting while still being accessible from state routes. For residents from cities like Parkersburg, the drive is around an hour, making it an excellent option for a weekend getaway. While it offers a sense of being "off the beaten path," the roads leading to Calhoun County Park are well-maintained, ensuring relatively easy access for all types of vehicles, including larger RVs. The campground is nestled "behind the Community Building" within the park, putting campers close to many of the park’s main facilities. This accessibility, combined with the serene environment, makes Kitty Wilson Campground a perfect spot for West Virginians looking for a convenient yet immersive outdoor experience without traveling too far from home.

Kitty Wilson Campground, as part of Calhoun County Park, provides a solid range of amenities designed to offer comfortable camping while embracing the natural surroundings. It balances essential conveniences with the rustic charm of a public park campground.

• Eight Campsites with Electricity: The campground offers eight designated campsites, each equipped with electric hookups (power likely includes 20/30/50 amp options, though specific amp details may vary by site).
• Gravel Parking Area: Each site provides a gravel parking area, suitable for both RVs and tents, and designed for easy maneuvering, accommodating "any size rig."
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite comes with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a grill for campfires and cooking. Firewood is often provided for campers.
• Water Spigots: Communal water spigots are conveniently placed within the campground, providing access to potable water.
• Bathrooms and Showers: Full restroom facilities with "showers and flushing toilets" are located in the nearby Herbert C. Smith Community Building. A dedicated "bathroom/showerhouse is in the process of development" for future direct use by campers.
• Small Play Structure: The campground features a small play structure, perfect for younger children.
• Close Proximity to Park Amenities: Campers have easy access to other Calhoun County Park facilities, including volleyball and basketball courts, additional playgrounds, and ponds.
• No On-site Dump Station: While water and electric hookups are available, campers should note that there is no dump station directly at the campground.

Kitty Wilson Campground, and the broader Calhoun County Park, offer a unique set of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for West Virginia locals seeking both recreation and tranquility.

• Designated "Dark Sky Site": Calhoun County Park is renowned as a "Dark Sky" area, providing "wonderful views for stargazers" and astrophotographers. It's considered one of the "East Coast's Finest Stargazing" locations, offering a truly breathtaking night sky experience away from light pollution.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, and a general atmosphere geared towards enjoyment, it's considered a "really good family campground."
• Scenic Hiking/Bicycling Trails: The Calhoun Park Trail System offers a well-maintained 3.2-mile dirt trail through the forest, suitable for "easy to moderate" hiking and biking. It's a popular spot for "bird-watching" and "seeing WV wildlife."
• Historic Village: The park includes a "historical village" area, providing a glimpse into West Virginia's past and offering a unique cultural element to your visit.
• Five Ponds: The park boasts five picturesque ponds, with some accessible from the trail system, offering scenic spots for photography, relaxation, or even fishing.
• Community Building with Full Kitchen: The Herbert C. Smith Community Building (formerly a barn) is a prominent feature, offering a "fully furnished kitchen" and spacious rooms that can be rented for events, and houses the main restrooms and showers for campers.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its amenities, the campground maintains a "quiet area," ideal for relaxation and connecting with nature.
• Affordable Camping: With a reported rate of "$20 a night," it offers an excellent value for camping with electric hookups and access to park amenities.
• Geocaching Opportunities: For those who enjoy treasure hunting, geocaching is an activity available within the park.
• Volunteer-Maintained Park: The park is "maintained and operated by a volunteer Board of Directors," reflecting a strong community spirit and dedication to its upkeep.

Kitty Wilson Campground, as part of Calhoun County Park, operates with a focus on providing affordable access to public recreation and does not typically run commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private resort might. Its value proposition is built on its accessible pricing and unique features, particularly the "Dark Sky" designation and well-maintained park amenities.

• Affordable Daily Rates: As reported, the campground offers a very competitive rate of "$20 a night," which is an ongoing value for campers, especially considering the inclusion of electric hookups and access to park facilities. This low cost is a consistent "promotion" in itself.
• Free Firewood: Campers often benefit from "free firewood," a significant cost-saving amenity that enhances the campfire experience.
• Park Events: While not a discount, the park frequently hosts community events, stargazing parties, and cross-country meets. Participating in these events, often with free or low admission for the public, adds significant value to a camping stay. Check the Calhoun County Park website for an "Events Calendar."
• Community Building Rental: The availability of the Community Building for rent, complete with a full kitchen, might offer special rates for local groups or large family gatherings, though this is separate from camping fees.

For the most current information on camping fees and any potential park-wide events or activities that enhance your stay, it is best to visit the official Calhoun County Park website or contact them directly. The focus here is on community benefit and environmental appreciation rather than commercial discounts.

Ready to plan your trip to Kitty Wilson Campground at Calhoun County Park? Here's how to get in touch:

• Address: Calhoun County Park, 380 Park Pl, Grantsville, WV 26147, USA
• Phone: While a direct campground phone number isn't widely published, for reservations and inquiries about Kitty Wilson Campground, it is best to contact Calhoun County Park directly. The Calhoun County Park website (calhouncountyparkwv.com) provides contact information and an online reservation link for camping.

Checking the Calhoun County Park website is highly recommended for up-to-date information on camping reservations, park hours, rules, and any scheduled events, especially stargazing nights.

For West Virginia residents, Kitty Wilson Campground at Calhoun County Park in Grantsville is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a variety of reasons. It offers a perfect blend of accessible outdoor recreation, family-friendly amenities, and a truly unique natural phenomenon: some of the darkest night skies on the East Coast. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking both adventure and tranquility close to home.

The campground’s comfortable amenities, including electric hookups, clean restrooms, and provided firewood, ensure a convenient and enjoyable stay, whether you’re in an RV or a tent. The presence of playgrounds, sports courts, and scenic hiking trails within the park caters wonderfully to families and active individuals. What truly sets Kitty Wilson Campground apart for West Virginians is the opportunity to experience profound stargazing in a designated "Dark Sky Site," offering a perspective on the cosmos that is increasingly rare. Combined with the park's historical village and commitment to community, Kitty Wilson Campground isn't just a place to camp; it's a local gem that provides an affordable, enriching, and memorable West Virginia outdoor experience.

Kitty Wilson Campground

Calhoun County Park, 380 Park Pl, Grantsville, WV 26147, USA