Meador Campground

For West Virginians, the call of the mountains, rivers, and tranquil forests is a powerful one, drawing us to explore the "Mountain State's" unparalleled natural beauty. Finding a campground that truly captures the essence of a peaceful retreat while offering essential comforts is key to a memorable outdoor experience. Nestled within the expansive Bluestone State Park, Meador Campground in White Oak, WV, emerges as a significant destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature, with the added benefit of being part of a larger state park system. It's a place designed for unwinding, surrounded by stunning scenery and offering a variety of ways to connect with the outdoors.

Meador Campground is one of the four campgrounds located within Bluestone State Park, providing a gateway to the park's 2,100 acres of rugged, heavily forested, mountainous terrain. It aims to offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, a quality frequently highlighted by visitors. While some campers have encountered minor discrepancies with site descriptions or road conditions, the overall sentiment points to a well-spaced, clean environment, and access to a wealth of recreational opportunities both within Meador Campground itself and the broader Bluestone State Park. The focus here is on providing a solid camping foundation amidst stunning West Virginia landscapes.

If you're a West Virginia local looking for a tranquil spot to set up your RV or tent, or even seeking a comfortable cabin getaway, Meador Campground at Bluestone State Park warrants your consideration. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes this campground a suitable choice for West Virginia residents. We’ll delve into its specific location and accessibility, detail the services and features it offers, discuss any promotions or special offers that may be available, and provide essential contact information. Ultimately, we’ll highlight why Meador Campground is perfectly suited for locals eager to discover a beloved state park gem.

Location and Accessibility

Meador Campground is officially located at Camper Wy, White Oak, WV 25989, USA, which places it within the bounds of Bluestone State Park. The park itself is situated in Summers County, in southern West Virginia, approximately five miles south of the town of Hinton. Its prime location is adjacent to Bluestone Lake, the state's third-largest body of water, offering abundant water-oriented activities. The Bluestone River also runs into the New River in this area, creating a rich aquatic environment.

For West Virginia residents, Meador Campground offers relatively good accessibility. It's reached via state-maintained paved roads, ensuring a generally smooth drive for most vehicles, including RVs. While some visitors have noted that the "road in was horrible and washed out in one place," this might refer to specific, temporary conditions or unpaved sections leading to certain areas, rather than the main park access. The park is well-signposted from nearby routes.

Its location is particularly advantageous for those interested in exploring some of West Virginia's most iconic natural attractions. Bluestone State Park itself provides extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. Furthermore, Meador Campground is conveniently located about a 20-minute drive from Pipestem Resort State Park, often referred to as "The Year-Round Crown Jewel of West Virginia State Parks," which offers additional amenities like an aerial tram ride into the Bluestone Gorge, ziplining, mountain biking, and even an indoor heated pool (which is included in the camping fee at Bluestone State Park). The broader New River Gorge area is also within reach, making Meador Campground an excellent base for diverse outdoor adventures across southern West Virginia.

Services Offered

Meador Campground, as part of Bluestone State Park, provides a range of essential services and facilities designed to accommodate various camping preferences, from rustic tents to comfortable RVs.

• Campsite Variety: Meador Campground offers 32 sites. Seven of these provide both electric and water hookups, while fifteen sites offer electric only. The remaining sites are designed for tent camping. Some sites are large enough to accommodate RVs and trailers between 40 and 60 feet. Each site typically includes a picnic table and fire ring with a grill.
• Central Bathhouse: A central bathhouse is available for guests, providing essential restroom facilities and hot showers. Visitors generally note that the "bathrooms and other facilities are a little dated but the campground is very clean."
• Dump Station: A sewage disposal station (dump station) is conveniently located on the way out of the campground area, a crucial amenity for RVers.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available within the campground, ensuring access to fresh water for campers.
• Firewood: Firewood is typically available for a nominal fee, making it easy for campers to enjoy a campfire.
• Proximity to Park Amenities: As part of Bluestone State Park, campers at Meador have access to various park amenities, which may include picnic shelters, an outdoor swimming pool (seasonal, and subject to current conditions, e.g., flood repairs, check for 2025 opening), and a marina with boat rentals on Bluestone Lake (open April 15 to Oct 15).
• Nearby Pipestem Resort State Park Access: Camping at Bluestone State Park often includes access to Pipestem Resort State Park's facilities, notably its heated indoor pool, which can be a great option, especially on rainy days.
• Pet-Friendly: Bluestone State Park cabins have designated pet-friendly options, and generally, state park campgrounds are pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the adventure.
• Reservations: Sites are reservable up to 6 months in advance, and during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), reservations are highly recommended. After Labor Day and until closing in October, sites may revert to first-come, first-served.

Features / Highlights

Meador Campground, as a component of Bluestone State Park, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for West Virginia locals seeking a quality outdoor experience.

• Scenic Location by Bluestone Lake: A major highlight is its setting by Bluestone Lake and the Bluestone River. While some sites may not be directly "waterfront" as advertised in old maps due to renumbering, the overall area offers "nice water views" and is known for its "gorgeous" scenery. This proximity allows for easy access to boating, fishing, and enjoying the serene lakeside environment.
• Quiet and Well-Spaced Sites: Campers consistently describe Meador Campground as "very quiet and well spaced." This provides a peaceful atmosphere conducive to relaxation and offers "ample privacy and comfort for every guest." Even if a site is in a "sunny field," the overall tranquility of the campground is a key draw.
• Clean Facilities: Despite facilities being "a little dated," reviewers emphasize that the "campground is very clean," including the central bathhouse. This commitment to cleanliness is crucial for a comfortable camping experience and often a deciding factor for returning visitors.
• Extensive Recreational Opportunities: The park boasts "tons to do" with "hiking and biking trails" directly accessible from the campground. The "views from the roads are incredible," making it ideal for scenic drives. Nearby Bluestone Lake is perfect for boating, fishing (bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill), and eagle watching.
• Access to Pipestem Resort State Park Amenities: A significant bonus for campers at Bluestone State Park is that a heated indoor pool at nearby Pipestem Resort State Park is included in the camping fee. This provides a fantastic alternative for recreation, especially on cooler or rainy days, adding significant value to the stay.
• Historical and Natural Immersion: The rugged, heavily forested, mountainous terrain offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including "TONS of deer" and other native species. The area's natural beauty and the park's emphasis on wilderness provide a genuine West Virginia outdoor experience.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With "lots of space to run around for the kids" and various recreational activities, Meador Campground is well-suited for family camping trips. While playgrounds might need upgrades, the natural environment offers plenty of room for play and exploration.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a campground within West Virginia's State Park system, Meador Campground operates with standardized pricing set by the state. Therefore, traditional "promotions" or short-term "special offers" in the commercial sense are uncommon.

However, the value comes from being part of Bluestone State Park and its connectivity to Pipestem Resort State Park. A significant benefit, which can be considered a "special offer" of sorts, is that access to the heated indoor pool at Pipestem Resort State Park is "included in camping fee" for Bluestone campers. This adds considerable recreational value, especially outside of the warm summer months when outdoor pools might be closed.

Campsite fees at Meador Campground generally range from $20.00 to $40.00 per night, depending on the site type (electric and water, electric only, or rustic). Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, and during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), it's highly recommended to book early. While direct monetary discounts are rare, the comprehensive offerings of the state park system, including well-maintained facilities and access to a wide array of activities, provide inherent value. West Virginia residents might also look into state park pass programs if available, which could offer benefits for frequent visitors to multiple state parks.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire further about Meador Campground at Bluestone State Park, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Camper Wy, White Oak, WV 25989, USA

General Information Phone: (304) 466-2805

Reservations Phone: (833) 987-2757 (This is typically the central reservation line for West Virginia State Parks)

Email: bluestonesp@wv.gov

Official Website: wvstateparks.com/park/bluestone-state-park/ (Look for the "Camping" section within the Bluestone State Park page)

It is highly recommended to call the reservation line or visit the official West Virginia State Parks website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on campsite availability, pricing, and specific details about amenities, especially regarding seasonal operations of pools or any temporary closures due to maintenance (e.g., flood repairs). Inquiring about specific site features, such as shade or proximity to water, directly with the park office can help manage expectations given past renumbering issues.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For West Virginia locals seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor escape, Meador Campground at Bluestone State Park is an exceptionally suitable choice. Its appeal lies in its integration within a premier state park, offering a comprehensive and value-driven camping experience right in the heart of the Mountain State.

Firstly, its location within Bluestone State Park provides immediate access to the stunning natural beauty of the Bluestone Lake and River region. This means West Virginians don't have to travel far to find pristine waters for boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful scenery. The network of "hiking and biking trails" directly from the campground allows for immersive outdoor exploration without needing to drive elsewhere, fulfilling the desire of many locals to connect deeply with their state's wilderness.

Secondly, while some older reviews mention specific site issues or road conditions, the overall consensus points to a "very quiet and well spaced" campground with "clean" facilities, including a central bathhouse with hot showers. This commitment to basic comfort and hygiene is crucial for a pleasant stay, and it's a feature that West Virginians appreciate in their state parks. The availability of electric and water hookups, along with a convenient dump station, caters directly to the needs of modern RVers, while also offering rustic options for tent campers.

Furthermore, the value proposition for locals is significantly enhanced by the reciprocal benefits with nearby Pipestem Resort State Park. The inclusion of access to Pipestem's heated indoor pool with a Bluestone camping fee is a considerable bonus, providing an all-weather recreational option that adds significant value to the stay, especially for families. This interconnectedness of state park amenities makes a stay at Meador Campground a more robust vacation experience.

In essence, Meador Campground at Bluestone State Park offers West Virginia locals a reliable, tranquil, and amenity-rich camping experience. It’s a perfect base for exploring the region's natural wonders, enjoying water activities, and taking advantage of the broader state park system's offerings. For those who cherish the quiet beauty and outdoor adventures West Virginia is known for, Meador Campground provides a welcoming and well-situated haven.

Meador Campground

Camper Wy, White Oak, WV 25989, USA