Camp Brookside

For those of us in West Virginia who cherish both our rich history and our stunning natural landscapes, discovering a place that perfectly blends the two is always a delight. Camp Brookside in Hinton, WV, is exactly such a destination. Once a vibrant summer camp for Union Carbide children, this "WONDERFUL" and "Very Historic" site has been thoughtfully preserved and is now a cherished property of the National Park Service. It’s not just a campground; it’s a living piece of West Virginia’s past, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the New River, offering a unique and memorable experience for groups, events, and those seeking a different kind of outdoor adventure.

Camp Brookside truly stands out as a distinctive option for locals. Unlike many traditional campgrounds, it’s particularly geared towards groups and special events, thanks to its unique facilities, including rustic cabins and a main hall with a commercial kitchen. This makes it an invaluable resource for family reunions, organizational retreats, or community gatherings where a blend of comfortable shelter, communal space, and direct access to nature is desired. The opportunity to stay in a place with such a rich past, where countless children once made summer memories, adds an extra layer of charm to any visit.

Beyond its historical significance and unique infrastructure, Camp Brookside’s natural setting is undeniably captivating. The New River, a vital artery of our state’s outdoor recreation scene, runs directly along the property, providing an "amazing backdrop" for whatever activity or event you have planned. This riverside location opens up a world of possibilities, from fishing to boating, all accessible right from your base camp. For West Virginians who appreciate both heritage and the great outdoors, Camp Brookside offers a truly special and versatile venue that we should all consider utilizing more often.

Camp Brookside is beautifully situated at 309 N Mullens Rd, Hinton, WV 25951, USA. This address places it squarely within the scenic and historically rich area surrounding Hinton, a charming town located in Summers County, West Virginia. The park's location along the New River itself is a significant advantage, providing direct access to one of the state's most iconic waterways.

For those of us living in West Virginia, accessibility to Camp Brookside is relatively straightforward. Hinton serves as a key hub in this part of the state, with connections to major routes. If you're traveling from northern West Virginia (e.g., Charleston area), you would likely take I-64 East, then transition to state routes that lead south towards Hinton, such as WV-20. From southern parts of the state (e.g., Beckley), you might use I-64 West or local routes like WV-3 or WV-12. The "N Mullens Rd" address suggests a location that is perhaps a bit removed from the immediate town center, offering a more secluded feel while still being convenient.

A key aspect of its accessibility is its designation as a National Park Service Property within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve system. This means it benefits from park infrastructure and often clearer signage. While it's a "reservation only spot in the park," contacting the National Park Service Headquarters for information is a clear pathway to planning your visit.

Its riverside location means direct physical access to the New River for various activities like fishing and putting boats in the water. This is an incredible convenience for groups planning water-based recreation. Furthermore, being near Hinton places Camp Brookside within easy reach of other local attractions. Hinton itself offers historical charm and is known for its annual "Railroad Days" festival. Bluestone State Park and Bluestone Lake are also nearby, offering additional recreational opportunities like hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The natural beauty and recreational opportunities surrounding Camp Brookside make it a highly accessible and desirable destination for those seeking to explore the best of what West Virginia has to offer.

Camp Brookside is unique among campgrounds due to its history and status as a National Park Service property, offering a range of services that cater particularly to groups and events, distinguishing it from traditional individual campsites.

Services Offered:

• Rustic Cabins: The property features "Seven rustic cabins" which provide a more sheltered and comfortable accommodation option compared to tent camping. These are ideal for groups or families who prefer a solid roof over their heads.
• Main Hall with Commercial Kitchen: A significant highlight, the "Main Hall with a commercial kitchen" offers extensive facilities for group meal preparation and communal dining. This is an invaluable asset for retreats, large family gatherings, or organized events, reducing the need for extensive individual cooking setups.
• Designated Camping Area: Beyond cabins, there is a "great area for camping" which likely includes space for tent camping, allowing flexibility for different preferences within a group.
• Direct River Access: The "New River Runs along the property," providing convenient access points for "fishing and putting boats in the water." This is a key service for water enthusiasts.
• Event Venue: The combination of cabins, a main hall, and natural beauty makes it suitable for hosting various "events" or "group events."
• National Park Service Property: As part of the National Park Service, visitors can expect a level of oversight and historical preservation, potentially including interpretive materials about its past.
• Reservation Only: Access to Camp Brookside is "reservation only," requiring contact with the New River Gorge National Park Service Headquarters for booking information. This ensures managed use and potentially more dedicated access for reserved groups.

These services collectively position Camp Brookside as a versatile and well-equipped facility, especially for group-oriented outdoor experiences in a historic setting.

Camp Brookside boasts a fascinating blend of historical significance and natural splendor, offering several distinct features and highlights that set it apart from typical campgrounds.

Features / Highlights:

• Historic Significance: Once a "summer camp for the children of Union Carbide," Camp Brookside is a "Very Historic" place. This unique past adds a layer of depth and interest to any visit, allowing guests to stay at a site with a rich narrative.
• National Park Service Property: Its status as a "National Park Service Property" within the New River National River (now New River Gorge National Park and Preserve) ensures its preservation and integration into the broader park system, offering a managed and protected natural environment.
• Seven Rustic Cabins: The availability of "Seven rustic cabins" provides comfortable, solid-structure lodging, a significant upgrade from tent camping, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors, including those who prefer not to "tent camp."
• Main Hall with Commercial Kitchen: This is a major highlight, especially for groups. The "Main Hall with a commercial kitchen" offers extensive space and facilities for large gatherings, communal cooking, and dining, making it ideal for retreats, family reunions, or organized service weeks.
• Amazing Riverside Backdrop: The "New River Runs along the property providing an amazing backdrop," offering stunning scenic views and the soothing sounds of the river. This natural beauty enhances any event or stay.
• Direct River Access for Recreation: Guests have "Good spot right on the river for fishing and putting boats in the water." This direct access is invaluable for water sports enthusiasts.
• Ideal for Group Events and Service Weeks: The setup, with communal facilities and multiple cabins, makes it perfectly suited for organized group activities, like the "Sierra Club Volunteers" week of service.
• Secluded Yet Accessible: While offering a sense of historical charm and natural seclusion, its location near Hinton ensures reasonable accessibility.
• Potential for Outdoor Activities: Beyond the river, the "great area for camping and outdoor activities" suggests space for hiking, exploring, and other land-based recreation within the property.

These features combine to make Camp Brookside a truly unique and "WONDERFUL" destination for a blend of history, comfort, and direct access to West Virginia's natural wonders.

As a "reservation only spot" within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Camp Brookside does not typically feature publicly advertised "Promotions or Special Offers" in the way a private, commercial campground might. Its primary "offer" is its unique status, facilities, and the value it provides as a National Park Service property for specific types of use.

However, the "promotional" aspect lies in its very nature:

• Unique Group Facilities: The availability of "Seven rustic cabins" and a "Main Hall with a commercial kitchen" is a significant draw for groups (like the Sierra Club, as noted in the review). For organizations, families, or communities planning a large gathering, these facilities represent a comprehensive solution that might be more cost-effective or uniquely suited to their needs than renting individual campsites or private venues. This bundled offering acts as a form of "special package" for group reservations.
• National Park Service Affiliation: Being a NPS property, while requiring reservations through park headquarters, implies a certain standard of maintenance and access to park resources. While not a discount, the prestige and educational opportunities associated with a national park site can be an appealing "offer" for many visitors.
• Potential for Volunteer/Service Group Access: The mention of "Sierra Club Volunteers a week of service" suggests that the park might offer specific arrangements or opportunities for organized volunteer groups, which could involve reduced fees or dedicated access in exchange for service. This would need to be confirmed directly with the New River Gorge National Park Service.

For specific pricing, availability, and details on how to reserve the facility for your group or event, it is essential to "contact their HQ for more information on it." Any "promotions" would likely be negotiated as part of a group reservation package directly with the National Park Service, rather than advertised widely.

To learn more about Camp Brookside, make reservations, or inquire about its facilities, as a National Park Service property, you will need to contact the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Headquarters.

Address:

Camp Brookside: 309 N Mullens Rd, Hinton, WV 25951, USA

Please note that while this is the physical address of the camp, reservations and detailed inquiries are handled by the park's central administration.

Phone:

For information regarding Camp Brookside and to make reservations, you should contact the main phone number for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Headquarters.

• New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Headquarters: (304) 465-0508

This is the central point of contact for all facilities and programs within the national park. When you call, be sure to specify that your inquiry is about Camp Brookside, its availability for reservations, and details about its cabins and main hall facilities. Given its "reservation only" policy, direct contact with the park's headquarters is the only way to secure a booking.

Camp Brookside is an undeniably suitable destination for West Virginians, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and functional facilities that cater perfectly to our local values and recreational interests. Its appeal for us stems from several compelling factors.

Firstly, its historical significance as a former Union Carbide summer camp adds a fascinating layer to any visit. As West Virginians, we appreciate our heritage, and the opportunity to experience a place with such a rich past, now preserved by the National Park Service, is truly special. It offers a tangible connection to the lives of previous generations in our state, making it more than just a place to stay – it’s a site for reflection and appreciation of our shared history.

Secondly, its status as a National Park Service Property within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve means it’s part of a protected and cherished natural area. We are incredibly proud of our national park, and having a facility like Camp Brookside available for public use means direct access to some of the state's most stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities. This ensures that the beautiful "New River Runs along the property," providing an "amazing backdrop" that we can all enjoy. For those who love fishing, boating, or simply being by the water, this direct access is an invaluable asset right in our own backyard.

Perhaps most importantly, Camp Brookside’s unique offering of "Seven rustic cabins" and a "Main Hall with a commercial kitchen" makes it exceptionally suitable for group gatherings – something we West Virginians often cherish. Whether it’s a family reunion, a church retreat, a scouting trip, or a volunteer service week (like the Sierra Club), having dedicated facilities for cooking, dining, and communal activities, alongside individual lodging, is incredibly practical and convenient. It allows for larger groups to comfortably connect and enjoy the outdoors together, fostering community and creating lasting memories without the logistical complexities of individual campsites for everyone.

While it operates on a "reservation only" basis through the park headquarters, this controlled access can ensure a more dedicated and possibly less crowded experience for your reserved group. Camp Brookside is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a versatile venue where history, nature, and community converge, making it a perfect spot for locals to celebrate, learn, and recreate in the heart of West Virginia.