Camp Dawson Bivouac Site

- Danser-Blaser Bridge, Tunnelton, WV 26444

For West Virginians who are familiar with the significant role of the West Virginia Army National Guard, the name "Camp Dawson" likely brings to mind a sprawling and vital military installation. While primarily a training center for military and government personnel, Camp Dawson, including its Bivouac Sites, plays a unique role in our state. Located near Tunnelton in Preston County, this extensive facility offers a glimpse into a different kind of outdoor experience – one rooted in rugged terrain, disciplined training, and a deep connection to the West Virginia landscape.

The "Camp Dawson Bivouac Site," situated near the Danser-Blaser Bridge in Tunnelton, WV, refers to areas within the broader Camp Dawson Garrison Training Center designed for temporary, tactical outdoor lodging, often associated with military exercises. While it may not be a traditional public campground in the same vein as a state park or a private recreational ground, understanding its nature is crucial for our local residents. It's a place where the challenging terrain of West Virginia is utilized for serious training, offering opportunities for specialized groups to test their skills and endurance amidst our state's natural beauty.

This article aims to provide a clear, factual overview of the Camp Dawson Bivouac Site, focusing on what it entails for those in West Virginia. We'll explore its unique location, the types of services and features associated with a military training facility, and why its presence is significant for our state. While direct public camping access in the traditional sense is limited and primarily reserved for authorized users (such as military personnel, government entities, and approved non-profit organizations for official purposes), its expansive grounds and natural setting contribute to the overall outdoor landscape of West Virginia.

It’s important for West Virginians to recognize Camp Dawson not just as a military base, but as a testament to the diverse uses of our state's incredible natural resources. From the challenging terrain ideal for maneuvers to the peaceful sections that support wildlife, Camp Dawson represents a facet of our wild and wonderful land that serves a vital national purpose. Let's delve into the details of what makes the Camp Dawson Bivouac Site a distinct entity within West Virginia's outdoor offerings.

The Camp Dawson Bivouac Site is located near the Danser-Blaser Bridge, Tunnelton, WV 26444, USA. This places it within the larger footprint of the Camp Dawson Garrison Training Center, a significant West Virginia Army National Guard facility in Preston County. Tunnelton is a small town in north-central West Virginia, known for its rural charm and proximity to the Cheat River watershed.

Accessibility to Camp Dawson is generally good via state highways. It is situated off major routes, making it reachable from various parts of West Virginia. For instance, from Interstate 68, visitors would typically take Exit 23 (WV-26, Bruceton Mills) and head south on WV-26 for approximately 12 miles before turning onto St. Joe Road, which leads to the facility. While the overall Camp Dawson complex is expansive, covering over 4,000 acres, specific bivouac sites are designated areas within this vast terrain. The Danser-Blaser Bridge is a known landmark in the vicinity, indicating proximity to rugged and often wooded landscapes.

It is crucial for locals to understand that access to Camp Dawson, and by extension its bivouac sites, is restricted to authorized personnel and specific groups. It is not an open-access public campground where individuals can simply arrive and set up camp. This is due to its primary function as a military training installation with active ranges, maneuver areas, and sensitive operations. The address provided, specifically mentioning "Danser-Blaser Bridge, Tunnelton, WV 26444," pinpoints a location within this secure environment, emphasizing its operational nature rather than a recreational park for the general public. Visitors authorized to be on site will find well-maintained internal roads and clear signage guiding them to designated areas.

The services at Camp Dawson Bivouac Site, as part of a military training facility, differ significantly from a typical public campground. They are primarily designed to support military and authorized governmental/non-profit operations, focusing on functionality and readiness.

• Tactical Training Areas: The core "service" of a bivouac site is to provide undeveloped or minimally developed areas suitable for field training, including setting up temporary shelters, conducting drills, and practicing maneuvers.
• Diverse Terrain: The sprawling 4,000+ acres offer a variety of terrains, from wooded areas to open fields and rugged landscapes, which serve as a training ground for diverse scenarios.
• Live Fire Ranges: While not directly within a bivouac "site" itself, the broader Camp Dawson facility includes various live-fire ranges (up to 7.62mm and demolition ranges), indicating a high level of operational activity which influences overall access and safety protocols.
• Infrastructure for Training Support: While bivouac sites are primitive, the larger Camp Dawson offers support infrastructure for training units, which can include classrooms, barracks, and computer labs for pre- and post-field exercises.
• Water Access (Limited/Tactical): Access to water for tactical purposes is managed, but direct public potable water access at a primitive bivouac site would be limited to what authorized users bring or designated fill points within the broader base.
• Basic Sanitation (Field Conditions): Sanitation at a bivouac site would typically involve field-expedient solutions or very basic facilities, consistent with military field conditions. The larger Camp Dawson facility has full restrooms and other amenities for its lodging areas, but a bivouac site is distinct.
• Safety and Security: A primary "service" is the controlled and secure environment, ensuring safety during training exercises. This involves strict access control and adherence to military protocols.

It's important to reiterate that these services are for authorized users only, not for the general public seeking a recreational camping experience.

The features and highlights of the Camp Dawson Bivouac Site are intrinsically linked to its function as a military training ground within West Virginia's natural environment.

• Rugged West Virginia Terrain: The site leverages the challenging topography of Preston County, including hills, forests, and varied ground, which serves as an excellent natural obstacle course for training.
• Expansive Acreage: As part of Camp Dawson’s over 4,000 acres, the bivouac sites offer ample space for large-scale exercises and the deployment of multiple units without impacting civilian areas.
• Proximity to Cheat River: While specific access at the bivouac site level isn't for recreation, the overall Camp Dawson facility is near the Cheat River, providing environmental context and sometimes utilized for specialized water-based training scenarios.
• Diverse Ecosystems: The vast land includes different ecosystems, from woodlands to reclaimed former mining areas now serving as natural grasslands. These areas are used for various training scenarios, including creating new drop zones and bivouac areas.
• Controlled Environment: For authorized groups, the controlled nature of a military installation ensures a focused and secure training environment, free from external public interference.
• Supportive Infrastructure Nearby: While the bivouac site itself is primitive, the larger Camp Dawson complex provides extensive support facilities, including a state-of-the-art event and conference center, lodging options (hotel, suites, chalets), an on-site restaurant, fitness center with a pool, and a convenience store. These amenities are primarily for authorized personnel utilizing the larger facility.
• Wildlife Management Integration: Camp Dawson integrates natural resource management with its training mission. Projects focus on habitat enhancement, native grass promotion, and forest management, showing a commitment to environmental stewardship even within a military context.
• Historical Significance: Camp Dawson has been in use since 1909, with a rich history of military training and even serving as a POW facility during WWII, adding a layer of historical significance to the grounds.

The reviews provided, stating "Had a lot of fun here, the pie was tasty, but for some reason my feet hurt pretty bad... God bless you brothers...", seem to be anecdotal and not directly indicative of a public campground experience. They suggest a more personal or perhaps military-related context, where "fun" might refer to the camaraderie or satisfaction of completing a rigorous activity, and "feet hurt" is a common outcome of intense physical exertion in such environments. "Pie" could be a morale booster or a treat after demanding training. This reinforces the understanding that this is not a typical recreational site.

As a military training facility, Camp Dawson Bivouac Site does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense for public camping. Access and use are governed by military regulations and are typically tied to official duties, training schedules, or approved governmental/non-profit events.

• Authorized User Access: The primary "offer" is access to this specialized training environment for eligible military units, government agencies, and approved non-profit organizations for official conferences or events.
• Lodging for Authorized Personnel: The Camp Dawson Event Center provides a range of lodging options (rooms, suites, chalets, houses) for authorized users at set rates, which can be seen as an accommodation "offer" for those permitted to stay on base. RV sites with electric hookups are also available for authorized users at a daily rate (e.g., $18).
• Support for Events: For large-scale events or training exercises, the facility offers comprehensive support, including dining facilities and various logistical services, which are part of their operational package for host organizations.

For specific inquiries regarding booking facilities for authorized events or military training, direct contact with Camp Dawson's administrative offices or the Camp Dawson Event Center is necessary. There are no publicly advertised discounts or seasonal deals as one would find for a commercial campground.

For inquiries related to Camp Dawson Garrison Training Center, including general information about the facility and its operations, or for authorized entities seeking to utilize its resources, the following contact information for the broader Camp Dawson facility should be used:

Address: 1001 Army Road, Kingwood, WV 26537 (This is the main address for Camp Dawson, which encompasses the Bivouac Site)

Phone: (304) 791-7001 (General inquiries for Camp Dawson Event Center/Main Facility)

Main Directory: (304) 791-4301

Email: info@cdec.org (For the Camp Dawson Event Center)

Given the specific nature of a "bivouac site" within a military installation, direct contact with the main facility is the appropriate channel for any authorized requests or information.

For West Virginians, the Camp Dawson Bivouac Site, as part of the larger Camp Dawson Garrison Training Center, is suitable not as a public recreational campground, but as a critical state asset. Its primary suitability for "locals" lies in its strategic importance to our state's military readiness and its contribution to the local economy through its operations and employment.

While the general public cannot simply drive up and camp at a bivouac site, the expansive terrain of Camp Dawson provides invaluable training grounds that directly benefit our West Virginia National Guard and other military and government entities. This facility allows our service members to train in a realistic and challenging environment right here in Almost Heaven, fostering readiness and expertise that ultimately serves and protects our communities. For West Virginians with military connections – whether active duty, National Guard, Reservists, retired military, or DoD civilians – the broader Camp Dawson facility offers a range of accommodations and services, making it a suitable and convenient location for their authorized activities and even lodging.

Furthermore, Camp Dawson contributes significantly to the local economy of Preston County, providing numerous employment opportunities for civilians in various capacities, from hospitality at the Event Center to maintenance and administrative roles. This makes it a crucial employer and economic driver for the region, benefiting many West Virginia families. The presence of tenant organizations like the Mountaineer Challenge Academy – North, which supports youth development, further highlights its positive impact on the local community.

The reviews, "Had a lot of fun here, the pie was tasty, but for some reason my feet hurt pretty bad... God bless you brothers...", subtly reinforce this suitability from a different angle. They reflect an experience of challenge and camaraderie, typical of military training or similar rigorous activities. While perhaps not "fun" in a leisurely sense, the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and the bonding among participants ("God bless you brothers") highlight the unique "suitability" of such a site for those involved in its intended purpose. The "tasty pie" could symbolize the morale-boosting elements that make even tough experiences more palatable.

In conclusion, while Camp Dawson Bivouac Site isn't a typical family campground for the casual camper, it is profoundly suitable for West Virginians in its capacity as a vital military training center and a significant economic contributor. For authorized users, it provides a comprehensive and challenging outdoor environment. For all West Virginians, it represents a commitment to national defense, local employment, and the disciplined use of our state's rugged and beautiful landscapes.

Camp Dawson Bivouac Site

Danser-Blaser Bridge, Tunnelton, WV 26444, USA