Tomlinson Run Group Camp

For West Virginia organizations, schools, churches, and other groups looking for an immersive and affordable outdoor experience, Tomlinson Run Group Camp in Hancock County offers an unparalleled opportunity. Nestled within the beautiful Tomlinson Run State Park, this dedicated group camping facility is designed to accommodate large organized youth and adult groups, providing a unique blend of rustic charm and essential amenities. It’s a perfect setting for educational retreats, team-building excursions, summer camps, or any gathering that benefits from a natural, communal environment.

Tomlinson Run Group Camp provides a specialized camping experience that differs from individual family campsites. It focuses on facilitating comfortable and functional stays for larger numbers of people, ensuring that groups can focus on their activities and objectives rather than logistical challenges. For West Virginia locals involved in scouting, youth organizations, or adult clubs, understanding the dedicated facilities and serene setting of Tomlinson Run Group Camp can unlock possibilities for memorable and impactful outdoor programs right here in the Mountain State. It offers a chance for groups to connect with nature, foster camaraderie, and engage in a variety of recreational pursuits within a managed and safe state park environment.

Tomlinson Run Group Camp is located within Tomlinson Run State Park, situated in Hancock County, WV 26047, USA. While the general address points to Hancock County, the specific park entrance and directions to the group camps are well-marked once you arrive at Tomlinson Run State Park. The main park office address is often listed as 84 Osage Road, New Manchester, WV 26056, which serves as the central hub for the entire park facilities. This location places the group camp within the extreme northern tip of West Virginia's panhandle, making it accessible from various points in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Being part of Tomlinson Run State Park means the group camp benefits from the park's overall accessibility and infrastructure. It's reached by local roads leading off major routes, ensuring a manageable drive for buses and multiple vehicles. The secluded nature of the group camps within the park allows for a private and immersive experience, yet they are still close enough to the main park amenities and the town of New Cumberland for any necessary supplies or emergencies. This balance of seclusion and accessibility makes Tomlinson Run Group Camp a practical and appealing choice for West Virginia groups planning their outdoor adventures.

Tomlinson Run Group Camp is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of organized groups, offering facilities that go beyond typical individual campsites. These services are tailored to support comfortable and functional stays for larger numbers of people, making it an ideal choice for youth groups, schools, and adult organizations.

• Three Organized Group Cabin Camps: The primary accommodation consists of three distinct cabin camps. These are typically rented to nonprofit, organized adult and youth groups, indicating a focus on structured group activities.
• Rustic Lodges: Each group camp features rustic lodges, which often serve as central gathering points for meals, activities, and indoor recreation.
• Cabins for Sleeping: Individual cabins provide sleeping quarters for group members, offering a more structured and comfortable alternative to large-scale tent camping for many.
• Flush Toilets & Shower Houses: Modern conveniences are provided with flush toilets and dedicated shower houses within each group camp area, ensuring hygiene and comfort for all participants.
• Dining Halls: Essential for group meals, each camp includes a dining hall, presumably with kitchen facilities, to allow groups to prepare and serve their own food. This is a critical service for extended stays.
• Utility Buildings: Supporting the overall operations, utility buildings are typically part of the group camp infrastructure, providing necessary maintenance and storage capabilities.
• Availability Window: These group cabin camps are available for rental from mid-April through mid-October, covering the prime outdoor activity season in West Virginia.
• Organized Group Tenting Areas (6 areas): In addition to cabins, six organized group tenting areas are available, accommodating between 20 and 60 people. Two of these, Sioux A and Sioux B, are located within the Sioux Rustic Campground area. These areas are suitable for groups preferring a more traditional tent camping experience.

Tomlinson Run Group Camp, by virtue of its location within Tomlinson Run State Park, offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it an exceptional destination for West Virginia's organized groups. These benefits extend beyond just the lodging facilities, encompassing the park's natural environment and recreational opportunities.

• Secluded Group Setting: The dedicated group camps are designed to provide a private and focused environment for groups, fostering camaraderie and allowing for structured activities without interruption from general public campers.
• Access to Extensive Park Amenities: Guests at the group camp have full access to all the fantastic facilities and activities offered throughout Tomlinson Run State Park. This is a significant highlight, providing diverse options for recreation and learning:
  • 101-acre Lake: Opportunities for boating (electric motors only), fishing (stocked with various species), and pedal boat rentals.
  • Large Swimming Pool with Water Slide: A major draw for youth groups during the warmer months, offering a fun way to cool off.
  • Hiking Trails: Numerous trails traversing varied terrain, perfect for guided nature walks, environmental education, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty and wildlife.
  • Miniature Golf & Disc Golf: Fun recreational activities that can be easily incorporated into group schedules for team-building or leisurely enjoyment.
  • Playgrounds: Available within the main park area for younger participants.
  • Nature Observation: The park is home to a surprising amount of wildlife, including turkeys, birds, and toads, offering excellent opportunities for nature studies and photography. The western section is preserved as a wilderness area.
• Educational Opportunities: State parks often have interpretive programs, and the natural setting of Tomlinson Run provides an ideal outdoor classroom for environmental education, biology studies, and astronomy.
• Affordable Group Rates: While specific pricing is not provided, state park facilities are generally known for their affordability, making group trips more accessible to a wider range of organizations in West Virginia.
• Managed Environment: Being a state park facility, the group camp benefits from professional management, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and adherence to park regulations.
• Winter Activities Potential: While the cabin camps are seasonal, the park itself offers winter activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling when conditions permit, potentially extending recreational opportunities for groups outside of the primary rental season for the cabins.

As a facility within a West Virginia State Park, Tomlinson Run Group Camp generally operates with established rates rather than frequent, publicly advertised "promotions" in the commercial sense. However, the inherent value and affordability of state park group facilities can be considered a significant ongoing benefit for local organizations. It's important for potential renters to understand that:

• Affordable Group Rates: State parks typically offer highly competitive pricing for group accommodations compared to private facilities, making outdoor experiences accessible for non-profit organizations, schools, and youth groups with limited budgets.
• Reservation System: Booking for group camps is typically done through a reservation system, often requiring advance planning, especially for popular dates during the spring and fall seasons. While not a "promotion," securing a reservation early is key to accessing this valuable resource.
• Tax-Exempt Status: Nonprofit organizations may be exempt from certain taxes, which can further reduce the overall cost of their stay. Groups should inquire about this directly when booking.
• Potential for Off-Season Value: While the cabins are available mid-April to mid-October, groups interested in tent camping during the off-season might find different rates or less demand. It's always worth discussing options with park management.

For the most accurate and current information on rates, availability, and specific booking procedures for Tomlinson Run Group Camp, groups should contact the park directly.

For inquiries, reservations, or to obtain detailed information about Tomlinson Run Group Camp, please use the following contact details:

• Primary Address for Tomlinson Run State Park: 84 Osage Road, New Manchester, WV 26056
• General Park Phone: (304) 564-3651
• Email: tomlinsonrunsp@wv.gov

Given the specific nature of group camp rentals, it is highly recommended that interested organizations and group leaders contact the park office directly via phone or email. This will allow them to discuss their specific needs, group size, desired dates, and any particular requirements. The park staff can provide detailed information on availability, pricing, booking procedures, and any specific rules or guidelines pertinent to group stays. For booking purposes, state park reservations are often handled through a central system, but initial contact with the park office is crucial for group facility planning.

Tomlinson Run Group Camp stands as an exceptional resource for organized groups across West Virginia, offering a unique blend of affordability, comprehensive facilities, and rich outdoor opportunities. Its location within Tomlinson Run State Park in Hancock County provides groups with a secure and managed environment while granting full access to a wide array of recreational activities, including lake sports, extensive hiking trails, and various games like mini-golf. The dedicated group cabin camps, complete with rustic lodges, individual cabins, modern bathhouses, and dining halls, are specifically designed to meet the logistical needs of larger gatherings, making it far easier for leaders to organize and execute their programs effectively. For West Virginia youth organizations, schools, churches, and other adult groups, Tomlinson Run Group Camp offers a cost-effective, engaging, and memorable setting for educational trips, team-building exercises, summer camps, or simply a rejuvenating retreat into the natural beauty of the Mountain State. It's a place where group cohesion can flourish, and participants can gain invaluable outdoor experiences, all within the convenient and supportive framework of a well-managed state park.