Community Forums

Patti Brown · 10-07-2015, 09:18 AM

DH went to college in West-by-God-Virginia (in Buchanan) and is itching to take the BayStar to the mountains. While I enjoy mountain scenery, I am not wild about driving mountain roads.

Any suggestions on routes to WV coming from the NC coast, places to stay that will keep both of us happy? Thanks!

GaryKD · 10-07-2015, 09:47 AM

Hi Patti Brown,
This should appeal to both of you.
1. Take the route of your choice with the goal to get to I-77.
2. Take I-77 North the Beckley, West Virginia.
3. In the Beckley area there are several CG choices. You choose based on your needs.
4. Things to do in the Beckley area are:
4a. Tamarack - First class arts and crafts made by W. VA artisans. Go to Tamarack - Home for details.
5. Mine tour - Go to City of Beckley for details.
6. General Things To Do - go to The Top 5 Things to Do in Beckley - TripAdvisor - Beckley, WV Attractions - Find What to Do Today, This Weekend, or in October for details.

Interstate 77 in NC and W VA is a crocked and mountain up and down road. Hubby should be pleased to get the mountain driving in. You can be pleased that the driving exercise is on an Interstate highway.

Luv2go · 10-07-2015, 10:50 AM

I second what Gary said. I40 to US52/I74 in Winston-Salem to I77 is the way we get to Beckley from the Raleigh area. From Beckley take I79 to US33 will get you to Buckhannon, WV. As Gary said it's up and down basically from the NC/VA border thru WV, but nothing your Bay Star can't handle easily, we've run our Canyon Star up and down that route many times. Nothing like Black Mountain on I40 going west to Asheville.

There's at least a couple of campgrounds open year round near Buckhannon, one being Briar Point Campground at Stonewall Resort, a state park. They have full hookup sites, looks like it's very nice.

brucev · 10-07-2015, 01:27 PM

Don't let the mountains bother you too much Patti Brown. Our first trip was to our local mountains and I was more than a little worried but I just took it easy and all was fine. Some of the turns were a little short but taking them slow and a little wide did the trick.

Gordon Dewald · 10-07-2015, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patti Brown

DH went to college in West-by-God-Virginia (in Buchanan) and is itching to take the BayStar to the mountains. While I enjoy mountain scenery, I am not wild about driving mountain roads.

Any suggestions on routes to WV coming from the NC coast, places to stay that will keep both of us happy? Thanks!

While the mountains can be intimidating to drive it they are not that bad.

Techniques such as using tow/haul and the same gear downhill and as what was required uphill will make the trip less stressful. Common sense while driving will make a scenic trip more enjoyable.

JohnT · 10-08-2015, 09:49 AM

We like Camp Creek State Park. May just stop there on Sunday or Monday.

**NLOVNIT** · 10-08-2015, 10:30 AM

While I can't comment on routes for you, I can give input on CG's. WV is a beautiful state & one we RV to often.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnT

We like Camp Creek State Park.

X2. You're half an hour from Tamarack a WV crafts mecca & the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. You're an hour from New River Gorge.

Close to Buckhannon is Briar Point CG in Stonewall Jackson Resort - Roanoke. Nice fhu campground w/spacious sites.

Elkins has trains galore nearby...Cheat Mtn Salamander, Tygart Flyer, Durbin Rocket, Cass (Cass is a bit farther) - all of which we've been on & the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Stayed at Pegasus Farm CG.

Head over towards Canaan Valley. Stayed at the State Park there. Nearby is Dolly Sods, Blackwater Falls, Seneca Rocks - see the Rocks at sunset! - & Seneca Caverns

If you like outlet shopping, Flatwoods KOA is behind the hotel & across the street from the Flatwoods Factory Outlet. If you time it right, they have performers at the amphitheatre there.

Most all these CG's, I have photos of (click on link in sig) &/or reviews found in the CG's section.

Hope this helps.

Lori-

scenic route · 10-08-2015, 01:38 PM

Our favorite state park near Buchanan is 32 miles south on WV 20. Been going to Holly River SP (off & on) for over 60 years. Sites have some room to them, 30A elect. service and water and 2 dump stations are available. The park is very well maintained, still has the original(large)spring fed swimming pool(and the water will turn you into a 'Smurf' like creature) and clean bathhouses. There is an on-site restaurant where the country cook'n can't be beat and their deserts are to die for...and darn reasonable to boot.

Fly fishing for trout in the Laurel Fork of the Holly River, hiking, swimming in said pool and all the back roading you can stand are most of the 'to do' activities. Lots of deer can be seen in the fields at dusk inside the park. Black bears are common as well. There is a small grocer a few miles south in Hacker Valley that has fuel as well. It's no Disney, but a great place to chill out and enjoy Nature.

BTW, if coming from Buchanan, the turn into the park is very tight coming from the North, so you may want to drive into Hacker Valley (very short distance), turn around and make your approach from the South.

Holly River State Park

Deny · 10-08-2015, 04:49 PM

We have been to WVA 3 years in a row.

State Parks are Fantastic!

There are lots of Semi-Tractor Trailers running there-if they can make it -you will have no issues. Roads are Great- Plenty of 4 lane Roads- Go for it! You will have a ball!

Nana25K · 10-08-2015, 05:11 PM

Just so you are aware there is darn little near the Gorge for RV. Just tried that this summer. Even the facility, River Adventures, had an awful spot. Up on a knoll, slanted down hill to one side and back in the rear. Tons of weood later still not level and the adventure of trying to park broke our windshield. The large camnpgfrounbd that used to be near the Gorge us now seasonal only. Be very specific about what you determine "level" is when booking a site