Expecting an increased demand for campsites in 2018, staff at West Virginia state parks and forests will begin processing site reservations on Feb. 15, in advance of camping season this spring.
State park campgrounds begin opening between mid-March and April, depending upon the park and weather, according to parks district administrator Matt Yeager.
“We’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about reservations at our parks and forests, so all indications point to 2018 being a banner year for camping," Yeager said of the change in routine.
By sending in an application, guests can ensure they have a campsite reserved during higher-traffic months in the summer, he said.
Campgrounds are located at 25 state park areas, many of which also feature lodges, cabins, cottages and swimming pools, and offer planned activities and other outdoor recreation options.
Most campgrounds with reservable campsites are open Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Until the Friday before Memorial Day, campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
After March 15, campsite reservations are taken by phone and by mail. On April 1, walk-in reservations are processed.
Reservations for campsites that are accessible to persons with disabilities may be reserved from Feb. 15 through March 15.
Applications and information for reservable campsites are available on each state park or forest webpage at WVStateparks.com.
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