ELIZABETH, W.Va. — One of the best-kept secrets in West Virginia, the legendary Wind Caves near Parkersburg may soon open to the public for the first time in more than a century.
In a scenic bend of the Hughes River, the caves have long been accessible only to generations of Boy Scouts. But thanks to a new initiative by the Camp Kootaga Foundation, the historic camp of more than 600 acres and its stunning rock formations could become a significant tourist destination in West Virginia.
Wind Caves poised to become regional attraction
The foundation, formed by local scouting alumni and community leaders, has announced plans to purchase and preserve the property, with the goal of making the Wind Caves and the surrounding camp available to schools, Girl Scouts, outdoor groups, corporate retreats, and individual hikers.
“I can imagine many people being able to visit the Wind Caves now,” said James Bennon, president of the foundation. “Individuals would be able to hike the trails at Camp Kootaga, and many others would be able to use the facilities.”
The 103-year-old camp boasts 14 group campsites, a dining hall, a riverfront aquatic area, a swimming pool, shooting ranges, a climbing tower, a nature center, and a bouldering grotto near the Wind Caves themselves.
Founded in 1922 by Parkersburg banker and scoutmaster Don B. Lowe, Camp Kootaga is one of the longest-running Boy Scout summer camps in the United States. The name "Kootaga," derived from a Kiowa word meaning "Good Friends," was bestowed by J. Dougannah in 1929, capturing the spirit of camaraderie that has defined the camp for more than 100 years.
For generations, the camp has welcomed thousands of scouts for five-week summer sessions filled with leadership training, outdoor adventures, and traditional skills. Rough estimates suggest over 100,000 scouts and leaders have attended Kootaga over the decades.
A race to save and share Camp Kootaga
In early 2025, the Buckskin Council, which owns the property, announced plans to sell Camp Kootaga. In response, the newly formed Camp Kootaga Foundation launched a campaign to raise $1.1 million to purchase and maintain the site for year-round public access.
As of March 2025, the campaign had raised $400,000, leaving roughly $600,000 needed to secure the property and open it to the broader public. If the effort falls short, donations will be refunded, Bennon confirmed.
The vision for the future of Camp Kootaga includes not only preserving its historical value but also transforming it into a multi-use community hub, where weddings, nature retreats, school trips, and solo hikes can all incorporate a walk through the Wind Caves.
Forester and foundation member Tim Nolan says he has high hopes for the nature programming that can be provided at Kootaga, for both local children and visitors from afar.
"There's been a real disconnect with nature," Nolan said, "but I think programs such as those we can provide at Camp Kootaga can remedy that."
What Are the Wind Caves?
High on a bluff overlooking the Hughes River, the Wind Caves are a striking series of natural rock formations, also known as crepuscular caves or rock shelters, that have served as a training ground for scouts for decades. Unlike the camp’s newer climbing tower, these natural cliffs, some featuring sheer drops of up to 45 feet, offer a raw, unfiltered adventure experience.
Used traditionally for rappelling and climbing, the caves have long been considered one of the camp’s defining features. According to camp reports from the 101st and 102nd seasons, the Wind Caves continued to draw some of the most enthusiastic participation among campers, highlighting their enduring status as a signature element of Camp Kootaga’s outdoor program.
While modern amenities like the 95-foot climbing tower have expanded the camp’s adventure offerings, none have replaced the thrill and challenge of the Wind Caves, which remain central to Kootaga’s legacy of experiential learning and wilderness exploration.
The economic benefits of opening Kootaga to the public
Opening Camp Kootaga and its iconic Wind Caves to the public could bring a range of direct and long-term benefits to local travel and tourism in the Parkersburg area and in Wirt County, which suffers from a lack of public recreation areas.
1. New outdoor destination draws regional visitors. Camp Kootaga’s natural features—especially the Wind Caves, hiking trails, and scenic riverfront—create an appealing new eco-tourism destination in Wirt County and the Mid-Ohio Valley. Opening it to schools, scout groups, families, and outdoor enthusiasts expands the area’s appeal beyond traditional state parks.
2. Increased overnight stays and visitor spending. With the camp offering activities like hiking, climbing, swimming, and corporate retreats, it encourages multi-day visits. This boosts demand for local lodging, dining, and service businesses in the greater Parkersburg region and surrounding Wirt County. Lodging revenue in Wirt County would promote tourism therein.
3. Expanded event and venue opportunities. The camp's facilities—comprising 14 campsites, a dining hall, a climbing tower, and event-ready spaces—can accommodate weddings, reunions, corporate retreats, and festivals, making it a year-round venue that supports local event planners and vendors.
4. Strengthens youth and educational tourism. By opening access to school groups, Girl Scouts, and educational programs, Camp Kootaga positions itself as a field trip and outdoor learning hub, contributing to youth-focused tourism and environmental education in the region.
5. Builds heritage and historic tourism appeal. With a legacy dating back to 1922, Camp Kootaga is one of the oldest continuously operating scout camps in the country. Its preservation and public opening tap into heritage tourism, attracting former scouts, history buffs, and families interested in Appalachian scouting culture.
6. Promotes local job growth and stewardship. Increased tourism can lead to the creation of seasonal jobs, guide services, and volunteer opportunities, while encouraging community involvement in the conservation and environmental stewardship of the Hughes River area.
How to help Camp Kootaga remain accessible
Reopening Camp Kootaga is not just about access, says Bennon. It's a strategic boost for sustainable tourism that blends outdoor recreation, local history, and economic development for Wirt County and the greater Parkersburg area.
The foundation has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Save Camp Kootaga – Help Keep the Camp Fire Burning”, where donors can contribute securely online. As of mid-July, the foundation has reportedly raised more than 90% of its goal, with just a few hundred thousand dollars remaining to be raised.
Supporters can contact the foundation via email at foundation@campkootaga.org for more information, to make pledges, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Updates and fundraising milestones are also shared on the foundation’s official Facebook page, where the group engages with past campers, troop leaders, and regional organizations.
Those interested in speaking directly to the foundation’s leadership can call James Bennon at 304-482-7161.
“We’ve received overwhelming support from former Scouts, families, and even non-Scouting groups who’ve held events at the camp,” Bennon said. “This is a place that matters to a lot of people.”
To donate online, visit the GoFundMe campaign:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-camp-kootaga
Or send your donation by mail:
Camp Kootaga Foundation
2707 29th Street, Parkersburg, WV 26104
Checks should be made payable to Camp Kootaga Foundation.
For updates, questions, or to get involved:
📧 foundation@campkootaga.org
📞 304-482-7161 (James Bennon)
Google map showing the location of Camp Kootaga
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I'm the youngest of four brothers who was in the Boy Scout Troop I'd always heard stories about wind cave so naturally when I was able to go to Camp Kootaga I was excited to finally become a part of the wind cave tradition. Two of us are Eagle scouts and the four of us share many memories of going to camp. I'm so Happy Camp Kootaga is able to be saved and the next campers will be able to start their tradition and memories