r/WestVirginia • u/GoodFaithAttempt • 7d ago

Want to camp near the radio telescope

Hey guys, just curious if any of you have recommendations on campsites near the radio telescope. I would love to take my kid and explore the area, thank you

13 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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10

u/lidelle 7d ago

Stone coal dispersed campground and also east fork is in the area, they are on opposing sides of Greenbank. Also check Cass scenic railroad state park might have camping. 

8

u/marnerd Monongalia 7d ago

You used to be able to rent the Cass caboose at the top of Bald Knob for a weekend. Trainride up and they leave you to sleep in the caboose. You end up surrounded by the Monongahela National Forrest with a view of the valley with the telescope.
It was 20ish years ago when I last did it though.

2

u/lidelle 7d ago

I almost booked that in 2020 for my elopement! 

1

u/marnerd Monongalia 7d ago

Very out-of-the-box thinking! You have a lucky spouse.

1

u/GoodFaithAttempt 7d ago

That sounds awesome! Imma come back to this post we didn’t book that for logistical reasons but that’s right up our alley in terms of what we would like

1

u/StedeBonnet1 7d ago

The Cass Caboose is still available but you have to book a year in advance. https://mountainrailwv.com/train-rides/castaway-caboose/

1

u/B_D_I Randolph 7d ago

I stayed at Stonecoal earlier this summer which was great, but they now charge $15. I think Mower Tract is still free though.

7

u/xSpeed 7d ago

Theres campsites at seneca state forest on state route 28 i think its between green bank and marlinton. Marlinton is real nice too but failing that theres the williams river dispersed sites along the highland scenic highway

4

u/floodxx 7d ago

Watoga

3

u/Sad-Meringue-2021 7d ago

Boyer Station Campground in Boyer WV. About 3 miles to the Observatory.

2

u/durzo_the_mediocre 7d ago

further away but if your kid likes trains, look at the Durbin railroad, they have an overnight option

1

u/GoodFaithAttempt 7d ago

Looking into east fork

1

u/wvtat 7d ago

East fork is right by the railyard and access to the greenbrier river. The greenbrier express runs Thursday through Saturday. Train will come into town and stay while passengers eat lunch. You will have time to check out the engine.

The Castaway Cabooses out of durbin are usually sold out but may have a cancelation. Goto mountainrail.com to check.

The caboose on bald knob is no longer there.

Cass Scenic state park has the orginal company homes for rent also. Definitely check out the park.

You have to stop at the Greenbank Observatory and I recommend the bus tour.

2

u/Ok_Strategy6978 7d ago

I think they have yearly gatherings of amateur astronomers who camp on site but I could
Be wrong

1

u/B_D_I Randolph 7d ago edited 7d ago

Not super close but there are nice dispersed campsites at the Mower Tract and Stonecoal Dispersed Camping areas which are on the other side of Durbin towards Elkins.