8/25/2010
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – If the hot weather has kept you inside this summer, September is a great month to catch up on your outdoors time and save money at the same time, according to Sissie Summers, W.Va. State Parks programming administrator.
“People are looking for things to do when the days and evenings are cooler,” Summers said. "September is the month when pricing and weather rewards late summer and early fall visitors at several parks and forests.'” Discounts include 20 percent off cabin rates and 50 percent off camping fees, subject to some restrictions.
“September discounts and events are the gateway to seeing the onset of color and appeal to ‘empty nesters’ and groups looking for cost savings and travel options,” according to Park’s Chief, Ken Caplinger. “Parks offer a good value and a great experience year-round, but September, that month between summer vacation and autumn color, when temperatures should be cooler, presents savings opportunities for park visitors.”
September Cabin Specials
Mid-week rentals are excellent times to enjoy the peace and quiet found at a park or forest. There is more opportunity to enjoy facilities and services. Several parks and forests are offering a 20 percent discount for two or more nights in a cabin or cottage, Sunday – Thursday from Sept. 7-30. They include: Beech Fork State Park, Bluestone State Park, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Greenbrier State Forest, Holly River State Park, Kumbrabow State Forest, North Bend State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, Twin Falls State Park, and Watoga State Park.
Advance reservations are encouraged. For information about the September Cabin Special visit www.wvstateparks.com.
Get Outdoors! Go Camping in September
September camping discounts boost the opportunity for outdoor family activity. Campgrounds at W.Va. State Parks range from deluxe sites with full hookups to remote areas more suited to avid outdoorsman and tent campers. Camping discounts are available Sept. 7 – 30. The discount is 50 percent off the site rental rate for a minimum of two consecutive nights and cannot be combined with other discounts such as senior rates.
“There are sixteen areas participating in the September Camping promotion this year,” according to Caplinger. “Some areas extend the offer into the weekend and some are mid-week only.” All sites at these areas are first-come, first served after Labor Day through the Friday prior to Memorial Day.
The mid-week 50 percent off camping rate for two or more nights is available at these parks: Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Bluestone, Cedar Creek, North Bend, Twin Falls and Watoga state parks. Upon arrival and check-in, ask for the 50 percent off camping rates for two or more nights, mid-week, Sunday – Thursday.
Parks and forests extending the half off camping rate for any two or more nights, including weekends from Sept. 7-30 are: Audra, Holly River, Moncove Lake state parks, Cabwaylingo, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Kumbrabow, and Seneca state forests; and Plum Orchard WMA. Sites are first come, first served and campers simply ask for the rate upon arrival, except at Holly River. “Holly River likes to discover how campers learned about the September rates, so a clipping from the newspaper or information printed from the website is requested to qualify for the 50 percent off rates,” Summers explained.
Information about all campgrounds in the state parks system and other camping discounts, including senior, disability, and others, is posted online at www.wvstateparks.com under lodging/campgrounds. The September Camping special is also on the home page with complete details and participating parks and forests.
West Virginia State Park and Forests is one of the sections of the Division of Natural Resources. Information about parks is available online at www.wvstateparks.com or by calling 1 800 CALL WVA and asking for the park by name.
Contact Information
Ken Caplinger, West Virginia State Parks Chief
304-558-2764
DNR.Parks@wv.gov