Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : April 6, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Kim McHenry, Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

Group Camping Available at Cabwaylingo State Forest,

Panther State Forest and Tomlinson Run State Park

  Cabwaylingo State Forest, Panther State Forest, and Tomlinson Run State Park are taking reservations for large group camping. These group camps offer excellent facilities for church retreats, 4-H outings, civic meetings and other social gatherings. Th e camps provide lodging, fully equipped kitchens, dining halls and recreation facilities. Please call 1-800-CALL WVA and ask for the individual park to verify availability and to make reservations.

Cabwaylingo State Forest , Wayne County

Cabwaylingo State Forest offers a 100-person fully-equipped group camp, which is great facility for gatherings.  This rustic style camp was formerly the old Civilian Conservation Corps barracks. It features two new barracks, rebuilt in 2004, which sleep fifty each and a third building that houses a dining hall with a completely furnished kitchen.  A complete shower house was added in 1999.  The group camp features a council circle that is perfect for an evening campfire. Guests will be able to take advantage of a game court, hiking trails and the pool, which opens Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. The camp is available from early May through late October.

Panther State Forest , McDowell County
Panther State Forest 's group camp is perfect for campers who prefer an isolated setting while enjoying modern camping and recreational facilities. The camp sleeps up to 60 people in bunk beds, and has a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, swimming pool privileges, a fire circle nearby, picnic shelters and hiking trails. The group camp is rented by the week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A minimum of two nights is required in spring and fall rental. Reservations are required.

Tomlinson Run State Park, Hancock County
Tomlinson Run State Park 's group camp provides 10 cabins that sleep up to 10 people each and a counselor's quarters that sleeps 12. The dining hall has a fully-equipped kitchen and nearby recreation building has a stage for skits and movies, and tables for indoor projects or games. Park recreational facilities include lake and ponds for fishing; rowboat and paddle boat rentals; a swimming pool/bathhouse complex with a snack bar; basketball courts; horseshoe pits; miniature golf; playground equipment; and a network of hiking trails. This group camp is available for weekend rentals in May and September and weekly rentals in June, July and August.

**DNR**