BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va.– The West Virginia DNR has announced it won’t be considering any of the proposals submitted in December for a proposed RV camping park at Cacapon State Park.
In a press release April 21st, the state agency said it’s a “result of the decision to seek further public input,. Instead, the WVDNR will consider future projects in light of the public comments received.”
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has posted an online survey asking park goers and community members what amenities they would most like to see in the next phase of improvements at Cacapon Resort State Park. The WVDNR will assess the public response before launching its next round of facilities improvements at the park. The survey can be accessed at WVstateparks.com/survey.
After a citizen complained the public hadn’t been properly notified, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources postponed the hearing that had been scheduled for Tuesday, April 18.
The DNR had previously submitted a request for proposals from vendors to seek out private investors interested in establishing an RV campground in the Morgan County state park. Three RV campground proposals were submitted.
Blue Water of Ocean City, Md. proposed a 350-site RV campground plus waterpark features. River & Trail Outfitters of Harper’s Ferry proposed a 50-site RV park and a mountain bike shuttle service. Scenic LLC of Berkeley Springs proposed a partnership between Cacapon and their 178-site campground being designed in Great Cacapon.
The Press Release Friday continued, ““West Virginia has made historic investments in our parks system in recent years. With more than $150 million in improvements already, state leaders are hoping to continue to expand recreational opportunities around the state. Cacapon has seen a great deal of investment with the recent completion of the $25 million lodge and a new $3.5 million bike park expansion coming soon, and we’re looking to do even more,”
West Virginia Department Commerce Secretary James Bailey, who oversees the WVDNR. said, “It’s important to our team that we make sure the amenities we are building are ones that residents and visitors alike will enjoy. For that reason, we are now turning to West Virginians, and all those who love our parks, to tell us how we can expand recreational opportunities at this beloved park and beyond.”
Cacapon Resort State Park is one of only 15 parks in the system — and one of only two lodge parks — without camping facilities. With a drastic increase in the popularity of camping in recent years, the WVDNR is working on developing a plan to add camping facilities to the park.
Two years ago, the lodge reopened after a $25 million upgrade that added 78 guest rooms, a restaurant, lounge, spa, indoor heated pool and whirlpool, fitness center and multiple spaces for outdoor gatherings.
In addition to the improved lodge, the park also has 31 cabins, a 12-room inn and many recreational amenities, including a golf course, lake swimming, hiking and equestrian trails. Last summer, the park secured a $3.5 million federal grant to build an additional 35 miles of world-class biking trails. Construction of those trails is set to begin this year.
“We’re proud of the improvements we’ve made in our parks in recent years and we look forward to working with community members and stakeholders to ensure this next phase of improvements are as well received as the last $25 million invested at Cacapon,” Bailey said.
Those who want to provide the WVDNR with ideas for camping or additional recreational amenities at Cacapon Resort State Park and other parks are invited to take the online survey at WVstateparks.com/survey. The survey will remain open for 30 days and everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a random drawing for a free two-night stay at the state park of the winner’s choosing.
As a result of the decision to seek further public input, none of the proposals for camping facilities received in response to the WVDNR’s December 2022 request for proposals will be selected for implementation. The WVDNR will consider future projects in light of the public comments received.
