My dad is our family travel planner and we generally totally trust him. Yet when he discovered and proposed Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia, we were surprised. We had never heard of it and we were wondering where the inspiration came from.
But since the last trip my dad had planned for us was Belize, we weren’t at all alarmed. We figured this new idea wouldn’t be bad, either.
So off we went – packing dogs, suitcases, snacks, frisbees, and hiking boots and hauling out to the wilds of West Virginia. We went in without expectations other than to enjoy being together. We left with many great memories, having tried new hobbies (like archery), and feeling restored by the wonderful nature offered in this park.
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About Pipestem Resort State Park
Pipestem Resort State Park is in the mountains of West Virginia, perched on the Bluestone Gorge- actually not too far from New River Gorge National Park (about 50 miles).
The entire park covers over 4,000 acres, so we saw only a sliver of it during our weekend there.
Pipestem opened Memorial Day 1970. It was greenlit as a make-jobs project and an effort to boost the local economy under the Kennedy administration. The story goes that Kennedy campaigned in the area and fell in love with the mountains. As a result, he promised to build a resort in south West Virginia.
The aerial tram was recently renovated and replaced as part of the park’s 55th anniversary celebration. Other than that, it doesn’t feel like much has changed since 1970! And that’s how the kitsch absolutely charms visitors.
Pipestem feels simple, like a throw back to a different era, while still having activities and opportunities for visitors of all ages. While at Pipestem, we met many families who return to the park every year with their family members. It’s become tradition for them.
Where to Stay in Pipestem State Park
Pipestem has a number of lodging options available.
There is camping (with 31 full hookup and over 80 sites). Camping is located closer to the entrance of the park.
There are 26 cabins available, located in different areas of the park. The cabins are 2, 3 or 4 bedroom and have heating and A/C.
There is also the Mountain Creek Lodge. This lodge has 30 rooms and is only accessible via the tram system. Mountain Creek Lodge is on the river, with a much more nature-inspired feel, and is only open seasonally (usually March through October).
We stayed at the large McKeever Lodge. McKeever Lodge is the primary lodging residence with over 100 rooms (some are pet friendly).
McKeever Lodge is also the location of the bar, a dining room that offers three meal services a day, a conference center, a performance venue (where we did see live music), a gift shop, a pool, an exercise room, and a game room.
Amenities we enjoyed:
- Indoor Pool (nice and warm!)
- Dry Sauna
- Decks with Adirondack Chairs
- Balconies/Patios
- Playground
- Game room
- Comfortable lounge areas
McKeever Lodge was quite comfortable, but it is not a luxury resort. While everything was clean and well-tended, it is older in style and decor.
Additionally, Pipestem doesn’t have the most amazing customer service due to outdated systems. While everyone we met was kind, friendly, and wanted to be helpful, all reservations were made over the phone (which can lead to errors).
There is no room service. You can get pizza to-go at the bar, but you must go down to get it and you can not charge to your room.
The rooms do have ironing boards, irons, ice buckets, and coffee makers. But only the suites have mini-fridges.
Activities and Things To Do in Pipestem State Park
While the lodging was comfortable and cozy, even if not luxury, where Pipestem shines is in the amount of easily accessible activities and events there are. Note that not everything is in walking distance from McKeever Lodge, but the entire park was very easy to navigate.
Activities our group did:
- Archery
- Fishing
- Skeet/trap Shooting
- Minigolf
- Aerial Tram Ride
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Karaoke
- Attend a Live Music Performance
- Visit the Nature Center
- Visit the Arboretum
- Observation Tower
Other activities available:
- Par 3 Golf
- 18-hole Golf Course
- Driving Range
- Fling Golf
- Soccer Golf
- Disc Golf
- Mountain Biking
- Zipline (it was broken during our visit)
- Kayaking/Canoeing
- Splashpad (closed during our visit)
What to Know About Activities and Reservations at Pipestem Resort State Park
There is a lot to do at Pipestem! Yet booking in advance or trying to plan a day of activities can be a challenge. Also, the activities are an additional fee.
The spa requires call-ahead reservations (no online system), yet it was sometimes hard to get someone on the phone. We eventually did make two reservations for services and two others in our party were able to get walk-up nail appointments for late in the day.
The adventure activities are generally available but you do have to hunt someone down to pay, get equipment, and figure out where to go. We had the best luck heading to the clubhouse at the short course and investigating the process. Bookings were not taken through the front desk or on the phone.
Horseback riding also required booking in advance, but we had the most success with stopping by the first day of our visit to book something later in the weekend.
(No one in our group did the championship golf course or driving range, so I can not speak to reservations and tee times.)
Prices were generally affordable.
We found in general there was a different approach to protocols and procedures than you may experience at other adventure parks. Everything felt safe, but there is a certain amount of laidbackness and also trust that you and your crew are going to make good decisions.
The best approach to Pipestem and all of the activities is to be patient. Don’t plan to book much in advance (although get the spa appointments and dinner at the Mountain Creek Lodge if you can!). Then start each day arranging the activities that appeal to your group that day, based on weather and energy level.
Where to Eat at Pipestem State Park
We didn’t see much that was nearby the park. And, as I mentioned, at the Lodge, only suites have mini-fridges. So if you are staying in the lodge, plan to use the dining facilities on site.
We had breakfast each morning at the Bluestone Dining Room inside McKeever Lodge. We also ate at their dinner buffet one night. The buffet food was pretty standard buffet food (the kind you likely remember from college or other cafeterias). It wasn’t bad, and it certainly did the job, but it was also fairly predictable. There is a full service drinks bar available here. We also thought we had reservations one night for dinner, but I don’t believe they actually take reservations… so not sure. Regardless, they were able to get us in with just a short wait.
The best part of Bluestone was the casual nature of it (especially for multi-generational families on different timelines with different dietary interests) and the incredible view!
Also at McKeever Lodge is the Black Bear Grill and lounge. As I mentioned above, they primarily do pizza here (pick up or dine-in only). This spot is small, but it does have a nice outside patio area. It certainly picks up with nightlife and revelers as the day goes on!
Mountain Creek Appalachia Cuisine down by the river at Mountain Creek Lodge was where we had our fancy, adults-only birthday meal. Unfortunately, our reservation was lost (again, everything is done by phone so it leaves room for error) but even though the restaurant was fully booked, they were able to squeeze us in at 5:00 pm to honor our lost reservation.
This dining room was beautiful! Big picture windows looked out over the river and the woods. White tablecloths draped elegantly over the tables. Our server was the sweetest ray of sunshine! There were issues with some of the service here: no bartender on site and no wine list. We were told this was because it was the end of the season.
Overall, the food was decent (some hits and misses), but they had some creative menu items (like pickled eggs!).
Elsewhere in the park is the Hot Dog Grill at the golf clubhouse (which we did not try). There is also Canyon Rim Coffee and Creamery at the building where the tram departs, which is primarily dedicated to ice cream. (We did not try it as the lines were long when we were in the area.)
The biggest takeaway about Pipestem Resort State Park is that it is casual. It is a resort run by a state agency. It is laidback. It is not luxurious but it is comfortable. Our group that went from ages 7 – 70 all had a great experience here.
Plus, those views! The wild mountain tops of West Virginia on the horizon while the fog shrouded the valley felt … how can I put it… almost like heaven.
Find the official Pipestem Resort State Park website at wvstateparks.com/parks/pipestem-state-park.
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