CABWAYLINGO STATE FOREST
Cabwaylingo State Forest is located on 8,123 heavily forested acres in the heart of Southern West Virginia in Wayne County. Built in the 1930's, the forest gets its unique name from the four surrounding counties from which it serves: CABell, WAYne, LINcoln, MinGO.
Cabwaylingo State Forest is steeped in the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's and 1940's. The CCC camps including the one at Cabwaylingo were established to rebuild forested acres which in turn marks the beginnings of the West Virginia State Park System. During the 1930's, the hard working members of the CCC built log cabins with stone fireplaces, the superintendents's residence, picnic areas, hiking trails and a fire tower. Many of these structures still exist, and are in use today. Examples of their labor can be found at the old CCC barracks which now serves as a 100 person group camp. Located near the campgrounds, the historical Tick Ridge Fire Tower, built in 1935, stands today as only one of less than a dozen fire towers still remaining but not operational in the State.
Fourteen standard cabins are available from Mid April through late October. Each cabin features stone fireplaces, electric lighting, showers and a fully equipped kitchen. All cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping including cooking utensils, dishes, flatware, linens, towels and firewood.
No pets are allowed in cabins or cabin area.
Another option for overnight guests are Cabwaylingo's camping areas. There are two campgrounds to choose from, including a 20 site rustic campground with standard sites at Tick Ridge. A newly constructed campground was built in 1999 at Spruce Creek which features eleven sites, six with electrical and water hookups and full shower and bathroom facilities.
All campsites have tent pads, fireplaces, drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood.
Shower and toilet facilities are located nearby.
Open from April 1 through October 31. No reservations are required for camping. All sites are rented on a first come, first served basis, and only one tent is allowed per site.
McClintick Group Camp
Cabwaylingo offers a 100 person fully-equipped group camp which offers a great location for church retreats, civic meetings, family reunions and other large social outings. This rustic style camp was formerly the old CCC barracks, featuring two new barracks, rebuilt in 2004, which sleep fifty each and a third building which 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. The camp is available from early May through late October.