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West Virginia
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West Virginia State Parks

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USA Parks
West Virginia
Hatfield-McCoy Mountains Region
Cabwaylingo State Forest
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CABWAYLINGO STATE FOREST
CABWAYLINGO STATE FOREST
Rt. 1 Box 85
Dunlow, West Virginia   25511

Phone: 304-385-4255
Toll Free: 800-225-5982
Email: park email button icon
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.
History of the Area
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.
Cabins
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.
Camping
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.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Swimming
Located near the McClintic Group Camp, the swimming area features a newly remodeled pool, bathhouse and a wading pool for children and provides an ideal spot to escape the summer heat. The pool area is open to guests at the forest as well as people who live in the surrounding community. Lifeguards are on duty during pool hours. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend.


Location
Cabwaylingo State Forest is located near Louisa

Picnicking
The park offers several rustic picnic shelters that can accommodate any size gathering. These shelters are perfect for small group picnics or large family and church reunions. Shelters are furnished with picnic tables, fireplaces, playground equipment, drinking water and conveniently located toilet facilities. Picnic shelters may be reserved in advanced through park headquarters.
Trails
Cabwaylingo offers several scenic trails for hikers. Along these paths, hikers can capture the scenic beauty of the forest and enjoy the many varieties of wildflowers and trees growing in the area. Overhanging rock cliffs can be found along several of these rustic trails. In the past, these cliffs provided shelter for early settlers in the area. Trails range from one mile to three miles in length.
Area Attractions
Cabwaylingo Annual Forest Festival is held on the third Saturday of September each year. This event is sponsored by the forest's foundation and includes:

a parade in which all are invited to participate,

an antique car show,

fun and games for kids of any age,

a horseshoe tournament,

live music,

food and drinks.

Cabwaylingo's Haunted House. Every October, Cabwaylingo State Forest Foundation presents a Haunted House located at the McClintic Group Camp. Food, fun, and a frightfully good time for all.

For you environmentalists, Cabwaylingo performs an Annual Stream Clean each spring. Come join the fun while helping the environment, we would love to have you. We offer special cabin and camping rates for all helpers. Lunch will be provided on cleaning day.

For more information about these events, contact forest headquarters at (304) 385-4255 or 1-800-CALL WVA and ask for Cabwaylingo.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 7 15 out of 5 Star Review by Jessica_S
park review stars; one to five Just returned from staying a week at Spruce Creek Campground. We broke down upon arrival. It is very remote but peace and quiet abounds. We cannot say enough about Mr Craig, Mr Clisby, Ms Rose, Mr Emmett, Ms Dorothy and the others whom we did not catch their names. These people are the best. Checked on us in the mornings and evenings. Told us where to go to get parts, provided directions, offered to help in any way they could. I could go on with more, but words are not enough. Genuine and sincere folk who are a pleasure. Mr Clisby who is the Superintendent is cute on his electric bike which is a must see for any lady. Cabwaylingo State Park is nice, but the employees are the real treat. We will be back. We thank you for everything Weve traveled for many years and have never been treated so well. WV Forestry can be proud of all of them.
February 28 Concerned! by Vicky
park review stars; one to five There is a post going around Facebook that the park will be closing permanently in a few months! Please tell me that is not true! We LOVE this park! We have been going here since childhood- 35 years ago!
September 23 Love the Cabin and the Park by Bosco
park review stars; one to five My son & I have stayed 3 years in a row (Spring & Fall). The cabins have been clean and very well taken care of. Beautiful park. Wonderful people at the office to sign you in & help with things.
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Directions
1. Start on US:60 W towards Huntington.
2. Take the exit onto I:64 E toward Beckley.
3. Continue for approximately 50 miles to Exit 8, WV:152 S/WV-527 N in Barboursville.
4. Turn right onto WV:152 S and continue for about 30 miles until you reach Wayne County line road/CR7/12.
5. Follow CR7/12 southward till it intersects with State Route (SR)37 at Dunlow.
6. Turn left into SR37 eastbound which leads directly into Cabwaylingo State Forest.

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West Virginia
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West Virginia State Parks

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