My family and I recently stayed in a cabin in North Bend State Park. The cabin was a little dark but everything about our stay was absolutely wonderful. We hiked. We went to the Nature Center for some wonderful activities. This is a place we will definitely have to go back to again
It is on our bucket list to stay at or visit all of the WV State Parks. We have also been wanting to visit Blennerhassett Island in Parkersburg, WV. When we discovered that North Bend had a package deal we took advantage of it.It included one nights lodging at North Bend Lodge, tickets for two to visit Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park which included the Sternwheeler ride to and from The Island (two passes), two tickets for wagon ride tour of the island, two tickets for Blennerhassett Mansion tour, and two passes for Blennerhassett Regional History Museum. The lodge was rustic and quaint. Our room was on the second floor. It was quiet and comfortable. The breakfast we had in the lodge's restaurant was delicious and the prices were very reasonable. All of the staff we encountered were very friendly. I would certainly recommend going to North Bend State Park's website and looking up a package deal. It was worth it!
We have stayed at several West Virginia State Parks and have always been pleased with the accommodations and enjoyed our experience. North Bend State Park offers beautiful grounds. We didn't stay in the lodge, but rented a cabin for two nights. The cabin, a two bedroom, was very large and roomy and included heat and air conditioning. Most everything that was needed was supplied. The pots and pans in the kitchen were very good, with a newer refrigerator and electric stove and microwave. The dishes, silverware, countertops and table top appeared to be clean. However we weren't sure of the cleanliness of the floors. After using the shower, some water got on the floor and after wiping up the water, the paper towel became just a little too gray-brown to be considered clean. Also, we realize that spiders can spin webs overnight and even during the day. However, when there are multiple webs gathered around the inside of the drapes and on the lighting fixture above the kitchen table, one suspects that a deep cleaning hasn't happened for a while. The two bedrooms were also roomy, one with a double bed and the other twins. The sheets were clean, the bedspread questionable. -There were also two roll aways inside large closets.- The cabin, like most cabins, was dark inside, even with many light fixtures. There was a flat screen TV with many channels available. We did eat at the park's lodge. The food was good; however, a few too many flies (alive and dead) were near the tables next to the windows. The staff were pleasant. The state park was nice enough, but because of the lack of cleanliness, we aren't sure if we would want to return or even recommend this park to others.
The rail trail is great bring the family and the bikes and ride from North Bend to the Dairy Queen.Nice hiking trails.Camp site 10 is the biggest siteNice cabins..
Overall, it seems like a property that was abandoned in the '80's and just reopened last week. With newly paved roads and modern playground equipment, the park may be in the beginning of some much needed updating...the lodge still has pay phones. There were a variety of strange smells throughout the hallways. Many of the lights outside of the lodge did not work. The trail I visited was nearly unusable. The rail trail, however, was a GREAT biking experience. The pool was also very large and enjoyable, although there were strangely no chairs to sit on. Picnic areas looked inviting. Staff was very nice and helpful. I suggest visiting the nearby Chinese restaurant Peking.
We came here for a weekend with grandparents and teenagers. We stayed at the River Run campground-- set up near the creek with 36' RV and tent-- plenty of room and super nice couple as camp hosts to check us in-- nice clean bathrooms. Beautiful campground with lots of mature trees. Just easy mile to rails to trails bike path. We will definitely be back.
North Bend is a very nice place to go camping. They also have a lodge, but I have never stayed there. If you ride bikes this is the place to come!! Park has access to rails n trails that u can ride forever. They also have a new playground, a nature center and bball courts!! Nice campground and lake for fishing.
I have always had a hankering to stay in a log cabin, albeit a deluxe one, tucked away in a white pine forest. Our cabin, situated away from the North bend Lodge, overlooked the river valley but within the confines of the park. Not far away, a scenic trail, overhung by large sycamores and hemlocks, skirts the rim of the escarpment , sometimes descending into and climbing out of the miniature valleys that score the sides of the bluff, and run down to the river's edge. Just the ticket after grazing on a large fry-up for breakfast. While getting our first glimpse of the white-tailed deer, who by the way show no discomfort at our approach, we noticed a trail for the handicapped, that provides signage in print and in braille, and also outdoor games and equipment for the blind. Simply amazing. later, we indulged in the use of the swimming pool and took the complementary bikes for a spin.
The park has miles and miles of hiking with lots of wildlife. Often times you will be the only one hiking there allowing you time to sit, reflect and enjoy the peace and quiet. There are many picnic tables and shelters for picnics. They have also spent some money setting up really nice new playgrounds with slides for kids. If you're into bicycling explore their Rail Trails which offers many miles of bicycle trails passing through scenic rail tunnels. For me I enjoyed the peaceful trails and watching the deer come out of the forest and night began to fall.
Another stop for our VIPP tour as a required park. The lake area and public access was easily found and reached by our car. Renting boats and fishing is an option and very affordable. The lodge is not too far from the front entrance, which is nice considering that a lot of state parks send you a few miles down the road before seeing the main lodge. The inside of the lodge is dated, but well kept and decorated - it's almost gives you the feel of a woodsy-summer cabin. The restaurant filled the desk area with a heavenly bread-baking scent. Decided to drive around and see the grounds. The cabins seem pretty close together, but spacious for large groups. The pitch-tent areas were well split and laid out. Duck ponds and wash rooms close by. When passing the pool, it appeared that you must climb a set of tall stairs to reach the swimming area. I assume they have ADA/wheelchair access, as do most state parks. We looped up around the amphitheater, playground, shelter, and nature center. Quaint little area to explore and enjoy. We did not get to hike the many trails available, but all appeared well marked. In summary: it you love the outdoors, this is the place to go. Very accommodating to the woodsy-style person. Lots of space and grounds to cover.