Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground

We were looking forward to this stop but were greatly disappointed with our site #6 as it was impossible to get our trailer level. Then we noticed that the water and sewer were less than a foot apart (YIKES)!!! But then a family arrived to camp and found that their site was occupied by a family that extended their stay!!!! How does that happen??!! This place needs a lot of work!!!!

I arrived unannounced on a Monday afternoon. I drove right to the campground, which was not how it works. Granted, I could have done a bit more homework (see their website), but the signage is a bit confusing. After calling the office and getting directions, I found the visitor center and got registered, picking up a t-shirt and some fudge. The visitor center staff were very nice and provided info about the mine tours and getting the $5 key deposit refunded. Each site is locked with a cable - you're given a key to unlock it and can return the key anytime afterwards. (The little booth in the campground is staffed from 5:30 - 9:00 in the evening for late arrivals and key return.) I went out exploring the New River Gorge around sunset and returned to the campground (in my car thank goodness) to find the road blocked by a huge Tiffin diesel pusher which slipped going up the steep 90-degree turn at the top of Willis Street. The attendant said this is the second time this has happened in the few years she has been working there. There was a bus-sized tow truck working on getting him back onto the road. Surprisingly, the other campers that night consisted of 2 large class A's and a very big 5th wheel. I had a tough time getting up there in my class C diesel towing a small car. Just be forewarned - lighten your load as much as possible before attempting that climb. The photos do justice to the campground - the electric stands are quite modern, the below ground water and sewer heads less so. Sites are not consistently level but the setting is charming. I used the water to fill my tank but got the impression the water pressure was quite high. I had signals from Verizon, AT&T but was roaming on US Cellular with good connection speed.

Beckley is only located about 30 miles from the New River Gorge, the Gauley River and fantastic hiking. It is actually Gauley Season right now. The water and sewage hookups are located at the back of the pad. The electrical stand contains two hook up for the adjoining sites. You might have to run your cord under your RV. The mine tour is great. Regular price is 22$ for the tour. Campers price is $15. Site 17 does not have a fire pit right next to the site but we were able to use the one close by.