West Virginia has opened reservations for 32 new glamping accommodations across four state parks, with the project adding overnight lodging capacity through a public-private partnership involving the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and a private tourism company.
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that reservations are now available for the 2027 season, which will run from April 1 through November 30. The accommodations are located at Blackwater Falls State Park, Lost River State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, and Summersville Lake State Park. Visitors can make reservations through the West Virginia State Parks website.
“West Virginia has some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the country, and we’re finding new ways for people to experience it,” said Governor Morrisey. “Our tourism economy is reaching new heights, and partnerships like this help us build on that momentum by attracting more visitors, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities for West Virginia workers.”
According to a press release, the glamping units are designed to combine outdoor recreation with furnished overnight accommodations. The canvas-style structures feature furnished interiors, comfortable beds, seating, lighting, and outdoor gathering spaces, providing an alternative to traditional campsites and other park lodging options.
The development is being carried out through a partnership between the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Out & West, LLC, a company based in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Under the arrangement, Out & West is responsible for providing the investment needed to construct, operate, and maintain the accommodations. The state will retain ownership and oversight of the parks while receiving revenue from the project to support park operations.
The arrangement allows the state to expand its lodging inventory without directly funding construction through taxpayer dollars. It also introduces a private operator into the delivery and ongoing management of the accommodations, creating a model that other public land and park operators may consider when evaluating ways to increase overnight capacity.
“By bringing private investment into our state parks, we’re expanding opportunities for visitors without putting construction costs on taxpayers,” said Governor Morrisey. “That means more business for our local communities, more opportunities for West Virginia workers, and another reason for people to experience Almost Heaven.”
For campground and outdoor hospitality operators, the project highlights how public-private partnerships can create opportunities to introduce higher-comfort lodging options within established recreation destinations. Adding glamping units to existing parks can help broaden the range of overnight products available to visitors, potentially attracting customers who want an outdoor setting but prefer furnished accommodations over conventional tent camping.
However, the model also places importance on the terms of the partnership, including investment responsibilities, maintenance standards, revenue arrangements, and operational oversight. For private operators considering similar agreements with government agencies, these factors can influence long-term project viability and the division of responsibilities between public landowners and private businesses.
The announcement comes amid continued growth in West Virginia’s tourism economy. According to figures cited by the governor’s office, tourism generated a record $9.4 billion in total economic impact in 2025, while the state welcomed 78.4 million visitors. The figures provide an indication of the scale of visitor activity supporting the state’s recreation, lodging, and hospitality sectors.
Morrisey made the announcement at Pipestem Resort State Park, where a furnished demonstration unit was presented to provide visitors and other attendees with an example of the accommodations.
Reservations are available for stays during the April 1-November 30, 2027, operating season through West Virginia State Parks. The addition of the 32 units expands the state’s range of overnight lodging options while creating another opportunity for private investment in outdoor hospitality development.