In December 2022, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) solicited proposals from private investors interested in establishing an RV campground at Cacapon State Park.
However, after a citizen complained about inadequate public notification, the DNR postponed the hearing scheduled for last Tuesday and decided not to consider any of the three submitted proposals.
The agency has now posted an online survey to gather input from parkgoers and community members on their desired amenities for the next phase of improvements at Cacapon State Park.
According to State Commerce Secretary James Bailey, the DNR’s decision to seek further public input on potential amenities for Cacapon State Park reflects their commitment to building amenities that both residents and visitors will enjoy.
The survey can be accessed at WVstateparks.com/survey, and the DNR will assess the public’s response before launching its next round of facility improvements at the park.
The three RV campground proposals submitted in December came from Blue Water of Ocean City, MD, River & Trail Outfitters of Harper’s Ferry, and Scenic LLC of Berkeley Springs.
Blue Water proposed a 350-site RV campground with waterpark features. River & Trail Outfitters proposed a 50-site RV park and a mountain bike shuttle service.
Scenic LLC proposed a partnership between Cacapon and their 178-site campground being designed in Great Cacapon.
While the DNR’s decision not to consider the proposals may disappoint private campground owners and operators in the nearby area, it demonstrates the agency’s willingness to prioritize public input in their decision-making process.
The DNR’s commitment to improving the amenities at Cacapon State Park aligns with West Virginia’s growing tourism industry and helps to ensure that the state’s parks remain competitive in attracting visitors.
Cacapon State Park has undergone significant improvements in recent years. Two years ago, the lodge underwent a $25 million upgrade that added 78 guest rooms, a restaurant, lounge, spa, indoor heated pool and whirlpool, fitness center, and multiple spaces for outdoor gatherings.
The DNR’s decision to seek public input for the next phase of improvements demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and engagement with the community.
West Virginia DNR’s decision to postpone the hearing and seek public input on potential amenities for Cacapon State Park reflects their commitment to building amenities that both residents and visitors will enjoy.
While the three RV campground proposals submitted in December will not be considered, the DNR’s commitment to improving Cacapon State Park’s amenities will help ensure its continued success in attracting visitors.
Exciting news – the DNR is reaching out to us to make sure the changes at Cacapon State Park match what we all want. It’s our chance to have a say in the park’s future! Let’s take a few minutes to hop on the online survey and share our thoughts. Together, we can help create amenities that’ll make the park even better for locals and visitors. Let’s make our voices heard!