Cannon Hill RV Park, Rowlesburg, West Virginia

Historic Rowlesburg was a critical railroad link during the Civil War. Its famous bridges were a target of the Confederate forces. Today, the town is still a railroad town through and through. Helpers push long coal trains up Cheat Grade going west, and up Cranberry going east. This makes great train watching for rail fans.

The town is nestled in one of the deepest river valleys on the east coast at the intersection of two National Byways: Northwestern Turnpike and Cheat River Byways. Cheat valley is a treasure for cyclists, fishermen, whitewater enthusiasts and just plain canoe paddlers. Within a few miles is the great Cheat River Canyon with its class III and IV whitewater. From the Rowlesburg Park, down river through the Narrows, the river reaches classs II and III stages.

Cannon Hill RV Park and Camp Ground, located just east of Rowlesburg on Cannon Hill Road, is a one-acre grass parking lot accommodating RVs, campers and tents. Hiking shelter available. The Rowlesburg VFD and the Town of Rowlesburg operate the RV park. Cannon Hill RV Park is open as a dry camp site from May 1 to November 1. A half-mile away, fresh drinking water is available and tank dumping is permitted at the Rowlesburg Community Park. For information and directions, contact the Mayor's Office at 304-454-2441.

The Rowlesburg Community Park also permits limited RV parking in the summer when space is available. Call ahead for reservations and fees, 1-304-454-2441. Cool Springs Park on Rt. 50, five miles south of town, allows occasional RV parking. Call ahead. Just west of Cool Springs Park, going up Laurel Mountain, is the famous “Hairpin Turn” on Rt. 50. At the top of Laurel Mountain, is Sargent’s Trout Pond and camper site. This is idyllic mountain camping with fresh water and electrical hookups. Visitors can fish for trout. For more information, call Clay or Lynn Sargent at 304-568-2278.

Local alternatives