Overview
Camp Dawson is a small unincorporated community in Preston County, West Virginia, situated near Kingwood, the county seat. The area is anchored by the West Virginia Army National Guard's Camp Dawson training installation, which has operated on the site for well over a century. The surrounding landscape is quintessential northern Appalachia: forested ridges, narrow river valleys, and working rural communities.
For civilian visitors, the camp itself is a military facility and not a tourist destination in the conventional sense. However, the broader Kingwood and Preston County area offers genuine appeal for outdoor enthusiasts, history-minded travelers, and anyone looking to explore a lesser-visited corner of West Virginia's mountains. The Cheat River, which runs nearby, is a regional draw for whitewater paddling and fishing.
Kingwood (population a few thousand) provides the nearest services — fuel, basic groceries, a handful of restaurants, and local government offices. Visitors should arrive prepared, as amenities are limited compared with larger West Virginia cities such as Morgantown, roughly 30 miles to the northwest.
Before You Go
No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling domestically. International visitors should consult TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current entry requirements before travel.
Key things to know before you arrive
- Camp Dawson is an active military installation. Civilian access is restricted. Do not attempt to enter without proper authorization. If you have business with the installation, contact the West Virginia National Guard directly for access procedures.
- Cell coverage can be patchy in Preston County's rural hollows and ridgelines. Download offline maps before leaving a larger city.
- Services are limited. Fill your gas tank, carry cash, and stock up on supplies in Morgantown or Kingwood before heading into more remote areas.
- Weather changes quickly in the Appalachian highlands. Pack layers even in summer, and check forecasts before outdoor activities.
- Road conditions on secondary and county roads can deteriorate in winter. A vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive is advisable from November through March.
Getting There
By car
The most practical way to reach Kingwood and the Camp Dawson area is by private vehicle. U.S. Route 50 and WV Route 7 connect the area to surrounding towns. Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, is approximately 30 miles northwest via WV Route 7 and offers the nearest interstate access (I-68 and I-79).
Nearest airports
North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Bridgeport, WV, and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in Pennsylvania are the most realistic fly-in options. Both require a car rental to continue the journey to Preston County — verify current rental availability at each airport before booking.
Public transportation
There is no scheduled intercity bus or rail service directly serving Kingwood. Travelers without a vehicle should plan accordingly, potentially using ride-share services from Morgantown, though availability in rural areas can be limited and should be verified locally.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required for getting around Preston County. Roads in the area range from maintained state routes to narrow, winding county roads — some unpaved — so allow extra travel time and use a reliable GPS or offline map.
Kingwood's small downtown is walkable once you have parked, but distances between the town center, Camp Dawson, and outdoor recreation sites along the Cheat River mean you will be driving between most points of interest. Ride-share availability outside Morgantown should not be assumed; confirm options locally before relying on them.
Things to See & Do
Cheat River
The Cheat River is Preston County's most recognized outdoor asset. Stretching through a dramatic gorge south of the Kingwood area, it draws whitewater kayakers and rafters, particularly during spring runoff when water levels are higher. The upper sections offer calmer conditions suited to fishing — smallmouth bass and stocked trout are common targets. Always check current water levels and conditions before paddling; the river can rise rapidly after rain.
Cheat Lake and surroundings
Cheat Lake, formed by a dam on the Cheat River closer to Morgantown, is accessible as a short day trip and offers boating, fishing, and shoreline recreation. Verify current access and any permit requirements locally.
Preston County countryside and Blackwater Falls region
Prestons County sits near the broader highlands of Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls State Park, located to the south in Tucker County. These areas offer hiking, wildlife viewing, and some of West Virginia's most striking scenery. Blackwater Falls State Park is well-maintained and has visitor facilities — confirm hours and trail conditions on the West Virginia State Parks website before visiting.
Local history
Kingwood's courthouse square reflects the modest 19th-century heritage of a rural Appalachian county seat. Preston County has a coal and agricultural history that shaped the landscape and communities visitors see today. Local historical society resources in Kingwood can provide context for those interested in the region's past.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Kingwood are limited to a small number of local restaurants, diners, and fast-food outlets. Menus tend toward American comfort food and home-cooking styles typical of rural West Virginia. Options change over time, so verify what is currently operating when you arrive — asking at a gas station or the county courthouse area is a reliable way to get up-to-date recommendations.
There are no notable craft beverage destinations or upscale dining in the immediate Camp Dawson/Kingwood area. Visitors seeking a broader restaurant selection should plan a meal in Morgantown, which as a university city has a much wider range of cuisines and price points. Grocery options in Kingwood are basic; stock up on provisions before heading to more remote recreation sites.
Practical Information
Emergency contacts
For any emergency in West Virginia, dial 911. For non-emergency assistance, contact the Preston County Sheriff's Office — verify the current non-emergency number locally or via the Preston County official website.
Medical facilities
The nearest hospital with full emergency services is in Kingwood (Preston Memorial Hospital — verify current status and services on their official website before travel, as rural hospital services can change). For serious emergencies, patients may be transported to facilities in Morgantown.
Money
ATMs are available in Kingwood but may be limited in number. Carry some cash for small businesses and rural fuel stops that may not accept cards.
Communications
Some parts of Preston County have limited or no cellular coverage. Let someone know your itinerary if you plan to spend time in remote outdoor areas. Satellite communicators are worth considering for backcountry trips.
Tipping
Standard U.S. tipping customs apply: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants is conventional.
Safety
Preston County is a rural, low-crime area by most measures, and visitors are unlikely to encounter significant personal safety issues in Kingwood or on outdoor recreation sites. Standard travel precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle, lock doors, and be aware of your surroundings.
Outdoor safety is the more relevant concern. The Cheat River gorge can be dangerous for inexperienced paddlers, especially during high water. Flash flooding is a genuine risk throughout the West Virginia mountains after heavy rain — do not camp in floodplains or cross flooded roads. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are present in the region; check yourself thoroughly after time in vegetation. During hunting seasons (generally fall and early winter), wear blaze orange if hiking on public lands and check West Virginia DNR regulations for current season dates.