The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Money

June 30, 2009

The Camps at Fayette Station offer full service, owner says

Andrea Meador

A self-named “small tadpole in a big ocean,” Paul Witt, manager of ACE Adventure, has embarked on his newest business venture with The Camps at Fayette Station.

Located at the old Rivers facility, the full-service campgrounds include RV hookups, rustic cabins and great views, he said.

Since he took over the camps in early June, Witt said there have been a few renovations, but for the most part, the campgrounds themselves have remained the same. What makes his campground stand out from the rest, he believes, are the trails, the location and views.

“We have some great hiking and biking trails, and we have a spectacular private view of New River Gorge Bridge,” he said. “It’s a full view from side to side.”

A local, Witt said he saw the need for the campground in the area. Because it is so close to Fayetteville, he says campers will be able to enjoy the accommodations of the town while also being in the great outdoors.

“It’s like everyone always said, ‘location, location, location,’ and that’s one of the best things about our camps,” he said. “Since I have local ties to the area, I knew I had come across something that not only the locals but everyone would enjoy.”

The campgrounds have already had a busy month. Last Saturday, it hosted the international independent Reel Paddling Film Festival.

This Saturday, the camp will host another event in an effort to draw more people to the site. Starting at 4 p.m., Everett Lilly and the Lilly Mountaineers will perform.

The cost for the public event is $8 per adult. Children under 12 will be admitted for free with a paying adult.

Afterward, people can enjoy a fireworks display, launched from Fayetteville.

“The Rivers facility was closed for so long that I think people still expect it to be so,” he said. “We want people to know that we’re here and to come enjoy the camps.”

This “one-stop campground” also features the ACE Adventure and Passages to Adventure outfitter shops, along with tent rentals and slumber packages.

If rustic camping isn’t one’s cup of tea, the campgrounds also provide cabins for rent which include electrical outlets.

“You can still feel like you’re out camping even though you’re staying in the cabins,” he said. “They don’t have a kitchen or anything, but they do have the rustic bunk beds and electricity.”

Witt said many people will draw enjoyment out of the campgrounds. Just within the month he’s been open, business has “exceeded expectations.”

“We provide a clean, safe camping environment, and we want to provide people with the best,” he said.

“We’re striving to create more campsites in the future.”

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