The campground is being built on the site of the Deer Creek Extract Plant. Where was the plant located in relation to the railroad, mill ruins, and the present town of Cass?

Thank you,

Wesley

I was hoping that it would be somewhere on the mountain, perhaps even Bald Knob

The location is described as "The campground will be located along the Greenbrier River and Greenbrier River Rail Trail just a few minute walk from the Cass Company Store."

A map of the plan that I have seen shows it to be south of town near the sewage treatment ponds. This is basically where Deer Creek flows into the Greenbrier River from the east. It looks like one circle of campsites will be next to the fire department, and then a big series of loops with campsites further south starting at the sewage ponds.

Bart

There has been the outcry that this money could be used to further restore and preserve the town and mill site, which is true. However, knowing any government entity, I think any expenditure is a good thing, and hopefully will encourage more people to come to Cass.

As previously stated, the campground will be on the "lower end" of town.

Is anything being lost with this project? Since Cass is a state park a campground seems like a logical thing to have unless I’m missing something.

There are a few remains of old foundations in the area, but nothing that would really be recognized as more than debris. The area is mostly brush with some trees, so little clearing will really be required.

The biggest thing that I see will be lost is the very quiet evenings at Cass after the trains have been put away. I have always enjoy just walking around and being about the only person (lots of deer though) in the town.

On the other hand, Cass will see more visitors, some who used to visit and then head elsewhere for camping. The stores and restaurant will see more breakfast and dinner activity. Hopefully, the camping will produce significantly more revenue for the park, something that does support a number of state parks across the country.

Bart

Yes, I can see that. It's been several years but Cass does have that true "ghost town" feel that won't be felt the same with a campground. But a true "ghost town" can't be good for business so 50/50.

How many times have I heard people point out that there is no place to stay when visiting Cass. I got lucky and asked the right person working at the store in Greenbank who knew a lady who used to have rooms for rent in Cass. She opened the house back up for me to stay a night.
***Note to civil servants in charge of design/approval of campgrounds - always put them next to the sewage treatment plant. It will protect against anyone who desires to stay more than one night, regardless of their original intentions...

Other West Virginia State Park campgrounds charge $45 for sites with electric hookups and $35 for non electric.

I assume this campground will have similar pricing.

Brian Helfrich

Well that’s not true… you can stay in the old company houses. And there are a few small hotel options not too far away. I can’t remember where I stayed, it was either in Durbin or just outside - but it wasn’t too far from Cass.