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Bluestone National Scenic River: fees, hours, camping and when to visit
- Entrance fee
- None[1]
- Busiest month (2025)
- October[2]
- Recreation visits, 2025
- 12,446[3]
- Visitor centers
- 1[4]
Bluestone National Scenic River is a National Park System unit in West Virginia[5]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].
Entrance fees and passes
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for Bluestone National Scenic River[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.
When to visit and hours
NPS lists the park as open around the clock[6]. Year-round access is at two points, Bluestone State Park and the old Lilly townsite[6]. Access at Pipestem Resort State Park is seasonal[6]. In 2025 the busiest month was October with 4,286 recreation visits[2]. The quietest month was February with 75[2]. NPS describes summer daytime temperatures in the middle to upper 80's and winter temperatures that average in the mid 20's up to the mid 40's[7]. NPS also notes that fall color tends to peak around mid-October[7]. Snowfall varies, and NPS gives an average of 5 inches a month from December to March[7].
Show visits by month
| Month, 2025 | Recreation visits |
|---|---|
| January | 182 |
| February | 75 |
| March | 415 |
| April | 682 |
| May | 459 |
| June | 1,594 |
| July | 426 |
| August | 818 |
| September | 2,430 |
| October | 4,286 |
| November | 350 |
| December | 729 |
Pets and dogs
Under the national NPS pet rule, pets must be crated, caged or on a leash of six feet or less where they are allowed[8]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings or on designated swimming beaches, with an exception for service animals[8]. Each park can close more areas to pets, so check with the park before bringing a dog[8].
Before you go
Questions people ask
- Is there an entrance fee at Bluestone National Scenic River?
- NPS lists Bluestone National Scenic River as a fee-free park with no entrance fee[1]. Confirm on the official park page before you go[1].
- What is the best time to visit Bluestone National Scenic River?
- In 2025 the busiest month was October with 4,286 recreation visits, and the quietest was February with 75[2]. NPS notes that fall color tends to peak around mid-October[7].
Facts and sources
- NPS lists Bluestone National Scenic River as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
- NPS recreation visits by month, 2025 (chart on this page). NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- NPS recreation visits per year: 2021: 26,710, 2022: 14,113, 2023: 21,592, 2024: 7,327, 2025: 12,446. NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- Visitor centers listed by NPS: 1 (Sandstone Visitor Center). National Park Service
- Bluestone National Scenic River is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: National Scenic River) in West Virginia. National Park Service
- Operating hours, Bluestone National Scenic River: The park is accessible year-round at two entrance points, Bluestone State Park and the former Lilly townsite, and seasonally at Pipestem Resort State Park. The park is open 24 hours a day. National Park Service
- NPS weather and seasons overview for Bluestone National Scenic River. National Park Service
- National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
- Activities NPS lists for Bluestone National Scenic River: Biking, Mountain Biking, Boating, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Guided Tours, Hiking, Hunting and Gathering, Hunting, Paddling, Canoeing, Kayaking, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching,... National Park Service