LITTLE BEAVER STATE PARK HAS A HOLIDAY SURPRISE FOR CAMPERS.

BEAVER, W.Va. -- The following information was released by the West Virginia State Government:

Long in the works, a campground at Little Beaver State Park will open 30 of the planned 46 total campsites on July 1, just in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend. The 30 campsites will be first-come first-served. The location is minutes off I-64 in Raleigh County. From I-64, take Exit 129A, It is two miles south on WV 307.

"It will quickly become one of our most successful campgrounds in our state park system," said Ken Caplinger, chief of West Virginia State Parks. "It is a welcome addition to our outdoor recreation offerings at state parks."

"These 30 sites have water and electricity," said Erik Evans, park superintendent. "The remaining 16 sites, when completed, will have water only. All sites currently have gravel based pads and access and can accommodate up to a 40-foot RV. The campground features a central dump station, check-in building with camp store. The camp store offers wireless Internet."

A large bathhouse with laundry facilities is also open. "As we bring the campground into full operation, I know campers will appreciate the on-site services and amenities," said Evans. The remaining 16-sites are forecast to be open by mid- to late-fall in 2011. Site paving is planned.

Camping rates are $28 for sites with water and electricity and $25 for sites with water hookup only. "Although these first sites are first-come first-serve for now, we expect to begin taking reservations next year. Our system will mirror the state park campground reservation guidelines," Evans said.

Until now, Little Beaver State Park has been a popular 562-acre day use park featuring Little Beaver Lake for fishing, paddle and row boating. The five reservable picnic shelters, playground, geocaching, activity building and game room are popular with families, reunions and day visitors. Eighteen trails are open to hiking and bicycle riding.

"The campground adds another layer of service at Little Beaver and to our state park system. We're glad to have these 30 sites available and look forward to completing the full site inventory," said Evans. Little Beaver is near Grandview National Park and Theater West Virginia summer productions. Grandview became part of New River Gorge National River in 1990 after more than 50 years as one of West Virginia's state parks.

Campground construction costs at Little Beaver are reported to be less than a million dollars, with work performed in-house by state park employees and other entities. For information about Little Beaver State Park, call 304-763-2494 or visit online www.littlebeaverstatepark.com.

Find all of West Virginia's state parks and state forests at www.wvstateparks.com.