The J.G. Bradley Campground and Lodge is nestled between the Buffalo Creek and it's recreational trail, a stunningly gorgeous 22-mile long trail that offers hiking, cycling, swimming, and fishing. You can also ride horses or ATVs on nearby country roads. A short walk down the rail road to the new Elk River Rail-Trail will get you to the best fishing, hiking/biking trail in the state.

The lodge offers comfortable rooms, a spacious common area, kitchenette, and large creek side deck. The large side deck offers the perfect location to host weddings and more. Additionally, campers can choose from nearly 50 primitive camping to full hook-up sites located along the beautiful Buffalo Creek. The outdoor pavilion offers an excellent venue for birthday or other parties and class or family reunions.

Located nearby is the town of Clay, the county seat, in which the annual Golden Delicious Apple Festival is held the 3rd week of September, providing a wonderful week of lively music, dancing, baking contests, rides, games, parades, fireworks, and even food and craft vendors

Our Story

The J.G. Bradley campground and lodge is named after Joseph Gardner Bradley, a Harvard law graduate who was vice-president of the Buffalo Creek and Gauley railroad. Bradley lived within the area of Dundon, and the lodge stands in close proximity to the old Dundon mine.

The Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone of West Virginia is a federally designated Rural Enterprise Community that serves all of Clay County and portions of Braxton, Fayette, Nicholas and Roane Counties. In 1994, these communities developed a grassroots plan for improving the economy and quality of life within the region. The resulting federal designation has allowed CAEZ to access significant resources to implement the plan.

In 2005 CAEZ’s Executive Director, Jerry Sizemore, located property in Dundon, Clay County, for a possible campground. Shortly after the acquisition of the 11+ acres by CAEZ, Mr. Sizemore met with Roger Nutter, a former resident of Swandale, WV. Mr. Nutter had a small camp at Swandale and also had a jitney that he offered short rides on the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad spur. Mr Nutter was an avid supporter of revitalizing the area of the BC&G railroad and his dream was to someday have a tourist train operate on the 18 mile stretch from Dundon to Widen.

With the assistance and financial startup monies, CAEZ assisted in creating the BC&G RR Cooperative. This was the beginning of what turned out to be a successful venture between the two parties

As a result of the cooperation between these two groups, we now have the JG Bradley Campground and Lodge located on the banks of Buffalo Creek and beside the BC&G Railroad. The lodge consists of 5 fully furnished rooms, lounge area with continental kitchen and fireplace. We also have 6 full RV hookups, 5 partial hookups and numerous tent sites available.

We have been unable so far to realize the dream of a tourist train but we do have the Buffalo Creek Recreational Trail and the beautiful Elk River that is a designated water trail from Sutton to Clendenin!

The J.G. Bradley Campground and Lodge is adjacent to the Buffalo Creek Recreational Trail, a stunningly gorgeous 22-mile long trail that offers hiking, cycling, swimming, and fishing. You can also ride horses or ATVs on nearby country roads. Take advantage of the new Buffalo Creek and Gauley rail bike attraction. A short walk down the rail road to the new Elk River Railroad State Park will get you to the best fishing, hiking/biking trail in the state. The comfortable rooms, spacious common area, kitchenette, and large creek-side deck offer the perfect location to host weddings, reunions, parties, and more. Located nearby is the town of Clay, the county seat, in which the annual Golden Delicious Apple Festival is held the 3rd week of September, providing a wonderful week of lively music, dancing, baking contests, rides, games, parades, fireworks, and even food and craft vendors

J.G. Bradley Campground and Lodge

Nestled in a valley and home to the Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad, enjoy Clay County from a quiet camping spot near downtown Clay, West Virginia