Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
Beckley, WV
Ride a mine car into a real seam with former miners as guides, then walk through a restored coal camp. Bring a jacket; it is cool underground.
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, West Virginia, is a museum mine in New River Park, not far from the New River Gorge. The mine, the Phillips-Sprague Mine, was opened around 1889; the first coal was shipped on January 4, 1906. Mining ended in 1953, and the city of Beckley bought the site. It opened as an exhibition mine in 1962, which Wikipedia describes as the first site devoted entirely to teaching the public about coal mining.
On the tour, a mine train takes you about 1,500 feet (450 meters) into the mine, and according to Atlas Obscura veteran miners lead the way. The grounds also hold restored coal camp buildings, including a house, church, doctor's office and schoolhouse. Bring a jacket, because it is cool underground. If you would rather skip the mine, Lonely Planet says you can see everything except the mine itself.
Beckley is about 22 miles (35 kilometers) south of Fayetteville, and the site combines well with the New River Gorge Bridge and Babcock State Park for a day on the road.
- Nearest town
- Beckley, WV
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.7855, -81.1975
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Lake Stephens RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover6 mi from Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine · 100 pitchesMotorhomes
- Little Beaver State Park CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Beckley Exhibition Coal MineTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Burning Rock CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
- Shady Rest RV ParkMotorhome stopover11 mi from Beckley Exhibition Coal MineMotorhomes
- Hilltop SunriseMotorhome stopover12 mi from Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine · 2 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Arrowhead Bike Farm CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
All campsites in West Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine?
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is in Beckley, WV, at GPS 37.7855, -81.1975. It is about 14 mi from Thurmond.
Can you camp near Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lake Stephens RV Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine?
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: New River Gorge National Park.
What is there to see near Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine?
Places worth a stop nearby: Grandview (8 mi), Thurmond Historic District (14 mi), Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park (19 mi) and New River Gorge Bridge (21 mi).
When is the best time to visit Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)