Adventure Collective
Experience Solitude Aboard the Castaway Caboose in Durbin, West Virginia - Durbin

Experience Solitude Aboard the Castaway Caboose in Durbin, West Virginia

Durbineasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–4 nights

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels since activities are self-paced with minimal physical demand

Overview

Escape to the quiet wilderness of West Virginia aboard the Castaway Caboose, a restored railroad car offering fully equipped overnight stays alongside the Greenbrier River. Discover why this unique adventure is the perfect secluded retreat for families and nature lovers alike.

Durbin, West Virginia

Castaway Overnight Caboose 2849 (“End of Line” Dropoff)

Starting at $745 (2-Night Minimum) • 1-6 People • Great for Families • Outdoor Recreation

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About This Adventure

Escape to the serene wilderness aboard the Castaway Caboose, where two restored Wabash Railroad cabooses offer a unique overnight experience. Enjoy a round-trip river ride to a secluded setting, complete with modern comforts and a personal campfire. Perfect for families seeking adventure and tranquility away from the modern world.

Castaway Caboose Overnight Rental

2024 Rates (2 Night Minimum Stay Required)

Two Nights (Min) - $715 (Wednesday and Friday Departures Only) Three Nights - $950 (Sunday Departures Only) Four Nights (Max) - $1200 (Wednesday Departures Only)

Prices do not include taxes/fees.

Caboose has a maximum occupancy of 6 people. Price is the same whether you have one person in your party or six.

Caboose cannot be rented for a single night stay.

2024 Weekly Departure Schedule (All Departures at 2pm from Durbin Depot)

  • Wednesday: 2 or 4 Night Stay Available (Return pickup day is Friday for 2 night stay and Sunday for 4 night stay)
  • Friday: 2 Night Stay Only (Return pickup day is Sunday)
  • Sunday: 3 Night Stay Only (Return pickup day is Wednesday)

All return pickups occur around 10:30am. Caboose stay cannot start on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday.

Description

Visit Durbin and drift away in complete solitude onboard the Castaway Caboose! We’ve restored two original Wabash Railroad cabooses into comfortable efficiency suites on rails!

Trip Summary

Your overnight package includes a round-trip river ride where you will be “cast away” at one of two remote settings. Located several miles from the nearest encroachment of the modern world, this secluded wilderness setting along the beautiful Greenbrier River is where you will spend the evening with only the rushing waters of the river to break the quiet of the night. At the end of your stay the train will pull your caboose car back to Durbin where you will be treated to your first glimpse of civilization!

Each CASTAWAY CABOOSE has room for up to six people and includes a refrigerator, range, heat, linens, towels, utensils, DVD player, full-size shower, and restroom. A personal load of firewood will be provided for your campfire. Due to the location being a part of the National Radio Quiet Zone, no cell phone service is available.

Pickup/Dropoff

Castaway Caboose departures are at 1:30 PM.

Castaway Caboose pick-ups are made at 10:30 AM.

List of Supplies Included on Each Caboose (bring your own food/clothing):

  • Towels/Wash Clothes (Bring your own towels for swimming)
  • Bed Linens
  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Toilet Paper
  • Kleenex
  • 6 Folding Chairs
  • Blackstone Griddle
  • Bottled Water
  • Paper Towels
  • Plates, Glasses, Cups, etc.
  • All Kitchen utensils
  • Dish Clothes/Towels
  • Pots and Pans
  • Large Bowls
  • Laundry Bag
  • Soap
  • First Aid Kit
  • Sugar, splenda, flour
  • Tea Bags and Hot Cocoa
  • Regular or Decaf Coffee (perk and instant)
  • TV/DVD Player
  • USB Port

Please note: The railroad reserves the right to alter locomotive power (steam or diesel) for the Caboose depending on dropoff/pickup dates (for example, a diesel engine may drop off your Caboose on the day of your departure, and a steam train may pick you up on the day of your return, or vice versa).

CODES OF CONDUCT:

  • No SMOKING is permitted on any of our trains. Passengers are also prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on any of our trains.
  • No WEAPONS of any kind are permitted on any of our trains.
  • No PETS are allowed on any of our trains. Service animals are allowed but must be approved by management prior to boarding.

ADA INFO:

  • Due to the historical nature of the equipment, the Castaway Cabooses are not wheelchair accessible.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If notice of cancellation is made more than 2 weeks in advance of departure date, we will be able to issue you an 85% monetary refund (booking fees are non-refundable). If cancellation is requested within 2 weeks of your departure date, full price will be charged with no monetary refund available, though we would be able to reschedule your booking for another date in the current season (if available) or issue you a gift card for the full amount paid (minus booking fees) that will be good as payment towards a future Castaway Caboose booking and will not expire.

Adventure Tips

Arrive early for check-in

Castaway Caboose departures begin promptly at 1:30 PM from Durbin Depot—plan to arrive ahead to settle in comfortably.

Pack food and swim towels

Since meals aren’t included, bring your own provisions and towels if you plan to swim in the Greenbrier River.

Prepare for no cell service

The National Radio Quiet Zone means no phone signal onsite; download maps and entertainment beforehand.

Bring warm layers for night

Mountain evenings can dip significantly—pack extra layers to stay cozy around the campfire.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • River otters

History

The Castaway Caboose is a restored Wabash Railroad car, preserving a piece of regional rail history while offering a modern outdoor experience.

Conservation

Strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles helps protect the pristine river corridor and wildlife habitats around Durbin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable hiking shoes

Essential

Explore nearby trails comfortably on varied terrain.

spring specific

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Summer storms can hit; stay dry while outdoors.

summer specific

Warm sleeping bag or extra blankets

Essential

Even with cabin heat, fall nights can be chilly on the river.

fall specific

Swimwear and quick-dry towel

Cool off with a swim in the Greenbrier River during warm months.

summer specific