The forest is the newest in West Virginia's system, having been mostly purchased in 1953 from New River Lumber Company. The forest is named for Marlinton newspaper editor, Calvin W. Price.
Calvin Price State Forest has 9,482 acres. 93 of these acres have been developed or are maintained as open areas for primitive camping and picnicking. Hunting and hiking are the principal recreational uses of the forest. The primary focus on Cal Price is in the areas of forest, wildlife, and watershed management.
