It is one of a handful of dedicated military posts operated by the West Virginia National Guard (as opposed to smaller armories), houses the West Virginia Army National Guard's officer candidate school.

Camp Dawson was established on May 7, 1909, when the West Virginia Legislature authorized the purchase of 196.5 acres (0.795 km2) of land on Dunkard Bottom along the Cheat River.

The camp was named in honor of William M. O. Dawson, a native of Preston County, who had just left office as Governor of West Virginia in 1908.

Since the original land purchase, six additional tracts have been acquired by the installation bringing the total acreage to 4,177.5 acres (16.906 km2).

Training opportunities that are unique to the site and its environs, such as the very rugged local terrain, have attracted U.S Army units and sister military services (both Active and Reserve) for many years.