Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In West Virginia

Embark on your next adventure with this ultimate guide! Uncover the beauty of the American outdoors as I take you through hidden gems, inviting hiking trails, and perfect camping spots, all of which can be found in the best state parks in West Virginia. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for your next outdoor escape, join me in exploring the scenic wonders of the Mountain State.

Most Popular State Parks In West Virginia

Dive into the top state parks for some serious fun. Pipestem Resort offers family adventures with ziplining and mountain biking. Blackwater Falls boasts stunning waterfalls and scenic trails for the avid photographer. And at Cass Scenic Railroad, hop on vintage trains to experience a bit of lumbering history. Get set for a wild ride through West Virginia‘s best nature spots!

Pipestem Resort State Park, 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA

MyName (Kstuebin (talk)), CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Location: Pipestem, WV

Wow Factor: The park has two hotels, one accessible by tram, 26 cabins, golf courses, restaurants, and recreational activities like horseback riding at its stable - wow!

Need To Know: The park's nature center showcases native plants and animals, hosting year-round nature programs. It includes the Harris Homestead, a reconstructed 1900s historic house museum with a barn and meat house. Open to explore anytime.

Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia is the ultimate adventure spot for families! Picture this: zipline tours, guided trout fishing, and mountain biking – there are so many things to do in Pipestem Resort State Park. And if you're a fan of water activities, check out the new adventure lake and splash park. You can even go kayaking or try stand-up paddle boarding on the Bluestone River.

This expansive 4,050-acre park on the border of Summers and Mercer counties has 26 cabins and lodges you can reach by riding an aerial tramway. Oh, and if you're up for more fun, Bluestone State Park by Bluestone Lake is just a quick 20-minute drive away. So many adventures, so little time!

Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA

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Location: Davis, WV

Wow Factor: Blackwater River's "Great Falls" drop 62 feet, the state's highest above-ground falls, with a distinctive formation often icing over in winter. Trails lead to overlooks and a basin below.

Need To Know: A wheelchair-accessible trail near the park lodge leads to Lindy Point for a great Canyon view. Smaller falls like those on Falls Run, Shay Run (Elakala Falls), and Pendleton Run are accessible by trail.

In Tucker County's Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is known for its amber-hued 57-foot falls, colored by fallen hemlock and red spruce needles' tannic acid.

Photographers are drawn to famous destinations like Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook, making them some of the most photographed spots in the state. For those looking for things to do in Blackwater Falls State Park, the park also offers 20 miles of trails, the East Coast's longest sledding magic carpet in winter, a cozy lodge, and more.

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Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, 12363 Cass Rd, Cass, WV 24927, USA

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley

Location: Cass, WV

Wow Factor: Visitors ride historic log cars pulled by a powerful geared logging locomotive on an 11-mile track laid in 1901 across the steep grades of Back Allegheny Mountain.

Need To Know: Pick from three trips: a two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a five-hour round trip to the abandoned ghost town of Spruce, and a five-hour round trip to Bald Knob, the state's third-highest point.

Step back in time with a trip to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, where steam-driven locomotives and an original lumbering town come to life. Things to do in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park include exploring the 11-mile heritage railroad, visiting the Company Store for shopping and dining, and discovering the Cass Historical Theater and Museum, showcasing authentic lumber railroading history.

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Best State Parks In West Virginia To Camp

Ready to discover the best state parks for camping in WV? Audra State Park’s riverside charm, Babcock State Park’s scenic beauty and historic mill, and Bluestone State Park’s lakeside retreat await your tent and outdoor escapades. Get set for fun camping experiences in the Mountain State!

Audra State Park, Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201, USA

Richard C. Worden/Google Maps

Location: Buckhannon, WV

Wow Factor: Audra State Park, built around a 19th-century gristmill and the Audra community, preserves the historical remnants, including the visible spillway in the river.

Need To Know: Audra State Park's hilly terrain and secondary forest along the Middle Fork River offer swimming spots with deep pools, flat rocks, and a riverside beach. Don't miss Alum Cave, accessible via a boardwalk along the overhanging sandstone ledge.

Nestled in the wooded beauty of southwestern Barbour County and a part of Upshur County, Audra State Park is a camper's sanctuary along the Middle Fork River. With 65 campsites, including 39 with electricity, it's the perfect spot for families seeking outdoor adventures. Modern bathhouses, a central playground, and convenient amenities like coin-operated laundry and a nearby dumping station make camping a breeze.

For those wondering about things to do in Audra State Park, the campground store is stocked with camping essentials, snacks, and souvenirs, ensuring you're well-equipped for a memorable outdoor experience surrounded by the clear waters of the Middle Fork River and the scenic Alum Cave rock overhang.

Babcock State Park, 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831, USA

Sain Juan/Google Local

Location: Clifftop, WV

Wow Factor: The Glade Creek Grist Mill, near the park headquarters, is a replica of the original Cooper's Mill, combining parts from three other West Virginia mills. Completed in 1976 and named after Edward V. Babcock, it's a living monument to the state's historical mills.

Need To Know: Camping season is from mid-April through late October.

Babcock State Park, a West Virginia gem, covers 4,127 acres of stunning scenery, just 20 miles from the New River Gorge Bridge. Apart from the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, the park offers a 52-unit campground with 28 electric hookup sites and 24 non-electric sites.

Ideal for tents or trailers, the campground features a central bathhouse with coin-operated laundry, two water fill-up stations, and two sewage facilities. Convenient amenities like firewood and ice are available for purchase, along with Wi-Fi. Perfect for outdoor lovers, there are so many things to do in Babcock State Park - it's a base camp for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and nearby New River Gorge whitewater rafting.

Bluestone State Park, 78, HC, Hinton, WV 25951, USA

Louis Rios/Google Local

Location: Hinton, WV

Wow Factor: The park and lake take their name from the Bluestone River, which converges with the New River within the park.

Need To Know: The park provides boating access, a marina offering boat and canoe rentals, and a swimming pool for visitors to enjoy.

Bluestone State Park in southern West Virginia is the perfect place to enjoy camping by the water. It's located along the state's third-largest body of water and offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating and fishing.

The park has four campgrounds with a total of 120 campsites. Meador Campground has 32 sites for RV and tent campers, while Old Mill Campground offers 44 rustic campsites. Tent Area Campground has five sites for groups, and East Shore Campground has 39 primitive sites accessible only by boat. There are numerous things to do in Bluestone State Park!

Best State Parks In West Virginia To RV

How many state parks in West Virginia strike the perfect balance between access to heavenly greenery and top-notch RV facilities? Camp Creek, Tygart Lake, and Watoga State Parks stand out as premier destinations, providing picturesque landscapes and diverse recreational activities. From scenic hiking trails to idyllic fishing spots, these parks cater to lovers of the outdoors. And, if you need a vehicle to rent, be sure to browse the options from RVShare.com.

Camp Creek State Park, 2390 Co Hwy 19/5, Camp Creek, WV 25820, USA

Luis Urquia/Google Maps

Location: Camp Creek, WV

Wow Factor: For a unique stay - Camp Creek's new Ranger Outpost Cabin is a perfect secluded mountain retreat, accessed by a 3.3-mile forest hike, providing stunning views and outdoor adventures.

Need To Know: Camp Creek has 27 miles of trails for mountain bikers and 15 trails for a total of 33 miles of hiking.

Camp Creek State Park and Forest, is ideal for RV campers. With nearly 6,000 acres of lush forest, waterfalls, and diverse outdoor activities, including 35 miles of trails and seven miles of trout streams, it's a perfect getaway. It's also conveniently located off I-77, making it ideal for family trips and scenic drives in southern West Virginia.

The park features four campgrounds, and RV campers should check out Mash Fork Campground. With 26 sites, including Wi-Fi, a heated bathhouse all year round, and full hookup options, it's your comfy base for all the cool things to do in Camp Creek State Park and Forest.

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Tygart Lake State Park, 1240 Paul E Malone Rd, Grafton, WV 26354, USA

Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Location: Grafton, WV

Wow Factor: Tygart Dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Need To Know: Tygart Lake State Park offers a 20-room lodge with lake views and lakeside benefits, including kayak rentals and fishing. Some lodge rooms are pet-friendly. The park also has 11 cabins, six with lake views, making it a cozy destination for boating and lake activities, with designated pet-friendly cabins available.

Situated in the scenic Allegheny Mountains of north-central West Virginia, Tygart Lake State Park is a peaceful oasis with a 10-mile-long lake. Just south of Grafton, it's an excellent option for water activities like boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing.

The lakeside lodging offers a relaxing escape after a day of play. Among the things to do in Tygart Lake State Park, RV campers can explore the campground featuring 36 sites, including 10 with 50-amp electric and water hook-ups, and 26 standard sites, with a nearby dump station. Enjoy the stunning views and water adventures at Tygart Lake State Park!

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Watoga State Park, 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA

Lynn Stewart/Google Local

Location: Marlinton, WV

Wow Factor: It boasts one of the darkest night skies among all West Virginia State Parks.

Need To Know: Watoga State Park has a seasonal swimming pool!

If you're looking for things to do in Watoga State Park, you won't be disappointed. Watoga State Park is the largest state park in West Virginia, located in the mountains of Pocahontas County.

It offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, with Watoga Lake being a popular fishing spot. The park also features a museum, and observation tower, and was recently designated an official Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association.

For RV camping, the park offers two campgrounds with electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and central bathhouses with laundry and dishwashing stations.

Best State Parks In West Virginia For Hiking

Set out on epic hikes in WV’s top state parks! From the scenic overlook with spectacular views at Hawks Nest to the wooded mountains of Lost River and the unique rocks of Beartown, there’s a trail for every nature lover. Get ready for an adventure in the Mountain State – grab your hiking gear and hit the trails!

Hawks Nest State Park, 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812, USA

Matt/Flickr

Location: Ansted, WV

Wow Factor: The park's clifftop overlook on U.S. Route 60 offers a breathtaking view of the New River.

Need To Know: Visit the Nature Center and Gift Shop, and grab a takeout lunch from the lodge restaurant to enjoy by the lake or Mill Creek. Access the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, Fisherman’s Trail, and GSYP Trail from here. Find a boat ramp and trailer parking nearby for convenient lake and river access via River Road from Ansted.

If you're looking for some fun activities to do in Hawks Nest State Park, you're in luck! Hawks Nest State Park, nestled in whitewater rafting country, offers a 270-acre recreational escape with a nature museum, aerial tramway, jetboat rides, and challenging whitewater boating.

The luxurious 31-room lodge, located just 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge, provides stunning views of the rugged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

For hikers, explore eight miles of trails varying in difficulty. Visit the park office to grab a map and plan your journey, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Lost River State Park, 321 Park Dr, Mathias, WV 26812, USA

West Virginia State Parks

Location: Mathias, WV

Wow Factor: The National Register of Historic Places recognizes the historic Lighthorse Harry Lee Cabin (c. 1800) as part of Lost River State Park.

Need To Know: Additionally, it offers horseback riding, a swimming pool, and various sports facilities such as tennis, badminton, volleyball, and archery.

Lost River State Park, in the wooded mountains between the Lost River Valley and the George Washington National Forest, provides cabin lodging and abundant outdoor recreation across its quiet 3,934 acres. Renowned for the Cranny Crow overlook atop Big Ridge Mountain, offering sweeping vistas of five counties, the park is a paradise for hikers.

With 23 miles of trails, including a rewarding path to Cranny Crow overlook, enjoy hours of trails and immerse yourself in the park's diverse flora, fauna, and wildflowers. Explore the many things to do in Lost River State Park and dive into the beauty of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.

Beartown State Park, Beartown Rd, Renick, WV 24966, USA

Sonja/Flickr

Location: Renick, WV

Wow Factor: "Beartown State Park" got its name as locals believed the cave-like openings in the rocks were ideal winter dens for West Virginia's state animal, the black bear.

Need To Know: Beartown State Park is open from April through October.

If you're looking for outdoor activities, there are plenty of things to do in Beartown State Park. Settled on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain in Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties, this park spans 110 acres and showcases unique rock formations, massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevices. Its standout feature is a half-mile boardwalk, allowing visitors to marvel at these natural wonders.

For those interested in hiking, Beartown State Park is a must-visit destination. You can immerse yourself in a hiking adventure, where simplicity and tranquility blend to create an ideal escape for anyone seeking scenic views and peaceful walks.

Little-Known State Parks In West Virginia

Holly River State Park, 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, USA

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Location: Hacker Valley, WV

Wow Factor: Explore Holly River State Park's attractions, including the challenging Potato Knob Trail, Upper Falls on Fall Run, Windy Gap School, and Tecumseh Falls.

Need To Know: The Holly River Festival, a Labor Day weekend tradition since 1992, offers family-friendly activities including a talent show, live music, contests, crafts, games, and exhibitions.

Located in the picturesque Mountain Lakes region, Holly River State Park is a true hidden gem. Covering a vast expanse of 8,101 acres, it is the second-largest state park in West Virginia. Surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains, some of which rise to over 2,800 feet, this park is home to a diverse range of flora, including wildflowers and ferns.

There is a range of recreational activities and things to do in Holly River State Park to suit all ages and interests, from camping and hiking to swimming and tennis. Visitors can also take advantage of its various amenities, including picnic shelters, horse corrals for campers, and the charming Holly River State Park Restaurant.

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Cathedral State Park, Aurora, WV 26705, USA

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Location: Aurora, WV

Wow Factor: Cathedral State Park trees are up to 90 feet in height and 16 feet in circumference!

Need To Know: Explore the diverse trails of Cathedral State Park, including Cathedral Trail, Giant Hemlock Trail, Partridge Berry Trail, Trillium Trail, Cardinal Trail, and Wood Thrush Trail.

Discover the hidden treasures of Cathedral State Park, West Virginia's largest old-growth forest, and a National Natural Landmark. This sanctuary, spanning 133 acres, harbors one of the state's largest stands of virgin hemlock and hosts 170 tree, fern, and wildflower species.

Embark on a serene adventure with three miles of hiking trails, immersing yourself in the lush canopies, vibrant rhododendrons, melodious birdsong, and the soothing sounds of a mountain stream. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or a passionate photographer, there are many things to do in Cathedral State Park.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, 683 Droop Park Road, Hillsboro, WV 24946, USA

Mike McBride/Flickr

Location: Hillsboro, WV

Wow Factor: Explore the park's hiking trails transformed into cross-country skiing paths during the winter months. Embark on a winter wonderland adventure!

Need To Know: Established in 1928, it was West Virginia's first state park and has been hosting biennial reenactments of the battle every October.

If you're looking for a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation - Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a must-visit destination. Nestled in the scenic Greenbrier River Valley, this park is a historic site on the Civil War Discovery Trail and commemorates the Battle of Droop Mountain.

But that's not all there is to see and do at Droop Mountain. With hiking trails, picnic shelters, and play areas, there's something for everyone year-round. Take a leisurely stroll through the woods, enjoy a picnic with family and friends, or let the kids run around and burn off some energy. No matter your interests, there are so many things to do in Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park - it's a fantastic place to spend a day!

Looking for the best state parks in West Virginia in summer? Check out Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and Valley Falls State Park and enjoy the fun biking trails! Some other notable spots are Berkeley Springs State Park and Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park near Summersville. Which are your favorites – let me know!

And in case you need essential equipment, explore these fantastic outdoor gear choices!