20 West Virginia State Parks

“Almost heaven, West Virginia”. West Virginia has quite a few songs written about it, besides the famous John Denver “Take Me Home, Country Roads” song. It just goes to show that there is something special about West Virginia. Sandwiched between Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and a slither of Maryland West Virginia has some excellent state parks to explore. There are 35 state parks in West Virginia and here’s our pick of the best. 

West Virginia State Parks

20 State Parks In West Virginia

1- Audra State Park

Audra State Park is around 15 miles outside Buckhannon in Barbour and Upshur counties.

This state park is set in beautiful dense woodland with the Middle Fork River running through it.

Many people head to Audra State Park because of its beautiful natural vistas.

Owing to the lovely scenery, it’s become a popular picnic spot for families.

There are picnic shelters with water, grills and electricity, so you can bring all the food you need for the perfect BBQ.

Before or after your picnic, head out on the Alum Creek and Cave Trail, which is family-friendly.

It’s a 2.7-mile walk that meanders along boardwalks and passes below the Alum Cave overhang.

You will also see the Middle Fork River, which offers a few access points for wading.

Audra State Park is at Audra, Buckhannon, WV 26201.

2- Pipestem Resort State Park

The Pipestem Resort State Park is in southern West Virginia in the Bluestone National Scenic River area.

This state park is perfect for a family getaway, work trip, or friend adventure.

There’s so much to do you’ll want to stay for a couple of days.

You can stay at Mountain Creek Lodge or McKeever Lodge or there are cabins and a campsite.

While you are there, be sure to head to Pipestem Aerial Adventures, where you can enjoy the park’s incredible views from the treetops.

Climb from platform to platform and take a series of zip lines through the trees, the longest of which is 1600 feet.

The fun activities continue at Pipestem Resort State Park with the splash park and adventure lake.

You can book half or full-day tickets for the splash park.

You can then bounce from inflatable to inflatable, splashing around in the water and testing your agility.

There are also many other land-based activities, including skeet shooting, laser tag, mini golf, disc golf, axe throwing, RC cars and e-bike rentals.

Pipestem Resort State Park is at 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979.

3- Bluestone State Park

Bluestone State Park is along the banks of the Bluestone Natural Scenic River, around 15 minutes drive north of the Pipestem Resort State Park.

The Bluestone Dam created the park’s lake and is now a popular park attraction.

People visiting the park can enjoy a variety of trails, including the Boundary Trail, which is two miles long and ideal for spotting wildlife.

The Riverview Trail follows the creek, passing by a couple of trickling waterfalls and then following the Bluestone River.

There are 26 cabins at Bluestone State Park and campgrounds open between spring and autumn.

Why not book a spot overnight and combine a trip to the Bluestone State Park with the Pipestem Resort State Park?

Bluestone State Park is at 78, HC, Hinton, WV 25951.

4- Chief Logan State Park

The views from many places in Chief Logan State Park wouldn’t be out of place in an issue of National Geographic.

This state park in West Virginia is in the southwestern part of the state, surrounded by beautiful tree-covered mountains.

The park covers 4,000 acres (1618 ha) and includes a variety of outdoor activities.

If you are visiting at Christmas time, you must check out the Christmas in the Park drive-thru light display, that’s truly spectacular and magical.

From cabins to camping and the 75-roomed Chief Logan Lodge, there are plenty of options for an overnight visit.

Chief Logan Lake is frequently stocked with catfish and trout.

You will need to purchase a West Virginia fishing license before casting your line through.

Other activities in the park include swimming, biking, ATV riding, and a museum where you can learn more about Chief Logan.

Chief Logan State Park is at 376 Little Buffalo Creek Rd, Logan, WV 25601.

5- Lost River State Park

Lost River State Park is in eastern West Virginia, near the Virginia border and close to the 1756 Battle of Lost River site, which took place in the French and Indian War.

The park is known as the location of Lee Cabin, which was Revolutionary War General Robert E. Lee’s summer retreat.

This park is ideal if you are searching for a quiet weekend getaway.

Escape among the trees for the ultimate tranquil break.

One of the best parts of the park is Cranny Crow Overlook on top of Big Ridge Mountain.

From this vantage point, you can see across five counties.

There are around 20 trails to enjoy, from short hikes to the longest 3.5-mile hike, Millers Rock Trail.

If you are looking to stay at the park, there are cabins and a campsite as well a “tentrr” campsite which is a canvas tent on a wooden frame.

Lost River State Park is at 321 Park Dr, Mathias, WV 26812.

6- Babcock State Park

Babcock State Park is close to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, around 45 minutes from Beckley.

This park is stunning and has a lot of interesting spots to check out.

The Glade Creek Grist Mill is a replica of the original Cooper’s Mill that was once within the park.

The replica mill was completed in 1976, but the original basic structure dates back to 1890.

You can go boating at Boley Lake and the lake and Glade Creek provide anglers with excellent trout, largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish fishing.

Babcock State Park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy circular walks to more tricky climbs.

Head to the park office to pick up a trail guide.

Babcock State Park is at 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831.

7- Moncove Lake State Park

Moncove Lake State Park is in the southeastern part of the state.

This is a great park to visit with friends and family for relaxing, learning and exploring.

There’s a swimming pool at Moncove Lake State Park, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and little ones will enjoy the baby pool.

Other water-based activities include fishing on the 114-acre Moncove Lake.

Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, trout, catfish, walleye, yellow perch and bluegill.

You can also rent boats on the lake and paddle around, taking in the scenery.

There are five short but fun hiking trails around the park too.

If you are looking for a longer hike, try the Allegheny Trail, which is on nearby Peter’s Mountain.

Moncove Lake State Park is at 695 Moncove Lake Access Rd, Gap Mills, WV 24941.

8- Cedar Creek State Park

Cedar Creek State Park is along Cedar Creek in central West Virginia.

The surrounding rolling hills provide visitors a lovely and relaxing place to enjoy outdoor activities.

The park has three small picturesque ponds that run alongside Cedar Creek.

These ponds are stocked with trout between January and March and catfish are added in May.

No other activities are allowed on the ponds so you will find yourself in fishing serenity.

If swimming is more your thing, how about heading to the outdoor heated swimming pool?

The pool is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day from noon until 6.45 pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Hikers will enjoy the 14 miles of trails throughout the park which cater to various fitness levels.

You can also hit these trails on your mountain bike for action-packed cycling.

Something fun for all ages is the Cedar Creek miniature golf course.

Cedar Creek State Park is at 2947 Cedar Creek, Glenville, WV 26351.

9- Cacapon Resort State Park

West Virginia is a little oddly shaped, with its borders in the northeast of the state looking a little like a stubbed arm.

Well, up in this part of West Virginia, there’s the Cacapon Resort State Park.

This state park is around 6000 acres (2428 ha) and is a place to visit no matter the season.

While locals visit the park, because of its close proximity to Baltimore and Washington, you’ll find people from all over the place heading there for a weekend or holiday.

Some of the park’s activities include horse riding.

You can take a guided horse ride by booking with Triple-C Outfitters a family-owned stable.

Horseback is a great way to view the park’s beautiful scenery.

As well as horse riding, there are basketball, tennis, sand volleyball and even wobble clay shooting.

Hiking enthusiasts should head to the Cacapon Mountain observation deck for fantastic and expansive views of West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Cacapon Resort State Park is at 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.

10- Pinnacle Rock State Park

On Route 52 in southern West Virginia, Mercer County, there’s Pinnacle Rock State Park.

This state park is best known for its 3,100-foot sandstone rock that you can access via the hiking trails.

There are more than six miles of hiking trails in the park and you must head along the trail that leads to the overlook area at Pinnacle Rock.

There are also chances to go horse riding at the park, with local companies providing guided rides.

Though Pinnacle Rock State Park is a day-use only park there is camping close by at Pipestem, Camp Creek and Bluestone State Parks.

Pinnacle Rock State Park is at 6470 Coal Heritage Rd, Bramwell, WV 24715.

11- Beartown State Park

Close to the border with Virginia is Beartown State Park.

This park is on the eastern side of Droop Mountain in Greenbrier County and a tiny bit of Pocahontas County.

This state park is best known for its unique rock formations, cliffs, boulders and crevices.

Pathways wind in and out of these unique rocky spaces, which look like something from a movie in the jungle.

The park may be small at around 110 acres but it’s a beautiful and interesting place to visit.

Be sure to visit during their opening times, which is from April to October.

Have you ever heard of geo-catching? It’s like an outdoor treasure-hunting experience.

Using GPS, you can navigate around Beartown State Park looking for clues on markers.

It just adds some interest to your trip to the park.

Beartown State Park is at Beartown Rd, Renick, WV 24966.

12- Holly River State Park

This 8101-acre forest-covered state park is West Virginia’s second-largest park.

Holly River State Park in the Mountain Lakes region is tucked away in a narrow valley.

There are plenty of things to do in the park, including 42 miles (68 km) of biking and hiking trails.

Some of the most popular hikes in the park include visiting Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa waterfalls and admiring the park view from Potato Knob.

Swimmers will love the outdoor swimming pool in the park, which is open between Wednesday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Holly River State Park is at 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222.

13- Tygart Lake State Park

Tygart Lake State Park is in the north-central region of West Virginia, around 45 minutes drive south of Morgantown.

This park is in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and the views are always good at Tygart Lake State Park.

A combination of rolling mountains, the lake and the forest provide a peaceful and picturesque place to explore.

Whether you go to relax or create an adventure, this is a great spot in West Virginia.

There are 36 campsites in the park, 11 fully furnished cabins and the Tygart Lake State Park Lodge.

Tygart Lake State Park is at 1240 Paul E Malone Rd, Grafton, WV 26354.

14- Blackwater Falls State Park

This state park is on the banks of the Blackwater River in northeastern West Virginia.

The park is named after the 57-foot waterfall.

As well as the waterfall, some of the park’s other popular features include Elakala Falls and the beautiful lookout points of Lindy Point Observation Deck and Pendleton Point Overlook.

There are 20 miles of hiking trail, and the park transforms into a sledding paradise in winter.

There’s a quarter-mile section of fresh powder reading to slide down.

The lake offers fishing and boating for a whole day of fun.

If you don’t have a boat, you can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboats and stand-up paddle boards by the lakeside.

Blackwater Falls State Park is at 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260.

15- Hawks Nest State Park

The views at Hawks Nest State Park are indisputably picturesque.

This state park is around 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge, and to make the most out of a trip to Hawks Nest State Park, it’s worth staying overnight.

The Hawks Nest State Park Lodge has epic views of seemingly endless greenery.

There are also Tentrr campsites that offer a camping experience that wouldn’t be out of place on a safari.

If swimming’s your thing, head to the Hawks Nest pool for seasonal swimming between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Hawks Nest State Park is at 49 Hawks Nest Rd, Ansted, WV 25812.

16- Watoga State Park

Next to Watoga Lake is Watoga State Park, close to the Virginia border in Pocahontas County and West Virginia’s largest state park, with a whopping 10,000 acres (4046 ha) of land.

One of the most popular activities in the park is fishing.

Go fishing on Watoga Lake and you can expect to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and trout on your trip.

As well as fishing, the lake is an excellent place for paddle boarding or canoeing.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the park rents paddle boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks.

The park is home to more than 40 miles (64 km) of hiking trails and provides access to the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail.

Watoga State Park is at 4800 Watoga Park Rd, Marlinton, WV 24954.

17- Berkeley Springs State Park

Berkeley Springs is one of the few state parks in West Virginia that is actually within a town.

You will find this state park in the northeastern part of the state close to the border with Maryland.

The town of Berkeley Springs is home to a mineral spa that dates back to colonial times.

The park is known for its 74.3-degree spring water and was originally frequented by Native Americans from the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada. 

The first colonial settlers in 1730 learnt the value of the water from the Native Americans.

The place is perhaps more famous because George Washington visited the spring.

It’s not just a state park where you can head to the spa, bathe in the pools and enjoy various spa services.

Berkeley Springs State Park is at 2 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.

18- Little Beaver State Park

In the south of the state, there is Little Beaver State Park.

This 562-acre park offers the perfect amount of serenity and fun things to do.

There are 20 miles of hiking trails around the park waiting to be explored.

Take in views of the lake and completely unwind.

You can rent paddleboats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks for fun on the water.

You can also camp at the park’s 16-site campsite with water hookups and 30 pitches with electricity and water.

Little Beaver State Park is at 1402 Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813.

19- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is along the Greenbrier River in eastern West Virginia.

This is a great state park to visit for locomotive and history enthusiasts.

Visit this park and you will be transported back to the times of steam-driven trains.

The town of Cass hasn’t changed much since it was founded in 1901.

It was then that the construction of the railroad began.

When visiting the park, you can ride along the railway to Bald Knob, a scenic overlook.

Bald Knob is also the third-highest point in West Virginia.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is at 12363 Cass Rd, Cass, WV 24927.

20- Valley Falls State Park

Valley Falls State Park is next to the Tygart Valley River in the northern part of the state.

This park is defined by its four characterful waterfalls created by the Tygart Valley River.

You can explore the river and its banks by hitting the 18 miles of hiking trails.

These trails offer several vantage points to view the falls from.

If biking is more your thing, you can hit the same trails and if you want to fish, you will need to get a West Virginia fishing license.

Valley Falls State Park is at 720 Valley Falls Rd, Fairmont, WV 26554.