Beat the heat and escape to Almost Heaven this summer! Home to 36 state parks, all of which are free to enter, West Virginia is overflowing with secluded locations and waterfront fun. Take a trip to any of the spots below to experience water adventures of all kinds.

Beech Fork State Park

☀️ Soak up some sun and solitude at Beech Fork State Park this summer. Experience natural beauty without the crowds when nestled within this 3,144-acre park. Cast a line on the more than 30 miles of shoreline or spend some quality time with the ones you love most in one of the vacation cabins.

🏕️ Looking for more of a rustic getaway? This park offers hundreds of lake-front campsites complete with a grill, picnic table and restroom facilities.

Cacapon Resort State Park

🛶 Enjoy a beech-front lake when at Cacapon Resort State Park, located only an hour away from D.C. Swim and play in the waters, go paddle-boating or fish for catfish and bluegill. Explore the property surrounding the lake when hiking the many trails or going geocaching.

🌄 Visit Cacapon Mountain Overlook for jaw-dropping views and beautiful photo opportunities on one of the hand-crafted Almost Heaven Swings.

Stonewall Resort State Park

🎣 Retreat to Stonewall Resort State Park for the lakefront vacation of your dreams. Check out the marina to rent pontoon boats or high-speed CraigCats or to launch your own. The 2,600-acre Stonewall Jackson Lake is known as one of the top waterways in the state for Muskellunge, Crappie and Bass fishing. Relax in the tranquil waters with a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard.

🏠 From the Adirondack-style lodge and charming cottages to large vacation homes and campgrounds, there is a place to stay for travelers of all kinds.

Summersville Lake State Park

🤿 West Virginia’s newest state park, Summersville Lake State Park‘s namesake lake is often referred to as the Little Bahamas of the East because it has some of the clearest waters for swimming and scuba diving on the East Coast. Running along the lake’s shore, this state park features three brand new campgrounds with everything from luxury RV hookups to primitive sites.

💡 While visiting the park, be sure to head off-campus and take a tour of the nearby Summersville Lake Lighthouse. Climb 122 steps to reach the overlook that gives way to panoramic views at more than 2,000 feet above sea level.

Tygart Lake State Park

😎 Tucked within the Allegheny Mountains just outside of Grafton, the Adventure Lake at Tygart Lake State Park is an activity you’ll want to have on your summer bucket list for sure! Featuring more than 20 giant inflatables and a sandy beach area with lounge chairs, this adventure offers hours of fun for the entire family.

🧳 Stay overnight in the lodge on-site, complete with restaurants and sweeping views of the lake below. Additional recreation options include hiking, fishing, kayak and canoe rentals and the Nature Center.

Start planning your waterfront fun today!

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