About This Park
Located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park. With 10,100 acres of land, Watoga is filled with many recreational activities including hiking, fishing and boating. Watoga Lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities and is part of the Division of Natural Resources' stocking program. A multipurpose building, museum and observation tower are just a few of the unique attractions at Watoga State Park. In October 2021, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) awarded Watoga State Park with official Dark Sky Park status. Watoga is a beautiful destination to camp beneath a brilliant Almost Heaven starry sky.
Accommodations
Select an option below to learn more about the accommodations at this park.
Activities
Select an activity below to learn more-
Biking
Biking
Biking is permitted on service roads and on limited hiking trails. You can also bring your bike on the Greenbrier River Trail, which can be accessed in Seebert. If you need a map of the trails, stop by the park office before you head out.
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Boating
Boating
Come relax on a paddle boat or canoe for an hour. Personal boats are permitted on Watoga Lake, but motors are restricted to electric, trolling motors only. Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day the park rents paddle boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks for a nominal fee.
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Camping
Camping
Watoga State Park has two campgrounds: the 38-unit Beaver Creek Campground and the 50-site Riverside Campground. Beaver Creek has 28 sites with electric hookups, and Riverside offers 50 sites with electric hookups. Each site includes picnic tables, grills, and a central bathhouse with coin-operated laundry and dishwashing stations. Beaver Creek Campground offers free guest wifi at check-in building with firewood and ice also available for purchase at check-in building. Riverside Campground offers free guest wifi at each bathhouse with firewood and ice available for purchase at check-in building.
Campsites may be reserved anytime online, by phone, or at the campground office. Watoga campgrounds are open spring through fall, weather permitting. Reservations may be made for no less than two consecutive nights on weekends (Fri. and Sat.) or one night (Sun. – Thurs.) There is a 14-night maximum stay.
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Fishing
Fishing
Go fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and trout at Watoga Lake. But before you head out, make sure you purchase a current West Virginia fishing license, available at www.wvfish.com.
If you’re planning a fishing trip and need overnight accommodations, check in to a cabin. But hurry! They book up fast. Make you reservation by clicking Book Now!
Fishing in Watoga State Park
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Geocaching
Geocaching
Hunt for hidden treasure with a modern twist! There are 20 cache sites hidden in the park so hunt fast before someone else claims your prize.
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Hiking
Hiking
Watoga State Park has 40 miles of hiking trails just for you, ranging from short and easy, to long and challenging. Visitors may also access the nearby 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail for more fun and great views.
Download Park Pack & Map -
Hunting
Hunting
Calvin Price State Forest has more than 9,000 acres of rugged forests—the ideal habitat for game like deer, bear, turkeys, grouse, and squirrels.
The vast Monongahela National Forest has numerous hunting opportunities, too. Typical big and small game include deer, bear, turkey, grouse, and woodcock.
Licenses are available online.
Hunting Near Watoga State Park
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Museums & Historical Sites
Museums & Historical Sites
The age of steam is alive and well at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Ride a historic Shay locomotive and tour glorious mountaintops! You can also stop at a recreated 1940s logging camp or dine at the Company Store restaurant.
For a taste of military history, visit Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. The Civil War site has a museum, lookout tower, and scenic hikes with insightful signposts scattered throughout.
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Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures
Watoga’s game courts are located near the swimming pool and activity building and include three pickleball courts, shuffle board, four square and half-court basketball.
The game court area also serves as the starting point for our 18-hole disc golf course, sand volleyball court and laser tag course.Sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, swings and gaga pit are available at the Beaver Creek airstrip located within Beaver Creek Campground.
The playground is located in the Bush Place picnic area.
Check with the park office for recreational equipment rental. Youth fishing poles and “dark-sky” adventure backpacks are available for check-out at the park office for overnight guests.
Contact
- Phone: 304-799-4087
- Email: watogasp@wv.gov
- Address: 4800 Watoga Park Rd., Marlinton, WV 24954
History
Watoga State Park’s name comes from the Cherokee word for “starry waters.” The park opened to the public in July 1937. Before then, it was a state forest designated as a wildlife and timber preserve. Work on developing the forest into a park began in 1934, but improvements stopped during World War II. After the war, work on the park resumed, and the first camping area opened in 1953, and eight deluxe cabins opened in 1956. Recreational use of the park increased during the 60s and 70s, requiring the addition of another camping area. Improvements and additions to the park continue to this day, with growing interest in outdoor activities and cabin lodging.
Nature Center
The Nature Center at Watoga State Park plans to open in summer 2025. Join the Park Naturalist/Park Activities Coordinator on a guided hike, education program or a craft to learn more about the park’s history and native plants and wildlife. Interpretive programs and activities are available year-round.
Click here to view the current Nature Center schedule of events.
Trails
Download Park Trail MapAllegheny Trail
Ann Bailey Trail
Arrowhead Trail
Bearpen Trail
Brooks Memorial Arboretum Trails
Buck and Doe Trail
Burnside Ridge Trail
Honeymoon Trail
Jesse's Cove Trail
Kennison Run Trail
Lake Trail
Monongaseneka Trail
North Boundary Trail
Pine Run Trail
T. M. Cheek Trail
Ten Acre Trail
South Burnside Trail
Nearby Attractions
Beartown State Park
This state park contains one large rock formation split into sections and clefts large enough for walkways. The Park is noted for its massive boulders, overhanging cliffs and unusual rock formations which will be sure to make great photos. A boardwalk allows easy access and interpretive signs provide insight into the area’s ecology.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Located in the historic town of Cass, the Cass Scenic Railroad transports passengers to a time when logging was a way of life in Pocahontas County. Restored company buildings have been refurbished and are available for overnight stays to give you a blast from the past.
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
The Cranberry Glades is the largest area of bogs, or acidic wetlands in West Virginia. An outing to the botanical area will allow you to see a unique and exotic ecosystem on 750 acres of lush land.
Greenbrier River Trail
A favorite for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, anglers and horseback riders, this 78-mile rail trail follows the gorgeous Greenbrier River.
Monongahela National Forest
Outdoor adventures at Monongahela include back country camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and wildlife viewing. Camping and picnic areas are located throughout the forest and will provide great fun for your family or friends.
Seneca State Forest
Seneca is the oldest state forest in West Virginia! It borders the beautiful Greenbrier River where visitors can enjoy tent camping or staying in a rustic cabin.