Watoga State Park Activities

Cycle through the possibilities to see all that Watoga State Park has to offer. You can bike along service roads and limited hiking trails. Ann Bailey and Burnside trails combine to offer seven miles of service road biking and the newly constructed single track bike trail provides more adventurous riders two additional miles of trail; also beginning at the Ann Bailey trail head.

Biking is also available on the Greenbrier River Trail, accessible in Seebert. If you need a map of the trails, stop by the park office before you head out.

With the glow of the sun and the feel of the breeze, there’s no better way to relax than on Watoga Lake. Personal boats with electric trolling motors are permitted. Gasoline motors are not permitted on the lake. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the park rents out paddle boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks for a nominal fee.

Watoga State Park has two campgrounds: the 38-unit Beaver Creek Campground and the 50-site Riverside Campground. All campsites at Riverside and Beaver Creek Campgrounds have 50 amp electric service. Each site has a 50, 30 and household outlet. 

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, with firewood and ice available for purchase. Riverside Campground offers free guest wifi at each bathhouse. Firewood and ice are available for purchase at the check-in building.

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 wvfish.com.

Hunt for hidden treasure with a modern twist! There are 20 cache sites hidden around the park with a fast track to a unique discovery. Grab your smartphone and go on the prowl before someone else claims your prize.

Watoga State Park Geocache Locations include:

Beaver Creek Campground
Old Cabin 3 at Watoga
Ranger’s Cache
Lenna’s Cache
Watoga Recreation Hall
Watoga Southside Building
Watoga Swimming Pool
Watoga Trail Overlook

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.

No hunting is permitted on Watoga State Park grounds, but wilderness pursuit awaits at these nearby locations:

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.

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.

Watoga has a collection of CCC artifacts and photographs located at the park office. You can also enjoy a self guided Watoga State Park CCC Driving Tour. Be sure to pick up your map at the park office!

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.

Step up your game on the Watoga courts. There is pickleball, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes and disc golf. Playground equipment is at the recreational building and campgrounds for the entertainment of all ages.