Watoga State Park Activities

Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park. With over 10,000 acres of sprawling forest, Watoga has endless recreational activities and some of the most popular campgrounds and cabins in the state. Visitors can enjoy the park’s 11-acre lake or take a hike on 40 miles of trails. Watoga also has an outdoor swimming pool with solar heating that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

    Biking

    Cycle through the possibilities to see all that Watoga State Park has to offer. You can bike along service roads and limited hiking trails. 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.

    Boating

    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 are allowed but must have electric trolling motors only. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the park rents out paddle boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks for a nominal fee.

    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, 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.

    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 wvfish.com.

    Geocaching

    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

    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.

    Hunting

    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.

    Museums and 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.

    Outdoor Adventures

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