ATV Riding

West Virginia is home to world class ATV riding, including the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. The Hatfield-McCoy trails are one of the largest public off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world with more than 600 miles of  trail in the mountains of Southern West Virginia. ATV riding is also available through tourism outfitters on private trails. You can take advantage of West Virginia's best ATV riding while staying at one of three parks near trail heads. Chief Logan, Little Beaver, and Twin Falls Resort State Park are all located nearby trails for motorized recreation. While ATV use is not permitted in the parks, West Virginia State Parks are the perfect place to unwind after an exciting day on the trails!

Boating

Hit the water for a nice relaxing day spent soaking up the sun. Many of the West Virginia state parks located on or near lakes have accompanying boating privileges and rentals. For fun days on the water, Bluestone, Beech Fork, North Bend, Stonewall, Watoga, and Tygart Lake state parks are all great options! Be sure to check the individual park page before visiting to see if certain boating regulations are required.

Camping

West Virginia State Parks offers camping you won’t find anywhere else. Sleep under the stars in some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Pitch a tent, bring a camper, or even try a yurt! With more than 1,500 camp sites at 27 different parks across the state, we’ve got sites to accommodate all kinds of campers and trips. Family adventure? Fishing weekend? Hiking trip? We've got something for everyone. Pick your park and pack the car. It's time to go camping.

Campground reservations are available Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the off-season months, campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-serve basis through Oct. 31. A limited number of park campgrounds are open for year-round camping. Campgrounds open in winter, with some limitations include: Beech Fork, Camp Creek, Canaan Valley, Pipestem and Twin Falls state parks, and Cabwaylingo State Forest.

Fishing

Get your family hooked on fishing by taking them to a West Virginia state park or forest. Our lakes and streams are stocked with trout, bass, bluegill and other sport fish. State parks and forests are some of the best places for new anglers to catch a fish, and many of our top fishing spots are easily accessible for people of all skill sets. But before you head out on your trip, make sure you have a current license and stamps. If you don't have one, purchase one today at www.wvfish.com.

Plan a fishing trip today!

Fishing at parks and forests is steeped in West Virginia tradition and has been enjoyed by families for generations. To give families even more opportunities to get out and enjoy this sport, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is stocking several waters on weekends this spring in and near state parks and forests.

So, come for the day, or stay for a weekend. If you need overnight accommodations, many of the parks and forests below have cabins or lodge rooms. But hurry! They book up fast. Make you reservation by clicking Book Now! Cast a line and enjoy the many other weekend activities at our beautiful parks and forests. You'll see why fishing at state parks and forests is so much fun!

Weekend Trout Stockings

• Audra State Park
  • Middle Fork River (3/9, 4/6, 5/4)
• Blackwater Falls State Park
  • Pendleton Lake (3/10, 4/2*)
  • Blackwater River (3/9, 3/23, 4/6*, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18)
• Cacapon Resort State Park
  • Cacapon State Park Lakes (3/10, 3/24, 4/2*, 4/21, 5/5, 5/19)
• Camp Creek State Park
  • Camp Creek (3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18)
  • Mash Fork (3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18)
• Canaan Valley Resort State Park
  • Glady Fork (3/16, 4/13, 5/11)
  • Shavers Fork Bemis (3/16, 4/13, 5/11)
• Chief Logan State Park
  • Chief Logan Pond (3/10, 5/12)
• Coopers Rock State Forest
  • Big Sandy (3/2, 3/16, 3/30, 4/13, 4/27, 5/11)
  • Coopers Rock Lake (3/2, 3/16, 3/30, 4/13, 4/27, 5/11)
• Holly River State Park
  • Laurel Fork in the park (3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18)
  • Left Fork of Holly River (3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18)
• Little Beaver State Park
  • Little Beaver Lake (3/10)
  • Glade of New (3/10)
• North Bend State Park
  • North Bend Tailwaters (3/3, 4/2*)
• Pipestem Resort State Park
  • Longbranch Lake (3/17, 4/2*, 5/5)
• Seneca State Forest
  • Seneca Lake (3/10, 3/24, 4/21, 5/5, 5/19)
• Stonewall Jackson Resort State Park
  • Stonewall Jackson Tailwater (3/9, 3/23, 4/6*, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18)
  • Sutton Trailwater (3/9, 3/23, 4/6*, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18)
  • Burnsville Tailwater (3/9, 3/23, 4/6*, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18)
• Tomlinson Run State Park
  • Tomlinson Run Lake (3/3)
  • King Creek (3/3)
  • Tomlinson Run (3/3)
• Tygart Lake State Park
  • Tygart Tailwaters (3/9, 5/4)
• Watoga State Park
  • Watoga Lake (3/10, 3/24, 4/2*, 4/21, 5/5, 5/19)
  • Greenbrier River Marlinton (3/9, 4/6)

Dates marked with an asterisk (*) are West Virginia Gold Rush stockings during DNR’s Gold Rush Week, April 2-6.

Geocaching

Looking for some treasure? If you have a smartphone with GPS and a sense of adventure, then treasure awaits you in West Virginia’s state parks! Individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share their locations on the internet. GPS users then use location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache provides the site visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is leave something for the cache if they take something. For more information about this fun activity, visit www.geocaching.com.

If you are interested in placing a cache in an area managed by West Virginia State Parks, fill out and submit this application. A permit issued by West Virginia State Parks is required before placing a cache. Permits are good for one year from the date issued. Our guidelines ensure a safe caching experience.

Below, is a list of caches at West Virginia state parks and forests. Happy searching!

Audra State Park

It’s a Cave, Man!
The Coolest Tree in Audra
Monty Pylon

Babcock State Park

Old Stone Building
Glade Creek Waterfall

Beartown State Park

Goldilock’s Worst Nightmare Earthcache

Blackwater Falls State Park

Shay’s Run
C. E. WIL2ON Cache
Bridge Over Tannin Waters

Cacapon Resort State Park

Cacapon Oriskany Sandstone Earthcache
The Walk
The Hike
The Stroll
Cacapon Mountain - The Overlook TB Hotel
Cacapon Mountain – The Meander
Cacapon Mountain – The Trek
Cacapon Mountain – The Journey’s End
Stone Gate
Patriotic Ruins

Camp Creek State Park

My Favorite Kennedy
My Favorite Washington
My Favorite Penny

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Mossy Oak Cache
The Links
Easy Does It
Triple Club
Scenic View One + Two
RxScientist’s Elementary Cache

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park

Carnifex Mystery
Patterson’s Picnic
Spectacular Views

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

ExploreWV Geocoin Challenge #27

Cathedral State Park

Troll's Treasure at Cathedral State Park

Cedar Creek State Park

Cedar Chest
Three the Hard Way
And Baby Makes Three

Chief Logan State Park

Steam Power (Letterbox)

Coopers Rock State Forest

Top of the Rocks
Nevermore
Wanna Go To The Can On Ridge Trail
Scott Run Excursion
Clay Run Copper
havelotsfun CLAYRUNHIKE
Chestnut Ridge Lake Cache
Abandon Hope…
Jen in Wonderland
Indycam’s Picnic Spot
Raven's rock trail, favMos first cache
Patrick's Scout Project
The Gold Bug
The Space Between
Henry Clay Iron Furnace

Fairfax Stone State Park

Fairfax Stone

Forks of Coal State Natural Area

Forks of Coal

Holly River State Park

Holly River Cache
Dreamers Meadow Cache
Tater Cache

Kanawha State Forest

Tea Time
Follow the River Home
Polly Want a Cache?
Gator Bait Returns
The Road Not Taken – Final Answer

Kumbrabow State Forest

Hanging Around Kumbrabow SF

Lost River State Park

Cranny Crow
Cheeks Rocks
Fire Tower Cabin
The Lee Spring
Nature Refuge
Piney Ridge Road
Service Road Bridge

Moncove Lake State Park

Devil's Creek Cache 1 of 4
Devil's Creek Cache 2 of 4
Devil's Creek Cache 3 of 4
Devil's Creek Cache 4 of 4

North Bend Rail Trail

Buckeye Creek
Welcome to Salem
Sherwood Like a Flashlight
Middle Island Creek is Born
Fun in the Bend 2

North Bend State Park

Friends of WV State Parks
Where The Wild Things Are
There are Giants in these Woods

Pinnacle Rock State Park

Pinnacle Rock: A Geological Landmark
WV Pinnacle Rock

Pipestem Resort State Park

Farm Pond
Barney Law Homesite
County Line Cache
Lake Shore Trail Cache

Tomlinson Run State Park

ELPO Rock
Fairview Woolen Mill
Hartford’s Grist Mill
Mineral Springs

Tu-Endie-Wei State Park

Confluence – Ohio & Kanawha Rivers

Twin Falls Resort State Park

Cliffside Cache

Tygart Lake State Park

Dogwood Trail
Old Foundation
TLSP #2: Welcome to the Park
TLSP #3 Scab Run
TLSP #5: High Water
TLSP #6: Shady Meadow
TLSP #7: Enchanted Forest
TLSP #8: Hard Times
Hillside Treasure
Taylor County Geotrail: Tygart Lake State Park

Valley Falls State Park

Valley Falls

Watoga State Park

Ranger's Cache
Lenna’s Cache

Watters Smith Memorial State Park

Watters Smith Memorial
Hershey-White Oak Trail

Golf Courses

Perfect your golf game on some of West Virginia’s most picturesque golf courses! It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur to the sport or an expert, you can find a beautiful state park golf course to suit your needs. Our state park greens are expertly designed and manicured by famous course architects like Arnold Palmer (the Palmer Course at Stonewall) and Geoffrey Cornish (courses at Canaan and Pipestem). Additional 18-hole courses are available at Twin Falls (designed by Cornish with a later addition by George Cobb, Sr.) and Cacapon Resort (a Robert Trent Jones masterpiece). It’s tee time!

Hiking Trails

Get out and explore the great outdoors! No matter what kind of hiker you are, you’ll find a trail to love at any of the West Virginia State Parks. From easy loops to challenging climbs, you’ll enjoy a nature-filled hike through the trees and mountains and maybe even stumble upon a newfound mountain vista! Before you head out, make sure to stop by any of the park offices to pick up a trail guide.

Horseback Riding

What better way to see West Virginia’s nature and wildlife than from a trusty steed? Explore the mountains by horseback and discover new adventures at every turn in a tranquil setting. Cacapon, Lost River and Pipestem Resort State Park all make perfect backdrops for this popular pastime. Camp Creek State Park and Forest offers horseback riding trails and a dedicated campground for visitors traveling with horses.

Hunting

West Virginia is known for its outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing. Fortunately, West Virginia state forests are open to hunting during both small and big game seasons. You’ll find rental cabins and campgrounds at Cabwaylingo, Greenbrier, Kumbrabow and Seneca state forests. Calvin Price State Forest conveniently borders Watoga State Park, which is equipped with both cabins and a campground. Camping is also available at other state forests, including Camp Creek, Coopers Rock, and Panther. Before you hit the woods, be sure to purchase proper licenses and stamps, available at www.wvhunt.com.

Mountain Biking Trails

Become a mountain biking pro in no time! Bring your bicycle to zip through the state park trails and get a little closer to nature. You’ll find trails at any state park to pair with your level of skill, comfort, and experience in mountain biking. If you’re looking for a long leisurely ride, try the North Bend Rail Trail or the Greenbrier River Trail. If you need a map of any of the trails, stop by a park office before you head out!

Museums and Historical Sites

There’s no shortage of fascinating history in these hills! Many of the West Virginia State Parks were designated state parks because of the history surrounding the area. These historic parks often have an onsite museum with exhibits about local history, mine wars, Appalachian culture, or Civil War artifacts. Learn something new and gain a greater appreciation at sites like Berkeley Springs, Blennerhassett Island, Carnifex Ferry, Cass Scenic Railroad, Cathedral, Droop Mountain Battlefield, and Fairfax Stone State Park.

Outdoor Adventures

Bring your "A" game with you for outdoor adventures available across our state parks. The majority of the parks have regulation basketball courts, volleyball courts, and badminton courts available as well as horseshoe areas. These activities and game areas are typically located near picnic shelters. For more information on availability, equipment, and rentals, contact the individual state park you plan on visiting.

Scenic Train Rides

All aboard! Cruise through the mountains in style by way of a scenic train ride. These train excursions preserve an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. You can hear the engines chug along the landscape and admire the surrounding views of wildlife like you’ve never seen before. Visit Cass Scenic Railroad State Park for the rail ride of a lifetime!

Snow Sports

Let’s hit the slopes! Our mountains are gorgeous year round but they’ve been known to shine a little brighter in the winter. West Virginia’s state parks offer some of the best snow recreation on the East Coast including skiing, sledding, and tubing. There’s fun for the whole family at any of our snow sport locations, such as Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, and Pipestem State Park, with cozy mountain lodges nearby for when you’re ready to warm back up!

Swimming

Dive into adventure! Cool off with a quick dip or spend a relaxing day with the family poolside. Many West Virginia State Parks have swimming pools to enjoy like Audra, Chief Logan, Bluestone, Cacapon, Berkeley Springs and Canaan. Or guests can enjoy swimming at many of our lakes or beaches at Blackwater Falls, Tomlinson Run, Cacapon and Tygart Lake state parks. Be sure to check individual park pages for more information on hours.

Whitewater Rafting

West Virginia’s mighty rivers are perfect for gathering up your friends and family to conquer the roaring rapids together. Regardless of your skill level or expertise, raft guides can find a stretch of river to suit your sense of adventure. Raft the New or Gauley rivers when you visit nearby Babcock and Hawks Nest state parks, or spend some time on the Cheat River near Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley Resort state parks!