Travel Alert

Travel Alert: Availability & Service Changes due to COVID-19

Updated July 13, 2020

West Virginia’s state parks and forests are actively monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our state. Because the state is reopening in phases according to Gov. Jim Justice’s plan, state park visitors are encouraged to reference this page before planning a trip. You can also follow @WVstateparks on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for timely updates.

Below are the most recent updates and measures taken to protect visitors, staff and all West Virginians.

Lodging

Campgrounds

  • State park campgrounds are open.
  • To review the Governor’s Guidance on Reopening Campgrounds, click here.
  • To inquire about a camping reservation or to modify an existing reservation, call 1-833-WVPARKS. 

Resorts, Lodges and Cabins

  • All other accommodations at West Virginia’s state parks and forests, including resorts, lodges, cabins and cottages, are open.
  • When registering, guests will go through a screening protocol, as directed by the Governor’s Guidance on reopening.

Amenities

  • Please follow all social distancing and mask-use guidelines, as well as any other guidelines posted at park facilities.
  • Masks are required inside park facilities.
  • Restrooms at state park campgrounds are open to registered guests. All restrooms will be properly stocked with hand soap, and guests are encouraged follow CDC hand washing guidelines.
  • All restrooms will be deep-cleaned daily. High-traffic surfaces, including stall doors, toilet handles, sink handles and restroom doors will receive frequent disinfection throughout the day.
  • Campground stores are open.
  • Park restaurants are open at 50 percent seating capacity. Staff are observing all social distancing and mask-use guidelines.
  • Spa services at Berkeley Springs State Park have resumed. Staff are observing all social distancing and mask-use guidelines.
  • Nature centers and museums are open with social distancing observed. Indoor capacity limits are posted.
  • Gift shops and retail areas are open with capacity guidelines posted.

Outdoor Recreation

  • In accordance with the Governor’s Guidance for Outdoor Recreation Outfitters, West Virginia’s state parks and forests remain open for outdoor recreation activities.
  • Boardwalks to popular overlooks at Blackwater Falls and Coopers Rock as well as Beartown State Park are open.
  • Equipment rentals for park activities, including golf, are open. All rented equipment will be properly cleaned and disinfected prior to use, per the guidelines. 
  • Guests are required to practice proper social distancing along shared trails, scenic overlooks and game courts.
  • Day-use areas, including hiking and biking trails and fishing lakes, remain open for public use. 
  • Visitors are reminded to Leave No Trace by cleaning up their trash, waste and belongings before leaving a park or forest. 

Events & Activities

  • Events and activities at West Virginia’s state parks and forests, as scheduled, will be outdoor venues when possible.
  • For information on future activities and events, view our event calendar.

Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitation Protocols

Safety remains the top priority for West Virginia’s state parks and forests. We have stepped up cleaning protocols, placed hand sanitizer and soap throughout all facilities and are deep cleaning all facilities and equipment after use. We also are implementing all recommendations from the CDC, the Governor’s Office, and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to protect visitors and employees from COVID-19 and prevent its spread.

Resources

For additional information, utilize the following resources:

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