Travel Alert

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

Updated May 26, 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 scheduled to open starting Thursday, May 21 during Week 4 of West Virginia’s reopening plan. All campgrounds will be limited to reservations from in-state (West Virginia) guests only. 
  • To mitigate potential spread of the virus, only registered guests will be allowed in the campground.
  • Campgrounds at all state parks and forests are adopting more stringent cleaning, sanitization and social distancing measures to prepare for the reopening. 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 scheduled to reopen on May 26, 2020.
  • Beginning May 26, reservations for lodge rooms and cabin rentals will be limited to in-state (West Virginia) residents only.

Amenities

  • As facilities, amenities and activities reopen, please respect social/physical distances, use of mask directives and reservation guidelines as well as observance of signage at each area to keep everyone safe.
  • Restrooms at state park campgrounds are open to registered guests with capacity or guidelines posted. All restrooms will be properly stocked with hand soap, and guests are encouraged follow CDC hand washing guidelines.
  • 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 also open as of May 21 for guests’ use and convenience with guidelines posted and shared.
  • Park restaurants are open at 50% seating capacity and observance of guidelines.
  • Spa services at Berkeley Springs State Park may resume on May 30 following guidelines.
  • Nature centers and museums will open begin opening on May 26 with social distancing observed and indoor capacities 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 also open as of Thursday, May 21. 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 and scenic overlooks. 
  • 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 through at least June 12.
  • 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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