GENERAL GUIDE to the WEST VIRGINIA STATE PARKS
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Campground information Special events in the Parks A full calendar of events is planned across West Virginia at state Many state parks, forests and wildlife management areas offer SiteS u e parks. From packaged theme weekends, dances and workshops, to camping opportunities. There are four general types of campsites: Campground check-out time is noon, and only one tent or trailer is ecology, history, heritage, native foods, and flora and fauna events, permitted per site. A family camping group may have only one or two you’ll find affordable fun. DeLuxe: Outdoor grill, tent pad, pull-off for trailers, picnic table, additional tents on its campsite. Camping rates are based on groups electric hookups on all sites, some with water and/or sewer hookups, of six persons or fewer, and there is a charge for each additional Wintry months include New Year’s Eve and holiday rate packages dumping station and bathhouses with hot showers, flush toilets and person above six, not exceeding 10 individuals per site. at many of the lodge parks. Ski festivals, clinics and workshops for laundry facilities. Nordic and alpine skiers are winter features at canaan valley resort All campers must vacate park campsites for a period of 48 hours after and blackwater Falls state parks. north bend’s Winter Wonder StanDarD: Same features as deluxe, with electric only available at 14 consecutive nights camping. The maximum length of stay is 14 Weekend in January includes sled rides, hikes, fireside games and some sites at some areas. Most sites do not have hookups. consecutive nights. n ature & recreation Programs indoor and outdoor sports. Winter indoors finds dinner theater performances, educational programs and packages, art, quilt, and ruStic: Improved sites with limited facilities, well-water and pit Campground rules and regulations are posted online and at the areas. Naturalists and programmers at resort and vacation parks plan and craft workshops and concerts at year-round lodge parks. toilets. implement programs, activities and special events that provide r eServationS entertainment and acquaint visitors with each park’s unique natural For visitors 50 and older, blackwater Falls features September Fest Primitive: Undeveloped areas designated for use primarily by Campsite reservations may be made in advance for designated aspects. for Seniors and other adventure events for every age are scheduled HIKE BIKE RIDE anglers and hunters. Some have basic water and sanitation facilities. reservable sites, as available, from the Friday before Memorial Day at various parks. These three- or four-day events feature driving through Labor Day. The remaining sites are available on a first-come, Hikes and campfire programs, bird walks or bat talks, expeditions to tours, crafts, entertainment, fun and fellowship. YurtS: Offered only at tomlinson run State Park, yurts are first-served basis. Outside the reservable dates, all sites become first- identify plant and wildlife species, fishing programs for youngsters, equipped with picnic table, lantern, cook stove, cooler, cookware come, first-served basis at state operated campgrounds. Some areas and special events on astronomy, birding and more are scheduled Spring and fall months bring a showy array of flowering plants and grill. have only first-come, first-served campsites. at many parks. An annual event calendar is maintained online and in or winged wonders to West Virginia’s state parks and forests. To print. celebrate blooms, birds and more, many parks host wildflower camPer cabinS: Offered only at tomlinson run Areas with designated reservable sites are: babcock, beech Fork, walks, birding surveys, and nature hikes. Such weekend events are State Park, camper cabins are roofed, wooden blackwater Falls, bluestone, camp creek, camp creek Horse Nature/recreation programming is scheduled year-round at at blackwater Falls, cacapon resort, chief Logan, north bend, structures with electricity. Equipment is not provided and rider, canaan valley resort, cedar creek, chief Logan, blackwater Falls, cacapon resort, canaan valley resort, Hawks Pipestem resort and twin Falls resort state parks and Greenbrier in these reservable units. Holly river, north bend, Pipestem resort, Stonewall resort, nest, north bend, Pipestem resort, Stonewall, and twin Falls and kanawha state forests to name a few. tomlinson run, twin Falls resort, tygart Lake and Watoga state resort state parks. From Memorial Day weekend through mid- Operation of state-owned campgrounds is variable parks, and coopers rock, Greenbrier and kanawha state forests. August, planned activities are also offered at babcock, beech Fork, Other events at parks include 5K, 10K and distance runs, tennis and and dependent upon the weather. Check with the bluestone, cedar creek, Holly river, Lost river, tygart Lake and golf tournaments, craft and heritage festivals, outdoor dramas, individual facility in advance to confirm opening and Reservations may be made at least two (2) days in advance, as Watoga state parks, and Greenbrier and kanawha state forests. musicals, theatrical performances, the summer nature/recreation closing dates. available, and must be secured by payment of a deposit of the entire program, Irish Road Bowling, and other cultural activities. rental fee, plus a $5 handling charge. A minimum reservation of two Youn G PeoPLe For ParkS cmn a Pi G SeaSonS nights, up to a maximum of 14 nights, is required. In the summer months, the areas with naturalists offer younger The annual events calendar is online listing all events statewide. Each a t State ParkS: The typical camping season visitors (ages 6-16) a special outdoor educational program known event is posted in more detail on the host park or forest Web sites. runs from mid-April through October in parks, forests and wildlife Only mail-in reservations will be accepted from February 15–March as Young People for Parks. Youthful visitors For a printed event calendar, write to the address on this brochure, FISH GOLF CONNECT management areas operated by the state park system. 14. Forms for the current year are available online to download. Mail- are invited to participate in a minimum Attn: Event Calendar Request or call 304-558-2764. Calendars are in reservations must be postmarked on or after February 15, or they of three weekly activities focusing on mailed as available. Information is most current online and posted The exceptions are: will be returned. A maximum of three reservation forms per envelope awareness of nature, skills in flora and electronically to view in an attempt to become more paperless and will be accepted (envelopes containing more than three forms will be fauna identification, conservation of efficient. • Watoga State Park returned.) Call-in requests during the period of February 15–March natural resources, effects of pollution, the r iverside campground—April 1 through October 31 14 will be sent blank reservation forms and instructions regarding West Virginia State Park system, and local West virginia Division of natural resources b eaver creek campground—Memorial Day Weekend through return of completed forms and payments. Beginning March 15, phone and state history. Participants receive a Parks and recreation October 31 reservations will be accepted by calling the park. Walk-in reservations certificate and reward that identifies them 324 4th avenue Laurel run campground (primitive)—year-round will be taken and filled subject to availability beginning April 1. Mail- as a Young Person for Parks. YPP activities vary South charleston, Wv 25303 in, call-in and walk-in reservations are all accepted beginning April 1 from week to week. or call 304-558-2764 or toll free 1-800-caLL Wva • m oncove Lake—generally opens April 1, and remains open of each year through Labor Day, as available. Dates for reservable sites or visit www.wvstateparks.com. through deer rifle season, however, water is not available after vary at Stonewall and canaan valley resorts. Hikin G WeSt virGinia State ParkS October 31 “Hiking West Virginia” is a state park program that provides anyone Pa Yment metHoDS the opportunity to discover the many miles of hiking trails in our • Holly river—April 1 through deer rifle season Payments of deposits may be made by personal check, money order parks system. To enroll, complete a registration or major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover form online or from the Hiking brochure, and • b eech Fork and canaan valley, Pipestem, and Stonewall and Diners Club). Deposits must be received in accordance with return it along with a required registration resorts are open year-round with winter camping permitted. the park office instructions provided when reservations are made. fee. You will receive an official log card to Campers are encouraged to call prior to arrival for utility freeze Campsite numbers cannot be guaranteed. begin recording your hiking mileage. All LEARN STAY HAVE FUN prevention. mileage must be accumulated on hiking Payments for first-come, first-served accept the same payment types, trails in West Virginia’s state parks and at State ForeStS: The season usually runs from mid-April through as available. Identification and proof of age may be requested. state forests. Rewards, such as a hiking stick deer rifle season. and cane shields, are forwarded to those c LanceL ationS participants who reach designated mileage at WiLDLiFe manaGement areaS (Wmas): These campgrounds Campsite reservations canceled more than seven days in advance plateaus. For registration forms and additional are primitive or rustic and are open nearly year-round to will be refunded a deposit, less the handling fee and the first night’s information on this program, phone 304-558-2764; or www. accommodate the hunting seasons. rental. If canceled seven days or less, no refunds will be given. wvstateparks.com and click “Special Interests.” • • wobble clay shooting range shooting clay wobble music and dramas outdoor www.wvstateparks.com Information provided in this brochure is current as of design date, but subject to change thereafter.