West Virginia Lake Vacations
West Virginia Lake Vacations: If you want to make your trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains more memorable, you should spend some time relaxing by a beautiful mountain lake. Virginia has some of the best lakes in the country.
Many people like to visit Virginia lakes, which have well-kept beaches, boat launches, nice restaurants, great campgrounds, and cottages. Most of these lakes are in the western part of the state.
Many people love to visit Virginia’s beautiful lakes, and many of them are surrounded by amazing state parks with picnic areas, hiking trails, and natural features that are attractions in their own right.
Visitors who take the Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at cute mountain towns along the way can easily include these Virginia lakes in their plans.
Any of these Virginia lakes would be a great place to relax or spend the day, whether you like fishing, boating, swimming, or just admiring the beautiful reflections on the water.
In our guide to the best lakes in Virginia, we break down each lake’s attractions and list other fun things to do nearby.
Life at the Lake: These 5 West Virginia Spots are Perfect for Summer
Have you ever had a lovely day by the lake where everything just seemed right? Feeling the sun on your skin, splashing around in the water, taking it easy on a boat, and laughing with friends and family are some of the most simple things about summer. Visit West Virginia’s most beautiful lakes if you want to spend your summer days like this.
Summerville and Lake
Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia. It covers about 28,000 acres of water and has 60 miles of undeveloped shoreline. You can dive into adventure at Sarge’s Dive Shop, which offers scuba diving lessons, water charters, and more. Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse rents out boats, cabins, and campsites and gives tours of the state’s only lighthouse. It’s known as the “Little Bahamas of the East.” For a nice break from the water, you can take tours and taste wines at the nearby Isaiah Morgan Distillery and Kirkwood Winery.
Jack Stonewall Jackson Lake:
In Stonewall Resort State Park, Stonewall Jackson Lake has beautiful views of West Virginia’s calm waters and mountain ranges. While on vacation at Stonewall Resort, you can go on boat tours and mini-powerboat rides and play golf at the Palmer Course. These activities are the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. You can grab a bite to eat at the MTN or savor gourmet food at the resort’s restaurants—spa in Laurel.
Lake Hack:
The 13 miles of beautiful coastline in Monongalia County at Cheat Lake are stunning. Sunset Beach Marina has everything you need for all of your lake activities. You can rent boats, canoes, kayaks, and more there. You can eat at either Lake House Restaurant or Crab Shack Carribba, which both serve delicious seafood and have beautiful views of the lake, or you can do yoga on a stand-up paddleboard.
The Lake of Bluestone
Bluestone Lake, the third-largest lake in the Mountain State, is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Bluestone Lake Marina rents fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, and other watercraft. Small cottages close to Bluestone State Park can be used for camping, hiking, and fishing.
At Lake Beech Fork:
Enjoy the sun at Beech Fork State Park in Barboursville, which is right on the shore of Beech Fork Lake. Beech Fork Lake Marina in Huntington has a lot of fishing spots and rents out boats and kayaks, including pontoon boats and kayaks, making it the perfect place to go for a weekend getaway where you can swim, fish, and watch wildlife.
West Virginia Lakefront Resorts & Cabins
Get away to the Mountain State for a relaxing vacation! West Virginia’s lakes and rivers offer many fun activities, such as jet skiing, water tubing, kayaking, scuba diving, whitewater rafting, and boating. The state has many hotels, so you can find the perfect place to stay near a lake.
Resort Windwood For Fly-Ins
The Windwood Fly-In Resort is tucked away in a beautiful area near some beautiful lakes. The helpful staff can help you get the most out of your lakeside getaway.
Stay at Stonewall Resort.
Stonewall Jackson Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia. It has 28 miles of fun things to do, and the Stonewall Resort is a great place to start exploring this underwater wonder.
Hotel and Conference Center at Ogle Bay
Schenk Lake is in the middle of Oglebay Park and is a great spot to relax and do some water activities. You can have fun at the lake by renting kayaks, pedal boats, or aqua bikes.
Adventure Park ACE
With water that comes from springs and fun things to do for people of all ages, ACE Adventure Lake & Park is a one-of-a-kind alpine lake experience.
Berkley Springs cottage rentals
You can pick from the waterfront homes that Berkeley Springs Cottage Rentals has to offer. If you stay here, you’ll have a great time by the lake, whether you like fishing or exploring the coast.
3 Thrilling West Virginia Lakes
Some swimming pools are now open again for the summer, but you might feel unsafe going back to your old haunts later. These lakes in West Virginia are great for swimming, canoeing, and boating, among other things. This summer, why not use the clean water from these lakes instead of chlorine?
Summerville and Lake
With 60 miles of shoreline, Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse is West Virginia’s biggest lake. The state capital, Charleston, is about an hour and a half away. Visitors can have fun doing many things, such as fishing, boating, scuba diving, and water skiing. The big lake, which is more than 28,000 acres, gives people a lot of room to play sports and have fun. Pontoon boats that can fit up to ten people can be rented.
Lake Hack:
You can do both land and water sports at Cheat Lake, which is near Morgantown in northern West Virginia. There are three restaurants and camping areas on-site where you can eat. On the water, guests can kayak, fish, stand-up paddleboard, and go boating. There are three marinas, four licensed boat launches, and several places to rent kayaks and boats. There are also gas stations and snack bars that are easy to get to. There are several designated swimming areas in Cheat Lake, including a beach, for people who like to swim.
The Lake of Bluestone
Bluestone Lake is in the southern part of West Virginia. It is in the town of Hinton. It has places to camp with beautiful views of the water, as well as places to fish and go boating. Bluestone Lake is the third-largest body of water in West Virginia. It covers 2,040 acres and is a great place to fish for bass, bluegill, and catfish. At Bluestone Lake Marina, people can rent fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and pontoon boats to make the most of all that the lake has to offer.
Your Guide to Southern West Virginia Lakes
The lakes in this area offer many ways to enjoy the outdoors. A summary is given below:
Wintersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia, at 2,700 acres. The state-run area allows people to fish, hunt, boat, climb rocks, and scuba dive. The famous Gauley River is also not far from the dam.
Little Beaver Lake is east of Beckley and has hiking and biking trails, camping, and places to fish. You can rent paddle boats there. Set up your tent at one of the beautiful campgrounds to start your vacation.
Seven miles away from Beckley is Lake Stephens. It has a beach, an aqua park, and more than twenty miles of family-friendly hiking and biking trails.
Bluestone Lake was created by a flood control dam on the New River near Hinton. It is home to a State Park and a Wildlife Management Area, as well as many recreational opportunities.
Plum Orchard Lake is a beautiful lake in Fayette County that is famous for fishing.
A dam on the New River formed Hawks Nest Lake, which is close to the western edge of New River Gorge National Park. From Hawk’s Nest State Park, which is above the Gorge, you can see the lake beautifully.
In the beautiful surroundings of Babcock State Park, you can rent paddleboats at Boley Lake and go hiking or fishing.
Monroe County is home to Moncove Lake and the State Park, which it shares a border with. Both are great places for nature lovers to get away. In this peaceful area, you can go hiking, watch birds, fish, and shoot.
Best Lakes in West Virginia: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home?
West Virginia, also called the “Mountain State,” gets its name from the old peaks and rolling hills of the Appalachians. This area is very beautiful, with huge landscapes, deep valleys, and thick hardwood forests. People who like hunting, hiking, and nature will all enjoy it. People from all over the world come to the state’s many streams and rivers, some of which have very rough whitewater rapids.
A lot of people need to learn about West Virginia’s beautiful lake country, even though pioneers like Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone spent a lot of time exploring the state. There is at least one great body of fresh water in every area, from the northern panhandle to the southeastern coal country.
It was the United States that made most of these lakes into reservoirs. It is the Army Corps of Engineers’ job to deal with floods. Cheap homes on or near lakes or other bodies of water are great places to stay for vacations. Here are some of the most beautiful lakes in West Virginia.
What is the prettiest lake in West Virginia?
8 Most Beautiful Lakes In West Virginia
Summersville Lake.
East Lynn Lake.
Lake Sherwood, West Virginia. …
Stonewall Jackson Lake Wildlife Management Area, Near Roanoke, West Virginia.
Burnsville Lake, Braxton County, West Virginia.
Beech Fork Lake at Beech Fork State Park in Wayne County, West Virginia.
Going to a country lake should be fun and worth all the time and work it takes to get ready. Getting kids, food, chairs, umbrellas, and pets into the car takes work. However, it doesn’t take long to realize how valuable your investment is as you walk on the smooth, cool grass of a picnic area by the water.
People generally know that West Virginia has fun activities that will take you back to simpler times and let you make memories that will comfort you in the years to come. Check out these eight beautiful waterside spots and give yourself, your family, or your friends the vacation you deserve.
Can you swim in West Virginia lakes?
Nature-made swimming spots. If you prefer to get your toes wet in a free-flowing natural body of water, check out the swimming hole at Audra, or go for a swim at a lake or beaches at Blackwater Falls, Cacapon or Tygart Lake state parks. Be sure to check individual park pages for more information on hours.
If you like swimming in water that flows naturally, you can go to Audra’s swimming hole or Blackwater Falls, Cacapon, or Tygart Lake state parks and swim in their lakes or on their beaches. Every one of these places is a relaxing getaway in West Virginia’s stunning scenery.
There’s something for everyone, whether you want to relax at Audra’s swimming hole or enjoy the beautiful beaches and lakes in the state parks. Before you plan your trip, look at the pages of each park to learn more about its hours of operation and any other rules or restrictions.
Remember to bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and picnic food for a great swimming adventure in West Virginia’s beautiful nature.
What is the clearest lake in West Virginia?
Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake is nicknamed “The Little Bahamas of the East” because of its super clear, almost aqua waters. Due to the incredible visibility of the water, scuba diving has become a popular sport at the lake.
Scuba diving is a great way to see more of Summersville Lake. Scuba divers like Summersville Lake, which is often called “The Little Bahamas of the East” because the water is so clear it’s almost blue. Due to the clear water, lake diving is becoming more and more popular with tourists. It’s easy for beginners to start because Sarge’s Dive Shop in West Virginia teaches people how to get their diving certification. Sarge lets trained divers explore the untouched waters at their own pace by renting or buying the gear they need.
If bad weather keeps people from going to the lake, there are other trails they can use to explore, like the Long Point Trail. Long Point is a unique rock formation in the lake that can be reached by the short Long Point trail that leads to a lookout point. A small turbine and historical artifacts give visitors more information about the history of the dam.
Everyone can find something they like to do at Summersville Lake, no matter what they decide to do there. Many types of people can enjoy Summersville Lake’s many activities, such as relaxing on the beach, pontoon adventures with rock climbing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and, in the fall, tackling the Gauley River rapids.
Does West Virginia have a lake?
With more than 28,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline, Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia. The superb water quality makes it perfect for swimming, fishing and watercraft use of all kinds. Favorite activities include scuba diving, picnicking, boating and swimming.
Summerville and Lake
Summersville Lake is the biggest lake in West Virginia. It covers more than 28,000 acres and has 60 miles of shoreline. The area is great for swimming, fishing, and other water sports because the water quality is so good. Guests can go scuba diving, picnics, boats, and swim, among other popular activities. A playground, bathrooms, and hookups are some of the useful features of the campground.
Lake Hack:
Cheat Lake is east of Morgantown and has a brand-new swimming beach where you can swim, splash around, and build sand castles. Parents and kids will enjoy the playground, canoe rentals, fishing platforms, bike and hiking trails, and other outdoor activities.
Jack Stonewall Jackson Lake:
Stonewall Jackson Lake is a great place for family fun and relaxation. It is tucked away in the rolling hills of Lewis County. The plaza, swimming and fishing areas, paths, and the dam overlook are all outdoor activities. The Stonewall Jackson State Park Resort has a golf course, spa, swimming pool, lodge in the Adirondacks style, and marina with boat slips and rentals.
This is Lake Sherwood.
Lake Sherwood is the coldest lake in West Virginia. It is in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest, 2,700 feet above sea level. This beautiful lake has a beach for swimming, a place to have a picnic, room for big campers, and lovely paths.
For Lake Slumber Creek:
Sleepy Creek Lake in Berkeley County is a popular place to cool off and relax in the summer. It’s known for trophy bass fishing, and anglers can catch fish that break records. Visitors to the lake can use boat ramps and a day-use area, among other things. There is also a primitive campground there.
Can you drink the water in West Virginia?
In recent years, West Virginia’s department of health was forced to post “Don’t Drink the Water” signs in several of the state’s municipalities because of an overabundance of PFAS in the water supply. An environmental study found that 36 of West Virginia’s 55 counties have among the least safe drinking water in the US.
A study from Great Green Wall Health that used data from the U.S. was just finished. The Environmental Protection Agency says that Kentucky has the cleanest drinking water in the United States, except for Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. The study compared the states by counting the number of violations of public water systems per million people.
The cleanest drinking water is found in ten states: Maryland, California, South Carolina, Minnesota, Nebraska, Alabama, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Nevada. For instance, Oregon, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wyoming, Idaho, Maine, Vermont, and Montana are the ten states where public water systems are broken into the most often.
With 381.37 violations, West Virginia was one of the ten states with the most public water system violations. On the other hand, only 724.04 violations were found for every million people in Montana.
Data from Safe Drinking Water Act breaches were used in the study—these show times when rules about drinking water safety were broken.
The Summersville Dam is on the Gauley River in Summersville, Nicholas County, West Virginia. It controls water in an area of 803 square miles. Because of its beautiful scenery, it is one of the most beautiful dams that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of.
Since it was built as a rock-fill dam, its shape fits in perfectly with its surroundings, making it look like nature put it there. Twelve million cubic yards of rock and dirt had to be moved in order to build the Summersville Dam, which is the second-largest dam of its kind in the Eastern United States.
It was carefully built from 1960 to 1966 with help from the U.S. Army Corps and cost about $48 million. It is 390 feet tall, which is the same as a 40-story building and 2,280 feet long. The ceremony was held on September 3, 1966, and Lyndon B. Johnson, who was the 36th President of the United States, led it. By the end of 1974, the dam had already proven its worth when it cut flood damage in the Kanawha Valley by almost twice as much as it cost to build.
