West Virginia is hundreds of miles from the coast, and is known for the Appalachian Mountains (it is nicknamed The Mountain State, after all) but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a beautiful day at the beach! The state is full of clear water beaches with beautiful lakes, streams, and rivers where visitors can swim, paddle, or catch up on the latest page-turner while basking in the sun.
What Are the Best Beaches in West Virginia?
- Tygart Lake State Park
- Sutton Lake
- Lake Sherwood
- Summersville Lake
- Cheat Lake
- Shavers Lake
- Cacapon Resort State Park
- Jennings Randolph Lake
- Bluestone Lake
- Stonewall Jackson Lake
What are the Best Beaches in West Virginia for RVers?
| Beach | Campsite Options | Hookups & Amenities | RV Friendliness | Best For | Key Advantage |
| Ruby Beach | Campgrounds and RV camping options throughout nearby Olympic National Park | Nearby campgrounds, hiking trails, beach access, tide pools, scenic viewpoints, ranger facilities | High | RV travelers wanting iconic coastal scenery and national park access | Combines rugged, dramatic coastline with access to Olympic National Park camping |
| Cape Disappointment State Park | Multiple campgrounds with RV sites inside the state park | Full and partial hookups, restrooms, hiking trails, beach access, lighthouse tours, dump station | High | RV campers looking for full-service coastal camping and outdoor adventure | One of the most RV-accessible coastal parks with camping directly inside a state park |
| Long Beach | Numerous RV parks and campgrounds throughout the Long Beach Peninsula | Hookup sites, beach access, bike trails, boardwalk, restaurants, shops, nearby attractions | High | Long RV stays with beach access and small-town amenities | Best mix of ocean beach access + walkable town + extensive RV infrastructure |
Tygart Lake State Park
Tygart Lake State Park, at the bottom of the Allegheny Mountains, is home to the 1,750-acre Tygart Lake. The beach area has a bathhouse, picnic area, horseshoe pit, and bocce ball courts. You can rent kayaks to paddle on the lake as well.
Things to do near Tygart Lake State Park
Explore nearby hiking trails in the surrounding Allegheny foothills, or visit the town of Grafton for small shops, local dining, and historic sites.
Sutton Lake
Sutton Lake is home to a great family beach, at Bee Run Recreation Area, with a playground and a marina nearby. The beach is covered with fine, sugar sand so the kids can dig and explore. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day!
Things to do near Sutton Lake
Visit Sutton Dam for scenic views, explore the nearby Elk River Wildlife Management Area, or enjoy small-town stops in Sutton for food and antiques.
Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake boasts more than 60 miles of shoreline, which means it can accommodate a variety of water fun. Visitors can boat, waterski, fish, and even scuba dive. The sandstone cliffs that surround the lake make for some dramatic scenery as well. The Battle Run area has a popular beach, and there’s a lighthouse to explore that overlooks the lake.
Things to do near Summersville Lake
Check out nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for hiking and overlooks, or visit the town of Summersville for dining and local shops.
Lake Sherwood
Lake Sherwood is surrounded by pines and greenery in the Monongahela National Forest. The lake is perfect for fishing, paddling, floating, and swimming. There’s a boat ramp, and there are several hiking trails in the area if you want to spend some time on dry land. There is also a campground at the lake, so you can bring your RV and stay a while.
Things to do near Lake Sherwood
Explore Monongahela National Forest trails, visit nearby Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, or take scenic drives through the surrounding mountain forest roads.
Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake is near the border of West Virginia and Pennsylvania and is a popular place for boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, and fishing. While the lake has a great, open area for faster boats and jet skis, it also has backwater embayments that provide calmer water for paddling a canoe or paddleboard. The swim beach, along with a playground and bathrooms, are also in calmer areas of the lake.
Things to do near Cheat Lake
Head into Morgantown for restaurants and riverfront walking areas, or explore Coopers Rock State Forest for overlooks and hiking trails.
Shavers Lake
Shavers Lake, on the site of a West Virginia ski resort, is home to the state’s highest beach. It’s also a beautiful mountain lake where you can canoe, paddleboard, or spend a day at the beach swimming and drinking in the mountain air while taking in the views.
Things to do near Shavers Lake
Visit nearby Snowshoe Mountain Resort for dining and mountain activities, or explore scenic drives and overlooks in the Monongahela National Forest.
Cacapon Resort State Park
The lake at Cacapon Resort State Park offers swimming with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding area. The beach is family-friendly, with easy places for kids to play on land and in the shallow waters at the shore of the lake.
Things to do near Cacapon Resort State Park
Play a round at the Cacapon Resort State Park Golf Course, hike Cacapon Mountain trails, or explore nearby Berkeley Springs and its historic mineral springs.
Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake spans parts of both West Virginia and Maryland, and has a variety of water activities including sailing, fishing, and waterskiing. The lake is also a haven for many birds and animals, making it the perfect place for spotting birds or wildlife. The sandy beach along the shore is a great place to dig or relax in a beach chair for an afternoon.
Things to do near Jennings Randolph Lake
Visit nearby Elk Garden for rural scenery, explore the surrounding Appalachian foothills, or take a scenic drive along the Maryland–West Virginia border region.
Bluestone Lake
Located in Bluestone State Park, Bluestone Lake has plenty of water activities for visitors to enjoy. Besides swimming at the beach, there are also opportunities for fishing and boating in the lake. You can also spend time exploring the hiking trails through the park, and there’s even several campgrounds in the park if you’d like to spend a few days at the state park.
Things to do near Bluestone Lake
Explore the rest of the beautiful state park! You’re also not too far from the Virginia border and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Shenandoah National Park is only about a 3 hour drive away.
Stonewall Jackson Lake
Stonewall Jackson Lake has several beaches that visitors can enjoy. There are also plenty of water activities such as boating, fishing, tubing, and water skiing available. Stonewall Jackson State Park is right there, and there are many restaurants and even a golf resort. There are plenty of campgrounds nearby to stay a few days and explore.
Things to do near Stonewall Jackson Lake
Check out Stonewall Jackson State Park, as well as the West Virginia State Wildlife Center and Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area which are both nearby.
Planning an RV trip to West Virginia
While in West Virginia, be sure to check out the best campgrounds in the state, as well West Virginia’s state parks.
