Moncove Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Moncove Lake State Park is a favorite destination for camping and outdoor gatherings. Founded in 1900, Moncove Lake State Park originally opened as a serene 250-acre portion of the 500-acre Moncove Lake Wildlife Management Area. The state has since expanded the park to include a total of 892 acres. Famous for the scenic views of forested mountain terrain, the park also sits on the shores of the 144-acre Moncove Lake. The jewel-hued lake provides excellent fishing opportunities, and park management offers seasonal rowboat, kayak, and paddleboat rentals for visitors seeking aquatic sports. As Moncove Lake is directly beneath the flyway of fall eastern hawk migration, this state park also attracts birdwatchers from across the region.
Nearby Cities:
Union, WV
Ronceverte, WV
Fairlea, WV
White Sulphur Springs, WV
Spring 30-72 F
Summer 55-83 F
Fall 31-76 F
Winter 21-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Moncove Lake State Park
Campground Accommodations:
Moncove Lake State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Grillsm picnic tables, dump station, drinking water, bathrooms, showers, playground, fire rings, playground
River Ridge Campground
River Ridge Campground is a laid-back RV park that includes 3 acres of riverfront property and 13 full hookup sites. During a stay here, you can look forward to fantastic views of nearby mountains and the Greenbriar River. Its waterfront location also makes it ideal for exciting activities such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The campground is dog-friendly, and it offers several picnic tables. Some nearby attractions you can check out include Organ Cave, White Sulphur Springs Fish Hatchery, and the Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company.
Hampton Summer Wind Overnight RV Park
Hampton Summer Wind Overnight RV Park is a campground near Moncove Lake State Park that features dozens of sites and affordable rates. It includes miles of rolling hills that guests can use for sightseeing, horseback riding, and general exploration. A few area attractions include the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, Hawks Nest State Park, and The New River Gorge Bridge Overlook. The nightly rate for 30-amp sites that come with full hookups is $35 while the rate for 50-amp sites with full hookups is $40.
What to Do at
Moncove Lake State Park
Bask in lakefront beauty or hike through scenic mountain trails while visiting Moncove Lake State Park. The lake is the park's most prominent natural feature and allows you to enjoy fishing for local species or boating. In addition to natural recreational activities at the lake, you can take a dip at the community swimming pool during the summer. Schedule a picnic at one of the many tables or reserve a picnic shelter from the park office for large groups.
Inside Moncove Lake State Park
Moncove Lake State Park is a popular destination for bird-watching because it lies directly under the pathway of the fall eastern hawk migration. Moncove Lake covers a total of 144 acres, and it is packed with opportunities for sightseeing, fishing, and swimming. Powerboats can also be used on the lake, but they must be limited to 5 horsepower or less. In addition to natural aquatic attractions, the state park includes an outdoor swimming pool that stays open to visitors. Hiking and mountain biking are common activities at the several nature trails, many of which include picnic areas.
Fishing
Moncove Lake offers an excellent opportunity to fish for largemouth bass. The lake's calm waters and basin structure make it the ideal habitat for this game fish. Anglers can catch bass along the lake's shoreline and weed beds. Other fish you can angle for include bluegill, trout, catfish, crappie, walleye, and perch. Fishing in the state requires a West Virginia fishing license, and you can purchase one online from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) before arrival.
Geocaching
There are at least four cache sites hidden around Moncove Lake State Park. Grab your smartphone or GPS to get started on this technological scavenger hunt.
Nature Watching
Bird watching is one of the most popular attractions at Moncove Lake. The water is directly beneath the flyway of eastern hawks during September and October. But in addition to hawks, more than 160 species of birds flock to the area throughout the year. The reason is that the ridges and valleys of the southeastern edge of Appalachians act as a funnel for the migration of birds of prey. One of the best ways to view birds is to hike Peter's Mountain and visit the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory.
Flora and Fauna
Moncove Lake is a freshwater habitat tucked within forested mountains. Beautiful plants include hawthorn, tulip, and dogwood trees. You can also enjoy picturesque shrubs like rhododendrons, azaleas, or mountain laurels. Moncove Lake is also home to whitetail deer, foxes, chipmunks, lake beavers, and plentiful waterfowl.
Hiking
Enjoy a total of five hiking trails within the park. The two prime spots for hiking are the Allegheny Trail along Peter's Mountain and the nearby Greenbrier River Trail. Cross-country skiers and equestrians also enjoy these multi-use trails.
Boating
Moncove Lake is suitable for paddleboats and rowboats. Visitors can rent boats from the park office. A boat ramp is available, and you can dry dock your watercraft near the boat launch.
Swimming
The Moncove Lake State Park swimming pool is open each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Accommodations include a bathhouse, snack bar, and wading area for families with children.
Biking
The Greenbrier River Trail is open to cyclists. In addition, bicyclists can visit the nearby Greenbrier State Forest for 13 miles of scenic trails.
How to Get to
Moncove Lake State Park
Starting from the city of Charlotte, take I-77 N until you reach Draper, and then take Exit 98. From there, continue to drive along VA-100 N. The final steps are to take US-460 W/Virginia Avenue, US-219 N, State Hwy 3 E, and Moncove Lake Road to Moncove Lake Access Road.
Entering Moncove Lake State Park
Parking is available at the entrance and near the pool. No parking or day-use fees are required to visit Moncove Lake State Park.
Whether you want to spend time near a picturesque body of water or explore the breathtaking beauty of West Virginia, Moncove Lake State Park has something for everyone, including fishing, boating, and cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moncove Lake State Park
Moncove Lake State Park is popular throughout the year. However, some activities are seasonal. For example, the swimming pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If your goal is bird watching, the very best time to watch the fall migration is in September and October.
Moncove Lake State Park is home to whitetail deer, wild turkeys, geese, rabbits, grouses, foxes, and squirrels. You may also see lake beavers as well as any one of the 160 species of birds nesting or flying throughout the park.
Moncove Lake State Park has 48 campsites open to RVs and trailers. The park also has a dump station, a central bathhouse with showers, fire rings, and plenty of picnic tables.
The campground office accepts reservations for campsites from spring through fall. You can reserve a camping spot for one night between Sunday and Thursday, but any weekend reservations must be for at least two consecutive nights. Overnight camping fees vary, but you can expect to pay around $40 per night.
Fully vaccinated dogs and cats are the only pets allowed at Moncove Lake State Park. Pets must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them. Be sure that your pet has a collar with an I.D. tag and your contact information. Any pets reported as aggressive or dangerous may need to leave the park.