Watoga State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Watoga State Park is located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, just 14 miles south of Marlinton, in West Virginia. It’s the state’s largest state park, covering an area of 10,100 acres. Located within the park is Watoga Lake, which is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Other unique attractions in Watoga State Park include Anne Bailey’s Lookout Tower and the Brooks Memorial Arboretum. Aside from sightseeing, visitors can also enjoy recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and more.
The state park is also home to many species of wildlife, including deer, black bears, wild turkeys, beavers, raccoons, red and gray foxes, squirrels, and woodchuck. Another thing to keep in mind is that West Virginia is completely within the mountains, therefore it experiences drastic weather changes. Summer can see temperatures as hot as 80°F, while winter can bring chilly conditions of just 15°F. If you’re planning on visiting the region, you’ll certainly want to come prepared. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about Watoga, including campgrounds, recreational activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 24°F - 70°F
Summer 52°F - 80°F
Fall 26°F - 73°F
Winter 15°F - 40°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Watoga State Park
There are plenty of camping opportunities in and around Watoga State Park, including both within tents and RVs. If roughing-it in a sleeping bag and the tiny space that a tent offers isn’t quite your thing, then we whole-heartedly recommend the warmth, comfort, and all-round glamping that an RV offers.
If you don’t own an RV, you can easilyrent an RV from RVshare that suits your individual needs – including size, budget, and more. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
Watoga State Park offers two campgrounds (Beaver Creek and Riverside) with 88 total campsites, 50 of which have electricity. Other amenities include picnic tables, grills, a bathhouse, coin operated laundry, and dish-washing stations. Nightly rates range from $23 - $26.
Both campgrounds can fill quickly, so we’ve also listed three nearby campgrounds and RV parks below.
Tea Creek Campground
Tea Creek Campground is a spacious and secluded 28-site campground tucked away at the intersection of the Williams River and Tea Creek. All sites are first come, first served and the nightly rate is $10 per site. No hookups are available.
Water hookup: no
Electrical hookup: no
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: parking spur, picnic table, fire ring with a grill, waste receptacle, lantern hookup, bear-proof trash containers, drinking water, toilets.
Bath County Recreational Campground
North-east of the state park in Virginia is the Bath County Recreational Campground. It’s a peaceful and remote destination that has you within close proximity to enjoy the best of both states. The campground is particularly popular among anglers thanks to its two ponds.
Water hookup: no
Electrical hookup: no
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: toilets, showers, picnic shelter, volleyball, swimming, handicapped-accessible fishing pier.
Hampton Summer Wind Overnight RV Park
Further south from the state park is theHampton Summer Wind Overnight RV Park, conveniently located off of Interstate 64. It’s set on 100 acres of rolling hills and pastures with mountain views. Full hookups are available and daily rates range from $23 - $33.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dump station, showers, toilets, on-site market (coming soon).
What to Do at
Watoga State Park
Inside Watoga State Park
Whether you’re hoping to enjoy hiking or biking the park’s scenic trails, fishing, swimming, boating, or more – there’s certainly something for every type of traveler at Watoga State Park.
Hiking : There are over 40 miles of hiking paths within the park, ranging from easy to difficult in nature. Some of the most popular trails include the Ann Bailey Trail, Kennison Run Trail, and Lake Trail. The Greenbrier River Trail can also be accessed from Watoga.
Biking : Biking is permitted on service roads and on limited hiking trails, plus, you can also bring your bike on the Greenbrier River Trail, which can be accessed in Seebert. The park office can provide visitors with a map of biking trails.
Fishing : Those with a West Virginia fishing license can enjoy sinking a line in the Watoga Lake, which is popular for its abundance of species such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and trout.
Swimming : Visitors can cool off in the state park’s outdoor swimming pool, which is complete with solar heating. It’s open 7 days per week between 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and operates from Memorial Day Saturday until Labor Day weekend.
Boating : Personal boats are permitted on Watoga Lake, but motors are restricted to electric, trolling motors only. Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, the park also rents paddle boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks for a small fee.
How to Get to
Watoga State Park
Watoga can be accessed north of Hillsboro from Route 219 or in Huntersville from Route 39.
Entering Watoga State Park
Watoga State Park is one of many state parks in West Virginia that doesn’t charge a day use fee. Entry is free.
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Watoga State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Watoga State Park
Watoga State Park is located in the Pocahontas Mountains and experiences dramatic weather changes throughout the year. Be prepared for hot days in the 80s during summer and chilly winter days that fall into the teens.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy many opportunities to see a variety of animal species at Watoga State Park. The park's residents include red and gray foxes, black bears, deer, and woodchucks.
Beaver Creek and Riverside are the two campgrounds at Watoga State Park, with 88 campsites total. Fifty of the campsites have electrical hookups for tent campers and RVers. Amenities include picnic tables, dish-washing stations, and coin-operated laundry facilities.
Reserving a campsite is highly recommended as the state park's two campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Nightly rates range from $23-$26, and you can make reservations anytime by phone, in person, or online.
Are you looking for a trail buddy? Bring your pet! Pets are allowed at the park, on the trails, and at campsites. Just make sure to keep them leashed and clean up after them.