West Virginia is a rugged mountain state nestled in the Appalachians, celebrated as the whitewater rafting capital of the eastern United States. Known as the Mountain State, it offers extraordinary outdoor adventure—class V rapids on the New and Gauley Rivers, hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage in North America. Historic coal-mining heritage, Appalachian culture, artisan crafts, and a thriving outdoor recreation economy make West Virginia a destination of authentic character and natural beauty.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in West Virginia.
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- outdoor adventure hub, crystal-clear water, popular with divers and paddlers
- Boat ramp
- Scuba diving access
- Kayak/paddleboard rentals
- Picnic areas
- Portable restrooms (seasonal)
- Fishing
Summersville Lake Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive at Battle Run Campground before 9am on summer weekends; parking lots fill by mid-morning
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- quiet lakeside retreat, family camping and fishing, unhurried pace
- Swimming beach
- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Camping
- Picnic shelters
- Restrooms
Burnsville Lake Recreation Area
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10am on summer holidays to claim a picnic shelter; they fill fast on busy weekends
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- woodland lake setting, relaxed and family-focused, uncrowded on weekdays
- Swimming area
- Boat ramp
- Camping
- Picnic facilities
- Playground
- Restrooms
Beech Fork State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 11am on summer weekends; parking near the beach fills early on hot days
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- resort-adjacent lake beach, polished and full-service, suits mixed groups and families
- Sandy beach area
- Marina
- Boat rentals
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Resort facilities
Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Book marina boat rentals at least a day ahead during July and August; popular craft fill quickly on weekends
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- high-elevation mountain resort, cool and peaceful, surrounded by rare highland ecosystem
- Pond/lake swimming area
- Nature programs
- Hiking access
- Restaurant
- Resort services
Canaan Valley Resort State Park Lake Area
Editor’s tip. Pack layers for evening visits; temperatures at this elevation can drop sharply even in July and August
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in West Virginia memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Notes
West Virginia is landlocked—all beaches are freshwater lake or river settings. Summersville Lake is the premier destination for clarity and diving. State park beaches are generally free for day use. Water quality is monitored by WV DEP; check advisories at dep.wv.gov. Lifeguards are not present at most WV lake beaches—swim at your own risk. Water temperatures peak in July-August at 70-76°F (21-24°C).
Water Quality
Monitored by WVDEP; generally excellent at state park lakes. Check current advisories at dep.wv.gov before swimming.
Best For Scuba
Summersville Lake is one of the top freshwater scuba diving destinations in the eastern US, with 40-foot visibility and submerged rock formations
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about West Virginia’s coast.
Is Summersville Lake suitable for families with young children?
Designated swimming areas within managed campgrounds provide calmer, shallower water suitable for children. Lifeguard coverage is not guaranteed outside peak summer season, so families should supervise young swimmers closely. The lake drops off steeply beyond marked swim zones.
From the Summersville Lake Beach editorial.
Can visitors bring their own kayaks or canoes to Summersville Lake?
Non-motorized watercraft can be launched from several access points, with the Battle Run area being a common put-in for kayakers. Rental kayaks and paddleboards are also available from vendors operating near the main campground areas during the summer season.
From the Summersville Lake Beach editorial.
Is swimming allowed year-round at Burnsville Lake?
The designated beach is managed seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outside those dates the area may be accessible but lifeguards will not be on duty and facilities may be unstaffed, so swimming is at visitors' own risk.
From the Burnsville Lake Recreation Area editorial.
Can visitors rent boats at Burnsville Lake Recreation Area?
Boat rentals are not available at the Army Corps facility itself. The concrete boat ramp accommodates visitors with their own trailered boats, and some private fishing guide services in the Burnsville area occasionally offer charter trips on the lake.
From the Burnsville Lake Recreation Area editorial.
Is Beech Fork State Park Beach free to enter?
Day use of the park, including beach access, is free of charge. Fees apply only for overnight camping. This makes it an accessible option for day-tripping families in the Huntington and Tri-State area.
From the Beech Fork State Park Beach editorial.
Are motorized boats permitted on Beech Fork Lake?
Small motorized boats are allowed on the lake, with speed restrictions in place near the designated swim area. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are popular non-motorized options, and the boat ramp is open to the public during park hours.
From the Beech Fork State Park Beach editorial.
Is there a lifeguard at Stonewall Jackson Lake beach?
Lifeguard coverage is seasonal and schedules may vary. Visitors planning beach trips with young children should contact the state park office in advance to confirm current lifeguard availability before making the trip.
From the Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park Beach editorial.
Can day visitors use the resort's restaurant and marina?
The resort restaurant and marina are open to day visitors as well as resort guests. Boat rental availability is on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved in advance by contacting the resort directly.
From the Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park Beach editorial.