Lodge in Cacapon Resort State Park, located near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

Lodge in Cacapon Resort State Park, located near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Photo: Brian M. Powell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, Cacapon State Park is definitely worth a visit.

Situated in West Virginia, less than an hour from Winchester, the park is a beautiful, 6,000-acre natural wonder located in the eastern panhandle.

Nestled in the Cacapon Mountains, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. This includes the likes of boating, fishing, hiking and photography, while there are several picnic areas throughout it too.

Birding and wildlife watching are also popular activities. While those who want to stay for a night or two are blessed with the choice of modern amenities like cabins and lodges, that provide a luxurious getaway, or rustic tent sites for those who enjoy a more primitive camping experience.

Activities

From boating and fishing to hiking and camping, this West Virginia State Park has something for everyone.

Here are some more details about the most popular outdoor leisure activities you can enjoy at Cacapon State Park.

Boating at Cacapon State Park

The park is home to the beautiful Cacapon Lake.

During the boating season, 44-acre Cacapon Lake is open for boating and paddling. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats from the park’s boat house or bring their own watercraft.

Whilst on the water, visitors are asked to adhere to the rules and regulations of boating within the park. If you are unfamiliar with these, it is worth contacting the park’s main office.

Swimming at Cacapon State Park

Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in Cacapon Lake. However, the park does have an excellent pool which provides the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.

The pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers a waterslide, diving board, and kiddie pool for younger children.

Visitors can also rent tubes and rafts to float around the pool, or simply relax in a lounge chair by the water.

Fishing at Cacapon State Park

Fishing is a popular activity at Cacapon State Park, with a couple of bodies of water to choose from.

In addition to Cacapon Lake, the park is home to the Cacapon River, which is stocked with trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The Cacapon River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and rock bass all swimming in its waters.

Most anglers believe the best time to fish in the river is in the spring and fall, when the water is cooler and the fish are more active.

The river is also a popular spot for fly fishing, with several outfitters in the area offering guided trips and equipment rentals.

Hiking at Cacapon State Park

Hiking is one of the most popular activities at Cacapon State Park, with over 20 miles of trails winding through the park’s rugged terrain.

Visitors can explore the park’s diverse habitats, take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and get up close and personal with the park’s waterfalls.

The park’s most popular trail is the Ziler Loop Trail, a 5.5-mile loop that winds through the park’s hardwood forests and up to the Cacapon Mountain Overlook. The trail is moderate to difficult, with steep climbs and descents, but the views from the overlook are worth the effort.

In addition to this trail, there are several shorter trails you can tackle. This includes the Cacapon Overlook Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the park’s namesake mountain.

For those who really fancy stretching their legs, visitors can tackle the park’s longest trail, the Ridge Trail. This 10-mile trail follows the ridgeline of Cacapon Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The trail is rated as difficult, with several steep climbs and descents, but the views along the way are magnificent.

Make sure you have your camera with you!

Pets at Cacapon State Park

Cacapon State Park is a pet-friendly destination, with several areas of the park designated for pets and their owners. Pets are allowed in the park’s campgrounds, on several of the park’s trails, and in designated pet areas.

Visitors with dogs should keep in mind that they must be leashed at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. The park’s pet areas include a dog park, located near the park’s campground, and a pet-friendly cabin, which allows pets to stay with their owners.

The park’s trails offer a great opportunity for pets and their owners to explore the park’s beautiful surroundings together. However, dogs are not allowed on the park’s swimming beach or in any of the park’s buildings, with the exception of the pet-friendly cabin.

Camping at Cacapon State Park

Camping is a popular activity at Cacapon State Park, with several options available for visitors. The park offers both tent and RV camping, with numerous campgrounds located throughout the park.

The park’s main campground is situated near the lake, and offers both tent and RV sites, as well as primitive campsites for backpackers. The campground is equipped with modern amenities, including showers, flush toilets, and electrical hookups.

For a more secluded camping experience, visitors can try the park’s walk-in campsites, which are located off its trails. These campsites offer a more primitive camping experience, with no amenities other than a fire ring and picnic table. Visitors should bring their own water and be prepared to carry their gear to the campsites.

Should you prefer a more luxurious camping experience, the park also offers cabins and lodges. These are dotted throughout the park, and present guests with modern amenities, including heat, air conditioning, and fully equipped kitchens.

The park’s lodges also offer fireplaces, hot tubs, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Park Location

Cacapon State Park
818 Cacapon Lodge Drive
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Phone: 304.258.1022

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cacapon State Park: