Beech Fork State Park

🚵 Trusted Guide to West Virginia’s Premier Lake & Trail Park – Updated 2025

Where Appalachian Mountain Biking Meets a 728-Acre Lake

In the rolling hills of Wayne County, just 12 miles south of Huntington, Beech Fork State Park spreads across 3,860 acres of rugged Appalachian terrain centered on the 728-acre Beech Fork Lake. Established in 1978 after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Beech and Miller forks of Twelvepole Creek for flood control, this park has evolved into one of West Virginia’s most complete outdoor recreation destinations — a place where serious mountain bikers, anglers chasing stocked trophy fish, and families looking for lakefront camping all find exactly what they need.

What sets Beech Fork apart from other lake parks is the unusual combination of 27 miles of mountain biking trails — including challenging single-track through dense hardwood forest that rivals dedicated mountain bike parks — with a 50-meter swimming pool, 275 campsites (99 of them lakefront), luxury cabins, and a managed warmwater fishery stocked with tiger muskellunge and saugeye. The park’s proximity to Huntington makes it equally suited for weekend getaways and extended camping stays, while the adjacent Beech Fork Wildlife Management Area adds hunting access to the park’s already impressive recreational portfolio.

The story of Beech Fork traces back to the devastating floods that historically plagued the Twelvepole Creek watershed. When the Army Corps completed the dam in the mid-1970s, the resulting reservoir transformed a flood-prone valley into the recreational lake and surrounding parkland that West Virginians enjoy today. The park officially opened in 1979, and a major expansion in 2000 added the six luxury cabins, the Olympic-size swimming pool, and improved facilities that elevated Beech Fork to one of the state’s premier parks.

Mountain Biking & Hiking: 27 Miles of Trail

Beech Fork’s trail system is one of the most underrated mountain biking networks in the Mid-Atlantic. With 20 named trails covering 27 miles and 3,708 feet of total descent, the park offers everything from mellow lakeside cruising to technical ridge-line single-track that will challenge experienced riders.

Trail Guide

Trail Tips for Mountain Bikers

• Expect roots and rocks: Even “green-rated” trails have prevalent root networks and rocky sections — don’t be fooled by easy ratings
• Creek crossings: Mary Davis Trail includes creek crossings that can be overgrown in summer — long sleeves recommended
• Bring your own bike: No bike rentals available in the park
• Trailhead access: Lost Trail starts behind campsite 104 in Moxley Branch Campground
• Best season: Fall offers ideal temperatures, dry conditions, and stunning foliage through the hardwood canopy

Fishing & Boating on Beech Fork Lake

Beech Fork Lake is a managed warmwater fishery that has been strategically stocked by the WVDNR to create a diverse and productive fishery. The lake’s 9.9 HP motor limit keeps the water calm and quiet — perfect for kayak fishing and bank angling — while enabling boat access for more serious fishing trips.

Target Species

Boating Details

• Motor limit: 9.9 HP maximum — propeller must be removed from any larger engine before launch
• Boat ramp: Paved launch at Beech Fork Marina ($5 daily use fee), open April–November
• Rentals (Memorial Day–Labor Day): Canoes, kayaks, jon boats, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards available at the marina dock
• Handicap-accessible fishing pier: Barrier-free access for anglers with mobility needs
• Swimming in lake: Prohibited — use the 50-meter pool instead

The 50-Meter Swimming Pool

One of Beech Fork’s most distinctive features is its Olympic-size 50-meter swimming pool, built in 2000 as part of the park’s major facility expansion:

• Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Facilities: Full bathhouse and snack bar
• Private rentals: Available for after-hours parties and group events
• Note: Swimming in Beech Fork Lake is prohibited — the pool is the designated swimming facility
• Fee: Separate admission for pool use (campers may pay additional cost)

Camping & Cabins

With 275 campsites across four campground areas and six luxury cabins, Beech Fork is one of West Virginia’s largest camping destinations.

Campground Overview

Cabins

• 6 fully equipped vacation cabins on a ridge above Beech Fork Lake
• Available year-round with heating, A/C, fireplace, full kitchen with microwave, TV, phone
• Accessible: All cabins meet accessibility standards
• Pet-friendly: 2 of 6 cabins welcome dogs
• Grills provided at each cabin for outdoor cooking
• Reservations: Up to 1 year in advance. Summer minimum: 1 week (June–Labor Day); off-season: 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday stays

Reservation Tips

• Phone: (304) 528-5794 or 1-800-CALL WVA
• Campsites: $5 handling fee per site, full payment at booking. Weekend minimum: 2 nights (Fri-Sat)
• Cabins (4+ nights): 50% deposit, balance due on arrival. Under 4 nights: full payment upfront
• Lakefront sites fill first: Book Moxley Branch and Four Coves early for summer weekends

Day-Use Activities & Amenities

• 4 picnic shelters: Electrical outlets, charcoal grills, playgrounds, restrooms — reservable for $80 or first-come, first-served
• Stower’s Branch Beach picnic deck: Reservable for $30
• Wooten Recreation Area: Basketball courts, tennis courts, horseshoes, softball diamond — equipment rental available
• Nature Center: Interpretive exhibits about the park’s flora, fauna, and geological history
• Camper’s Corner Store (Apr–Oct): Groceries, ice cream, camping supplies, fishing bait, firewood, game equipment rental
• Corps of Engineers Visitor Center: Open Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 4 PM year-round; weekends Memorial Day–Labor Day 10 AM – 4 PM

Wildlife & Nature

The adjacent Beech Fork Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) offers hunting access for deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, grouse, and dove — check WVDNR for current seasons and regulations. The WMA’s diverse habitat also makes it one of the best bird watching locations in the Huntington area.

Best Time to Visit

Budget Planner

Getting There & Nearby

• From Huntington, WV (12 miles): Take Route 152 South — well-signed from I-64
• From Charleston, WV (60 miles): I-64 West to Route 152 South
• Nearest services: Huntington and Barboursville (12 miles) — full range of groceries, dining, fuel, and retail
• Nearby attractions:
  • Heritage Farm Museum & Village (Huntington) — Appalachian history and culture
  • Huntington Museum of Art — largest art museum in West Virginia
  • Marshall University — campus tours available, home of the Thundering Herd

Safety & Regulations

Packing List

• ✅ Mountain bike + helmet — no rentals available; trails are natural surface with rocks/roots
• ✅ Fishing gear — rod, tackle, live bait; additional supplies at Corner Store
• ✅ Swimsuit — for the 50m pool (Memorial Day–Labor Day), not for the lake
• ✅ Binoculars — excellent birding along the lake and WMA
• ✅ Insect repellent — wooded Appalachian terrain means ticks and mosquitoes are active
• ✅ Long sleeves/pants for trails — creek crossings and overgrown sections on Mary Davis Trail
• ✅ Leveling blocks — some campsite pads may be uneven
• ✅ Quarters for laundry — coin-operated machines at Old Orchard bathhouse
• ✅ Life jackets — required for all watercraft use

History of Beech Fork

The history of Beech Fork State Park is the story of taming a flood-prone creek system. The Beech Fork and Miller Fork tributaries of Twelvepole Creek had caused devastating floods in Wayne County for generations. In the mid-1970s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a dam across these forks, creating the 728-acre Beech Fork Lake — a reservoir designed primarily for flood control, with recreation and wildlife management as secondary benefits.

The state park opened in 1979, occupying the wooded hills and shoreline around the new lake. For its first two decades, Beech Fork was primarily a camping and fishing park — popular but lacking the luxury amenities of some of the state’s more established parks. That changed in 2000 with a significant expansion that added six ridgetop vacation cabins, the 50-meter swimming pool with bathhouse and snack bar, and improved picnic and day-use facilities. These additions transformed Beech Fork from a good campground into a full-service state park, attracting a wider range of visitors and earning its place among West Virginia’s top-tier recreational destinations.

The name “Beech Fork” refers to the beech trees that once lined the banks of the creek — a common naming convention in Appalachia where waterways were often identified by the dominant tree species along their banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim in Beech Fork Lake?

No — swimming in the lake is prohibited. The park provides a 50-meter swimming pool (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) as the designated swimming facility. The pool includes a bathhouse and snack bar.

What size boat motors are allowed on Beech Fork Lake?

Motors are limited to 9.9 horsepower. If your boat has a larger engine, the propeller must be removed before launching. This restriction protects the lake’s shallow areas from erosion and keeps the water calm and safe for kayakers, canoeists, and anglers.

Is Beech Fork good for mountain biking?

Yes — the park has 20 trails covering 27 miles with 3,708 feet of total descent. The Mary Davis Trail (4.8 miles) and Lost Trail (3.4 miles) are the most popular intermediate-level routes. Expect rocks, roots, creek crossings, and ridge climbs. Bring your own bike — no rentals are available.

Are the cabins pet-friendly?

Two of the six cabins are designated as pet-friendly. All cabins are fully equipped with heating, A/C, fireplace, full kitchen, and are available year-round. Book pet-friendly cabins well in advance, especially for summer weeks.

Is Beech Fork State Park open in winter?

Yes — the Old Orchard Campground is open year-round with full hookups (50-amp, water, sewer), and all six cabins are available in every season. Other campgrounds close between mid-October and mid-April. Winter is excellent for solitude, tiger muskie fishing, and peaceful snow-dusted trail walks.

Can I hunt in the park?

Hunting is not permitted within the state park itself, but the adjacent Beech Fork Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) offers hunting for deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, grouse, and dove during appropriate seasons. A valid West Virginia hunting license is required.

How do I reserve a campsite?

Call (304) 528-5794 or 1-800-CALL WVA. Old Orchard sites 1–24 and Moxley Branch are reservable; Four Coves and Lakeview are first-come, first-served. A $5 handling fee applies per site, with full payment at booking. Weekend stays require a minimum 2-night reservation (Friday and Saturday).

Is there a nature center or programs for kids?

Yes — the park has a Nature Center with exhibits about local ecology and geology. Recreation programs are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, including guided nature walks and educational activities. The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center is open year-round (weekdays 7:30 AM – 4 PM; weekends Memorial Day–Labor Day 10 AM – 4 PM).

What fish should I target at Beech Fork Lake?

The lake’s managed fishery includes largemouth bass (12″ min, 6/day), tiger muskellunge (30″ min, 1/day — trophy catch), saugeye (8/day aggregate), hybrid striped bass (15″ min, 4/day), channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Dawn and dusk are best for saugeye; fall and winter for tiger muskie.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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