Bluestone State Park
Appalachian Lakeside Paradise
Bluestone State Park sits on the shores of Bluestone Lake, a 2,040-acre reservoir created by Bluestone Dam on the New River. Nestled in southern West Virginia’s Appalachian mountains, the park offers 26 year-round cabins, excellent fishing for walleye and bass, a full-service marina, and access to some of the state’s finest outdoor recreation.
⚠️ 2025–2026 Dam Construction Notice: Old Mill Campground and East Shore Campground are temporarily closed due to ongoing Bluestone Dam construction. Contact the park office at 304-466-2805 for current availability before booking.
Cabins
The park’s 26 cabins are tucked into a wooded hillside above the Bluestone River, many with lake views. Available year-round, they make Bluestone one of the best cabin destinations in the West Virginia state park system.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏡 Total Cabins | 26 (accommodating 2–8 guests) |
| 🐕 Pet-Friendly | Select cabins available |
| 🍳 Kitchen | Fully equipped with utensils & appliances |
| 🛏️ Linens | Provided (beds, bath towels) |
| 🔥 Fireplace | Open fireplace in each cabin |
| 📺 Entertainment | Satellite TV |
| ♿ Accessible | Cabin 26 is fully ADA accessible |
| 🏊 Pool Access | Indoor pool & sauna at nearby Pipestem Resort |
Fishing on Bluestone Lake
Bluestone Lake is a year-round fishing destination with no motor size restrictions, making it popular for serious anglers. The lake and its tributary rivers support an impressive variety of species.
Fish Species
| Species | Best Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Spring–Fall | Slot limit: 20–30″ must be released, only 1 over 30″/day |
| Largemouth Bass | Spring–Fall | Strong population in lake coves |
| Smallmouth Bass | Year-round | Excellent in the New River & Bluestone River |
| Channel Catfish | Summer | Night fishing popular |
| Crappie | Spring | Good numbers near brush piles |
| Muskellunge | Fall–Winter | Trophy fish available |
| Striped Bass | Summer–Fall | Open water trolling |
| Trout (Indian Creek) | Feb–May | Stocked monthly above the lake |
WV fishing license required. Multiple public boat ramps available around the lake.
Marina
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚤 Boat Rentals | Pontoons, kayaks, canoes |
| ⛽ Fuel | Available at marina dock |
| 🎣 Bait & Tackle | Sold at marina store |
| ⚓ Docking | Seasonal and transient slips |
| 🏖️ No Motor Limit | No restrictions on motor size! |
Camping
Four distinct campground areas offer 82 total sites, from full-hookup RV sites to primitive boat-access camping.
| Campground | Sites | Type | Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meador | 32 | RV & tent, some hookups, bathhouse | ✅ Open |
| Old Mill | 33 | Rustic, RV & tent | 🚧 Closed (dam construction) |
| Tent Area | 5 | Group tent sites | ✅ Open |
| East Shore | 12 | Primitive, boat-access only | 🚧 Closed (dam construction) |
Max stay: 14 nights. Season: Spring–Fall (weather dependent). Reserve at WV State Parks or call 304-466-2805.
Nearby: Pipestem Resort State Park
Just minutes away, Pipestem Resort State Park offers an aerial tramway descending 1,000 feet into Bluestone Gorge, two golf courses, an indoor pool, and the Mountain Creek Lodge accessible only by tram. Bluestone cabin guests receive pool and sauna access at Pipestem!
Are the campgrounds affected by dam construction?
Yes. Old Mill Campground and East Shore Campground are temporarily closed due to ongoing Bluestone Dam construction. Meador Campground and the Tent Area remain open. Call the park office at 304-466-2805 for the latest status before planning your trip.
What is the walleye slot limit?
Walleye between 20 and 30 inches must be released immediately. The daily creel limit is 2 walleye, with only 1 allowed over 30 inches. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required.
Can I bring my pet to a cabin?
Yes, select cabins are designated as pet-friendly. Contact the park when booking to request a pet-friendly cabin. Pets must be leashed at all times in the park.
Do Bluestone cabin guests get pool access?
Yes! Guests staying in Bluestone cabins receive complimentary access to the indoor pool and sauna at nearby Pipestem Resort State Park, just a short drive away.
Explore More West Virginia State Parks
Bluestone State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in West Virginia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in West Virginia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
