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!
Wildlife & Nature
Bluestone SP — 2,100 acres on Bluestone Lake (2,040 acres). The park’s lake, hardwood forest, and gorge support black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The Bluestone River is a National Scenic River.
Nearby Attractions
Hinton — adjacent. New River Gorge NP&P — 15 miles north. Pipestem Resort SP — 10 miles south.
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.
Insider Tips
New River access: Bluestone provides direct access to the New River — one of the oldest rivers in North America and a world-class whitewater destination. Pro tip: The park’s location near Pipestem and the New River Gorge makes it an ideal base for outdoor recreation. Cliffs: The Bluestone River gorge features dramatic sandstone cliffs.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Rafting and fishing. Fall: Gorge foliage — spectacular. Spring: High water for whitewater. Winter: Quiet cabin stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the New River?
Despite its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world — estimated at 300-360 million years old. It’s one of the few rivers in North America that flows north. The river predates the Appalachian Mountains themselves, cutting through them as they rose around it.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Pipestem Resort State Park (a short drive away) or Camp Creek State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bluestone State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs and cats (the only pets permitted) are welcome in West Virginia state parks and forests, including campgrounds and trails, if leashed, restrained, vaccinated and in good health.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed and restrained at all times; in lodging public areas a sturdy leash no longer than 10 ft is required
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Select pet-friendly cabins, cottages and lodge rooms at 16 state parks and 4 state forests (e.g. Babcock, Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort, Twin Falls Resort); lodge rooms $25 first night + $10 each additional night per pet (capped at $75 per visit), cabins $50 first night + $5 each additional night per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- Lodging pet fees: lodge rooms $25 first night + $10/additional night per pet (max $75/visit); cabins $50 first night + $5/additional night per pet
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs and cats permitted; maximum two pets in pet-friendly lodging; rabies certification required for lodging stays
Are dogs allowed at Bluestone State Park?
Dogs and cats (the only pets permitted) are welcome in West Virginia state parks and forests, including campgrounds and trails, if leashed, restrained, vaccinated and in good health. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via wvstateparks.com. More: West Virginia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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