West Virginia’s Secluded Mountain Lake — 250-Acre Park, Stocked Fishing Lake, 48-Site Campground, Birding Hotspot, Swimming and Boating, Monroe County Near Gap Mills West Virginia
Moncove Lake State Park is a 250-acre park in the hills of Monroe County, southeastern West Virginia, near Gap Mills, centered around a tranquil mountain lake that provides excellent fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The park features a fishing lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, walleye, and trout, a 48-site campground with electric hookups, swimming beach, rowboat and kayak and paddleboat rentals, hiking trails, designated birding hotspot, playground, picnic areas with shelters, and adjacency to a wildlife management area for hunting and extended exploration.
Fishing and Lake Recreation
The park’s centerpiece lake is regularly stocked by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and supports populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, walleye, and seasonal trout. Bank fishing access is available around much of the shoreline, and the park rents rowboats, kayaks, and paddleboats for visitors who prefer fishing from the water. Only non-motorized and electric motor boats are permitted, ensuring a quiet and peaceful fishing experience. A swimming beach provides supervised swimming during the summer season.
Campground
The park’s 48-site campground accommodates both tent and RV campers, with a portion of sites offering electrical hookups. All sites include picnic tables and fire rings with grills. A central bathhouse with hot showers serves the campground. The camping season typically runs from April 1st through the end of October, with reservations available online and by phone. All park facilities are within easy walking distance of one another, creating a compact and convenient camping experience.
Birding and Wildlife
Moncove Lake is recognized as a regional birding hotspot, attracting bird watchers who come to observe the diverse avian species that inhabit the park’s mix of lake shore, wetland edge, and Appalachian hardwood forest habitats. The adjacent wildlife management area extends the natural area significantly, providing additional habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, black bear, and numerous songbird species. Hunting is permitted in the wildlife management area during designated seasons with appropriate licenses.
Hiking and Day Use
Several hiking trails wind through the park’s forested terrain, offering walks through mixed hardwood forests of oak, hickory, and maple with seasonal wildflower displays. Picnic areas with shelters, playground equipment, and open green spaces make the park popular for family gatherings and day trips. The park’s secluded location in Monroe County’s hill country ensures a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere even during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fishing is available at Moncove Lake?
The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, walleye, and seasonal trout. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required. Boat rentals are available.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee. Fees apply for camping, boat rentals, and swimming beach access.
When is the campground open?
The campground is typically open from April 1 through October 31. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Beartown State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Bluestone State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
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