North Bend State Park

West Virginia’s River Bend Retreat — Year-Round Resort Park on the North Fork Hughes River, Lodge and Restaurant, Cabins, Campgrounds, 305-Acre North Bend Lake, 72-Mile Rail Trail Access, Cairo Ritchie County West Virginia

North Bend State Park is a year-round resort park located near Cairo, Ritchie County, West Virginia, named for the distinctive horseshoe bend of the North Fork of the Hughes River. The park features a full-service lodge with 29 rooms and restaurant, 10 deluxe vacation cabins, two campgrounds with 80+ sites, 305-acre North Bend Lake with boating and fishing, direct access to the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, over 20 miles of hiking trails, swimming pool, mini-golf, tennis courts, nature and recreation programs, and a rich history connected to the 19th-century oil and gas boom.

Lodge, Cabins, and Campgrounds

The park’s 29-room lodge overlooks the North Fork Hughes River valley and includes a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Appalachian-inspired cuisine. Ten deluxe vacation cabins provide fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and woodland privacy. Two campgrounds — Cokeley Campground and River Run Campground — offer over 80 sites with electric hookups, modern bathhouses, and scenic riverside settings.

North Bend Lake and Water Activities

The 305-acre North Bend Lake, part of the North Fork of the Hughes River watershed, provides excellent fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and muskie. The park offers canoe, kayak, Jon boat, and pontoon boat rentals, along with a boat launch for personal watercraft. Electric motors are permitted, creating a peaceful experience on the water.

North Bend Rail Trail Connection

The park serves as a primary access point for the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, one of the longest rail-trails in the eastern United States. This former B&O Railroad corridor features 13 tunnels and 36 bridges, attracting hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders from across the region. Within the park itself, an additional 20+ miles of hiking trails wind through forests, along streams, and past remnants of the region’s 19th-century oil and gas industry.

Recreation and Programs

Additional amenities include a swimming pool (seasonal), mini-golf course, tennis courts, basketball court, game room, and playground. The park’s nature and recreation programs include guided hikes, wildlife presentations, campfire programs, and educational workshops. The surrounding forests support populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, red fox, and diverse songbirds, making the park an excellent destination for wildlife observation and photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Bend State Park open year-round?

Yes, the park is open year-round. The lodge and cabins accept reservations throughout all seasons. Campgrounds are seasonal (typically April–October).

What does the park name mean?

The park is named for the dramatic horseshoe curve (north bend) of the North Fork of the Hughes River that defines the park’s geography.

Is there an entrance fee?

There is no entrance fee. Fees apply for lodging, camping, boat rentals, pool, and mini-golf.