Tygart Lake State Park
Tygart Lake State Park is West Virginia’s Mountaineer Country escape—a 2,134-acre wooded retreat surrounding the deep blue waters of Tygart Lake, created by a historic 1938 dam. Stay in the 20-room lakeside lodge, rent one of 11 renovated vacation cabins, or camp at 36 wooded sites. The lake is renowned for musky and walleye fishing, with trophy-class fish passing through the dam’s tailwaters. For families, the Adventure Lake water playground offers 25 inflatable slides and obstacles. Just 4 miles south of Grafton, this is where mountain forests meet world-class lake recreation.
Lakeside Lodge – 20 Rooms
| Lodge Features | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Rooms | 20 guest rooms overlooking Tygart Lake |
| 🍽️ Restaurant | Apple Annie’s on-site dining |
| 👀 Views | Lake and mountain vistas |
| 📅 Season | Year-round |
Vacation Cabins – 11 Recently Renovated
| Cabin Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Cabins | 11 vacation cabins (6 with lake views) |
| ✨ Condition | Recently renovated (2021-2023) with new appliances, fixtures, HVAC |
| 📅 Availability | Seasonal rental |
| 💰 Investment | Part of $3 million upgrade project |
Camping – 36 Sites
| Site Type | Count | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Electric Sites | 10 | 50-amp electric + water hookups |
| ⛺ Standard Sites | 26 | Non-electric tent sites |
🏕️ Camping Info
- Maximum stay: 2 weeks
- Accommodates RVs, vans, trailers, tents
- Dump station near beach area
- Full hookups NOT available
Adventure Lake – Water Playground!
| Adventure Lake | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎢 Features | 25 inflatable slides, obstacles, water features |
| 🏖️ Beach | Sandy beach area |
| 📅 Season | Summer (approx. Memorial Day–Labor Day) |
| 👨👩👧 Perfect For | Families with kids |
Fishing – Musky, Walleye & More
| Fishing Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🐟 Species | Musky, walleye, bass, crappie, perch, northern pike, catfish |
| 🏆 Walleye Hotspot | Tailwater below Tygart Dam (Dec–Apr best) |
| 📏 2026 Musky Rule | 52″ minimum size, 1 per day limit |
| 🎣 Reproduction | Natural reproduction sustains populations |
🎣 Walleye Tip
Walleye congregate in the tailwater area just below Tygart Dam from December through April, especially during high water flow. These fish pass through the dam and provide excellent fishing opportunities!
Marina & Boating
| Marina Details | Information |
|---|---|
| ⛵ Season | May – September (typically) |
| 🚤 Boat Rentals | Available at marina |
| ⚡ Horsepower | No limits |
| 🏄 Jet Skis | Allowed, no restricted hours |
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📐 Size | 2,134 acres |
| 🌊 Lake | 10-mile Tygart Lake (1938 dam) |
| 📍 Location | 4 mi south of Grafton, WV |
| 📅 Season | Year-round (some facilities seasonal) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Tygart Lake SP — on Tygart Lake (1,750 acres) created by the Tygart Dam (1,921 feet long, 207 feet high) — one of the tallest dams in West Virginia. The park’s lake, hardwood forest, and mountain terrain support black bears, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles. Walleye, muskie, and bass fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Grafton — adjacent — birthplace of Mother’s Day (first celebrated 1908). International Mother’s Day Shrine — in town. Taylor County — surrounding.
Does Tygart Lake State Park have a lodge?
Yes! The park features a 20-room lodge overlooking Tygart Lake with stunning mountain and water views. The lodge includes Apple Annie’s restaurant for on-site dining. It’s open year-round and provides a comfortable base for exploring the park’s hiking trails, fishing spots, and seasonal water activities.
What fish are in Tygart Lake?
Tygart Lake supports excellent fishing with musky, walleye, bass, crappie, perch, northern pike, and catfish. The lake is especially known for its musky population (2026 regulations: 52″ minimum, 1 per day). Pro tip: Walleye congregate in the tailwater below Tygart Dam from December through April during high water flow periods—a local secret!
What is Adventure Lake at Tygart Lake State Park?
Adventure Lake is a water playground that opened in 2021 featuring 25 inflatable slides, obstacles, and water features plus a sandy beach area. It’s perfect for families and operates during summer season (approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day). It was part of a $3 million upgrade to the park’s facilities.
Are the cabins at Tygart Lake renovated?
Yes! All 11 vacation cabins were recently renovated as part of a $3 million upgrade project (2021-2023). The cabins now feature new appliances, fixtures, and HVAC systems. Six of the cabins offer lake views. Cabins are available for seasonal rental and are in excellent condition—reviewers consistently note how clean and updated they are.
Can you bring your own boat to Tygart Lake?
Yes! Tygart Lake has no horsepower limits and jet skis are allowed without restricted hours. The marina (open May–September) offers boat rentals and concessions. The deep waters of the 10-mile lake are ideal for all types of boating. Note: Lake levels can vary seasonally—check current conditions before planning water activities.
🏔️ West Virginia’s Mountain Lake Retreat
Stay at the lakeside lodge, fish for trophy musky, and splash at Adventure Lake. Visit the official Tygart Lake State Park website for lodge reservations and cabin availability.
Explore More West Virginia State Parks
Tygart Lake 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.
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