There are lots of places to swim in West Virginia. However, sometimes, you want to enjoy some fun in the sun without battling hoards of people. If so, you’re in luck because we found five little-known beaches in West Virginia, which are perfect for a refreshing dip – sans crowds.
- Jennings Randolph Lake (Elk Garden)
Flickr US Corps of Engineers
Everyone loves sand between their toes, and the beautiful Jennings Randolph Lake is a great place to experience just that. The lake’s Shaw Beach is a local favorite and a great spot to cool off during the hot days of summer. For more information, click here.
- Summersville Lake (Summersville)
Facebook Denise David Dennis
In the Battle Run section of Summersville Lake, you’ll find an amazing beach. Put down a beach towel, slather on some sunscreen, and enjoy a dip. For more information, click here.
- Tygart Lake (Grafton)
Facebook Apple Annie’s
The beach at Tygart Lake was closed in 2008, but (luckily) it reopened in 2014, after undergoing renovations. The beach area now includes a bath house, gift shop, picnic area, and designated areas to play horseshoes and bocce. For more information, click here.
- Sutton Lake (Sutton)
Facebook Sutton Lake Marina
Sutton Lake is located in both Braxton and Webster Counties. Be sure to visit the beautiful Bee Run Beach. For more information, click here.
Foxfire KOA Campground (Milton)
Facebook Foxfire KOA Milton, WV This campground is open all year long; however, with a lake that is nothing short of awesome, there’s no denying that summer is a great time to visit. The lake is only enhanced by inflatables. For more information, click here.
Who needs Myrtle Beach and hours in a car? Instead, you can enjoy a beach day AND stay close to home by choosing one of these awesome little-known beaches in West Virginia.
Flickr US Corps of Engineers
Everyone loves sand between their toes, and the beautiful Jennings Randolph Lake is a great place to experience just that. The lake’s Shaw Beach is a local favorite and a great spot to cool off during the hot days of summer. For more information, click here.
Facebook Denise David Dennis
In the Battle Run section of Summersville Lake, you’ll find an amazing beach. Put down a beach towel, slather on some sunscreen, and enjoy a dip. For more information, click here.
Facebook Apple Annie’s
The beach at Tygart Lake was closed in 2008, but (luckily) it reopened in 2014, after undergoing renovations. The beach area now includes a bath house, gift shop, picnic area, and designated areas to play horseshoes and bocce. For more information, click here.
Facebook Sutton Lake Marina
Sutton Lake is located in both Braxton and Webster Counties. Be sure to visit the beautiful Bee Run Beach. For more information, click here.
Facebook Foxfire KOA Milton, WV
This campground is open all year long; however, with a lake that is nothing short of awesome, there’s no denying that summer is a great time to visit. The lake is only enhanced by inflatables. For more information, click here.
These little-known beaches in West Virginia aren’t the only places you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Read about the state’s best swimming holes here.
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Address: Jennings Randolph Lake, United StatesAddress: Summersville Lake, West Virginia, USAAddress: Tygart Lake, West Virginia, USAAddress: Sutton Lake, West Virginia 26601, USAAddress: 290 Fox Fire Rd, Milton, WV 25541, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Little Known Beaches In West Virginia April 23, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo What are some other places to swim in West Virginia? There are lots of places to swim in West Virginia, but if it’s a secluded swimming spot you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Glade Creek, which is tucked away in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The area surrounding the creek is most known for its exceptional hiking; however, Glade Creek is just as brag-worthy. A top-notch swim spot and picturesque place to cool off after a hike, it’s an idyllic oasis, surrounded by lush greenery. As if it couldn’t get any better, the creek boasts several cascades and small falls. Accessing the creek requires a hike; however, the trail is rated as moderate and deemed suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. Are there any water parks in West Virginia? West Virginia is no stranger to water parks. One water park worth checking out is Water Ways, which is hidden in the small town of Julian. Offering something for everyone, the water park boasts several attractions. In addition to five adrenaline-pumping waterslides, there’s a lazy river, Olympic size swimming pool, and massive kid’s area with slides, swings, and a water umbrella. The fun doesn’t end there, though. Water Ways also features a walking trail, picnic area, and gift shop. Which hidden gems in West Virginia are worth seeking out? Of all the hidden gems in West Virginia, the Congressional Fallout Shelter is a must-visit. Until 1992, its very existence was unknown to the general public. It was originally constructed to protect the 500+ members of U.S. Congress during a nuclear event. Great care was taken to ensure it remained a secret – so much so that it was maintained by a shell corporation (i.e. a corporation without active business operations). Pretty impressive, the 112,544-square-foot bunker boasts bunk beds, furniture, a TV, an incinerator, and more. Today, the bunker, which is located under The Greenbrier Resort, is open to the public for weekly guided tours.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Little Known Beaches In West Virginia
April 23, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some other places to swim in West Virginia? There are lots of places to swim in West Virginia, but if it’s a secluded swimming spot you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Glade Creek, which is tucked away in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The area surrounding the creek is most known for its exceptional hiking; however, Glade Creek is just as brag-worthy. A top-notch swim spot and picturesque place to cool off after a hike, it’s an idyllic oasis, surrounded by lush greenery. As if it couldn’t get any better, the creek boasts several cascades and small falls. Accessing the creek requires a hike; however, the trail is rated as moderate and deemed suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. Are there any water parks in West Virginia? West Virginia is no stranger to water parks. One water park worth checking out is Water Ways, which is hidden in the small town of Julian. Offering something for everyone, the water park boasts several attractions. In addition to five adrenaline-pumping waterslides, there’s a lazy river, Olympic size swimming pool, and massive kid’s area with slides, swings, and a water umbrella. The fun doesn’t end there, though. Water Ways also features a walking trail, picnic area, and gift shop. Which hidden gems in West Virginia are worth seeking out? Of all the hidden gems in West Virginia, the Congressional Fallout Shelter is a must-visit. Until 1992, its very existence was unknown to the general public. It was originally constructed to protect the 500+ members of U.S. Congress during a nuclear event. Great care was taken to ensure it remained a secret – so much so that it was maintained by a shell corporation (i.e. a corporation without active business operations). Pretty impressive, the 112,544-square-foot bunker boasts bunk beds, furniture, a TV, an incinerator, and more. Today, the bunker, which is located under The Greenbrier Resort, is open to the public for weekly guided tours.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are lots of places to swim in West Virginia, but if it’s a secluded swimming spot you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Glade Creek, which is tucked away in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The area surrounding the creek is most known for its exceptional hiking; however, Glade Creek is just as brag-worthy. A top-notch swim spot and picturesque place to cool off after a hike, it’s an idyllic oasis, surrounded by lush greenery. As if it couldn’t get any better, the creek boasts several cascades and small falls. Accessing the creek requires a hike; however, the trail is rated as moderate and deemed suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
Are there any water parks in West Virginia?
West Virginia is no stranger to water parks. One water park worth checking out is Water Ways, which is hidden in the small town of Julian. Offering something for everyone, the water park boasts several attractions. In addition to five adrenaline-pumping waterslides, there’s a lazy river, Olympic size swimming pool, and massive kid’s area with slides, swings, and a water umbrella. The fun doesn’t end there, though. Water Ways also features a walking trail, picnic area, and gift shop.
Which hidden gems in West Virginia are worth seeking out?
Of all the hidden gems in West Virginia, the Congressional Fallout Shelter is a must-visit. Until 1992, its very existence was unknown to the general public. It was originally constructed to protect the 500+ members of U.S. Congress during a nuclear event. Great care was taken to ensure it remained a secret – so much so that it was maintained by a shell corporation (i.e. a corporation without active business operations). Pretty impressive, the 112,544-square-foot bunker boasts bunk beds, furniture, a TV, an incinerator, and more. Today, the bunker, which is located under The Greenbrier Resort, is open to the public for weekly guided tours.
