Beech Fork State Park

Beech Fork State Park offers a public boat ramp providing access to Beech Fork Lake, a scenic 720-acre reservoir nestled in the Appalachian hills of Wayne County near Barboursville. The park is located approximately 52 miles west of Charleston via I-64 (Exit 8) and Route 152. This is an excellent destination for kayakers and canoeists seeking a lake-based paddling experience with good amenities.

The state park ramp serves as the primary public launch point, though a separate marina facility with additional slips and a launch ramp operates on the northwest side of the lake in nearby Lavalette (call 304-522-9374 for marina details). The park features multiple picnic areas, hiking trails through hardwood forest, and a handicap-accessible fishing pier. Recreational opportunities include fishing for largemouth bass, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Kayak rentals are available, and small tributaries offer paddling into scenic coves.

For additional information about the state park facility, contact 304-525-4831. The park provides a solid, accessible option for a paddling day trip with supporting facilities, though boaters should note that vehicle parking and launch conditions are typical for a state park facility rather than a dedicated water access site.

Overview
Take a day trip to Beech Fork Lake and choose from one of five picnic areas. Hang out, fire up the grill, and enjoy time spent outdoors on one of the many hiking trails that weave through droves of Appalachian hardwood trees. Keep an eye out for birds like thrushes, chats, and cuckoos.Recreation
Fishing is a popular activity, both by boat and on shore. Common fish include largemouth and...

Overview
Take a day trip to Beech Fork Lake and choose from one of five picnic areas. Hang out, fire up the grill, and enjoy time spent outdoors on one of the many hiking trails that weave through droves of Appalachian hardwood trees. Keep an eye out for birds like thrushes, chats, and cuckoos.Recreation
Fishing is a popular activity, both by boat and on shore. Common fish include largemouth and hybrid striped bass, catfish and saugeye. Hiking is another great thing to do. The Spillway Trail can be accessed from shelters 1 and 2.

Kids will be pleased to find horseshoe pits and a playground near each shelter. Basketball and volleyball courts are also provided for the sports enthusiasts, as well as a playground and swimming area near the deck.

Facilities
Electric hookups are included with each shelter, so you can bring anything from an electric grill to Christmas lights when planning your outing to the lake.
Traditional grills are also supplied, so don't forget the charcoal. The deck is not a covered shelter and does not have electricity.
Natural Features
Beech Fork Lake is a 720-acre reservoir in the western edge of West Virginia. Stemming from the lake are lush river valleys that attract many types of birds.

Shelters are set in an open area with scattered trees near the northwest end of the lake. Two of the Beech Fork Shelters are close to the lake and feature panoramic views. The other two shelters are near a stream below the dam.
The deck is at Stower's Branch Swim Beach in a shaded area close to the lake. A wooded area borders the recreation areas.


Nearby Attractions
Shelters are a close drive away from the Stower's Branch Swimming Beach, where the deck is located. The beach is close to the marina, a convenient spot for boat rentals, bait, and tackle.
Beech Fork State Park, a 3,144 protected area for hiking, camping, boating and wildlife spotting, is on the eastern edge of the lake and about a 25-minute drive from the shelters.

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