Watoga State Park West Virginia (WV) RV Rentals

RV Rentals Dates
Home / National & State Park Guides / State Parks /  Watoga State Park

Looking for RV rentals, camper van rentals or travel trailer rentals near Watoga State Park?


Introduction

Watoga State Park is a hidden gem for RV camping enthusiasts, nestled in the heart of Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The park’s rich history dates back to the early 20th century when it was established as a recreational area for the local community. Over the years, the park has grown in popularity due to its unique natural features, cultural significance, and diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages.

The park’s unique topography was shaped by the collision of two continental plates, resulting in a stunning landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and breathtaking vistas. The various natural occurrences, such as the area’s unique geology, have contributed to the formation of several unique features, including the park’s many waterfalls, streams, and lakes.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Watoga State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Watoga State Park.

RV Rentals in Watoga State Park

Transportation

When it comes to transportation options visitors to Watoga State Park have several choices. The most popular mode of transportation is by private vehicle with many visitors opting to rent an RV or bring their own. The park has several entrances with the main entrance located on Route 28 approximately 10 miles south of Marlinton West Virginia. Visitors can also access the park from the south via Route 39 or from the east via Route 150. It is important to note that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 40 feet and a maximum width of 10 feet. Visitors are advised to check with the park beforehand to ensure that their RV meets the necessary requirements.

RV parking is available at Watoga State Park with designated areas throughout the park. Overnight parking is restricted to designated campsites only. RV camping is a popular option for exploring the park and alternative transportation methods such as hiking or biking are recommended for getting around.

Watoga State Park offers several transportation options for getting around including shuttle buses and walking paths. The shuttle bus service runs during the peak season and stops at popular locations throughout the park. Walking paths are also available offering scenic routes for exploring the park on foot.

Top Campsites in Watoga State Park

The top 4 most popular campsites/KOA within or near Watoga State Park that require reservations are

Greenbrier River Campground

Located just 12 miles from Watoga State Park this campground boasts 60 sites for tents RVs and trailers. It’s open from April to October and offers a range of activities including fishing hiking and kayaking. Amenities include hot showers laundry facilities and a camp store. Pets are welcome and RVs up to 40 feet are permitted.

Watoga State Park Campground

This campground is located within the park and features 102 sites for tents RVs and trailers. It’s open from April to October and offers a range of activities including hiking swimming and boating. Amenities include hot showers laundry facilities and a camp store. Pets are welcome and RVs up to 40 feet are permitted.

Seneca Shadows Campground

Located just 20 miles from Watoga State Park this campground features 60 sites for tents RVs and trailers. It’s open from April to October and offers a range of activities including fishing hiking and kayaking. Amenities include hot showers laundry facilities and a camp store. Pets are welcome and RVs up to 40 feet are permitted.

Cranberry Glades Campground

Located just 15 miles from Watoga State Park this campground features 16 sites for tents only. It’s open from May to October and offers a range of activities including hiking and birdwatching. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water. Pets are welcome but there are no RV or trailer hookups.

If you’re looking for first-come-first-served campground/campsites in Watoga State Park here are 3 options

Riverside Campground

This campground features 16 sites for tents RVs and trailers on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s open from April to October and offers a range of activities including fishing hiking and swimming. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water. Pets are welcome and RVs up to 30 feet are permitted.

Brooks Memorial Campground

This campground features 10 sites for tents only on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s open from May to October and offers a range of activities including hiking and birdwatching. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water. Pets are welcome.

Ann Bailey Lookout Tower Campground

This campground features 8 sites for tents only on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s open from May to October and offers a range of activities including hiking and birdwatching. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water. Pets are welcome.

If the campsites inside Watoga State Park are full RV renters can explore alternative camping options nearby. These include

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds located near Watoga State Park including Greenbrier River Campground and Seneca Shadows Campground. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities including hot showers laundry facilities and camp stores. They also accommodate RVs and trailers of various sizes.

Backcountry Camping

For a more rustic camping experience RV renters can explore backcountry camping options in the Monongahela National Forest. Backcountry camping is permitted in designated areas and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. This option is best for experienced campers who are comfortable with primitive camping conditions.

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed in certain areas of the Monongahela National Forest. This type of camping is free and offers a more secluded camping experience. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and there are no amenities or facilities available.

Hiking Trails

Watoga State Park boasts over 40 miles of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. The most popular trail is the Ann Bailey Trail which leads hikers through lush forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located near the park’s swimming pool.

Fishing

Watoga Lake is a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts with plenty of largemouth bass bluegill and catfish. The lake is stocked regularly and fishing is permitted year-round. Anglers can access the lake from several locations including the park’s boat ramp and fishing pier.

Biking

The park’s extensive network of trails is also popular with mountain bikers. The Bearpen Trail is a favorite among cyclists with its challenging terrain and scenic views. The trailhead is located near the park’s entrance.

Swimming

The park’s swimming pool is a popular spot for families during the summer months. The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and is located near the park’s campground.

Camping

Watoga State Park offers over 100 campsites including RV sites with full hookups. The campground is located near the park’s lake and offers easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots.

Alternative Activities

Sightseeing

Watoga State Park is home to several historic sites including the Greenbrier River Trail which follows an old railroad line. Visitors can take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the trail and enjoy the scenic views.

Nature Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer black bears and wild turkeys. Visitors can take a guided nature walk or simply explore the park on their own.

Photography

Watoga State Park offers plenty of opportunities for photographers with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Popular photo spots include the park’s lake waterfalls and historic sites.

Picnicking

The park has several picnic areas including the Beaver Creek Picnic Area which offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy a packed lunch or snack while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Museum Visits

The nearby town of Marlinton is home to the Pocahontas County Historical Museum which offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Visitors can learn about the region’s early settlers logging industry and railroad heritage.

Season-specific experiences in Watoga State Park

Spring Activities at Watoga State Park

Birdwatching

Watoga State Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise in the spring. With over 200 species of birds including the scarlet tanager cerulean warbler and wild turkey birdwatchers can spend hours spotting and identifying the various species. The best locations for birdwatching are the Beaver Creek Trail and the Ann Bailey Lookout Tower.

Fishing

The park’s many streams and lakes are teeming with fish including trout bass and bluegill. The Greenbrier River and Watoga Lake are popular spots for fishing and the park offers fishing equipment rentals for those who don’t have their own.

Hiking

Watoga State Park has over 40 miles of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The Arrowhead Trail and the Watoga Trail are two popular trails that offer a range of difficulty levels.

Photography

The park’s natural beauty makes it an ideal location for photography especially in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. The park’s many waterfalls including the Ann Bailey Falls and the Tumbling Falls are popular subjects for photographers.

Historic Sites

The park is home to several historic sites including the Watoga State Park Pioneer Farm which offers a glimpse into life on a 19th-century farm. The park also has several old cabins and homesteads that are open to visitors.

Summer Activities at Watoga State Park

Swimming

Watoga Lake is a popular spot for swimming in the summer with a designated swimming area and a sandy beach. The park also offers swimming lessons for children and adults.

Boating

The park has several boat rentals available including kayaks canoes and paddleboards. Visitors can explore the park’s many lakes and streams including the Greenbrier River.

Horseback Riding

The park offers horseback riding trails for visitors who want to explore the park on horseback. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Wildlife Watching

Watoga State Park is home to a variety of wildlife including black bears deer and wild turkey. Visitors can take guided wildlife tours or explore the park on their own to spot the various animals.

Geocaching

Watoga State Park has several geocaches hidden throughout the park offering visitors a fun and unique way to explore the park. The park’s many trails and hidden spots make it an ideal location for geocaching.

One popular fall activity for RV campers at Watoga State Park is leaf peeping. The park’s 10 000 acres of forest turn brilliant shades of red orange and yellow in the fall making it a beautiful place to explore. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails to take in the fall foliage. Another popular activity is visiting the Watoga State Park Swimming Pool which is open through the end of September. The pool is surrounded by trees making it a peaceful and picturesque place to swim.

The park’s many historical sites are also a draw for RV campers in the fall. The Beaver Creek School is a one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1902 and is open for tours. Visitors can step back in time and learn about what it was like to attend school in the early 1900s. The park is also home to the Greenbrier River Trail which follows an old railroad line. The trail is a great place to hike or bike and it passes by several historical sites including the ruins of a mill and a railroad tunnel.

For those looking for a more active fall activity Watoga State Park offers several options. The park has several fishing streams that are stocked with trout making it a great place to cast a line. The park also has several miles of horseback riding trails which are open to riders with their own horses. The trails offer beautiful views of the fall foliage and a chance to explore the park’s backcountry.

When the snow starts to fall Watoga State Park becomes a winter wonderland. One popular winter activity for RV campers is cross-country skiing. The park has several miles of groomed trails that are perfect for skiing and the trails pass through some of the most scenic parts of the park. Visitors can also rent skis and snowshoes from the park’s recreation building.

Another popular winter activity is ice fishing. The park’s many streams and lakes are stocked with trout making it a great place to fish in the winter. Visitors can also rent ice fishing equipment from the park’s recreation building. For those looking for a more relaxed winter activity the park offers several options. The park’s many trails are open for snowshoeing and visitors can also rent snowshoes from the park’s recreation building. The park’s recreation building also has a fireplace and a game room making it a great place to warm up and relax after a day in the snow.

CODE: RVTHEREYET at checkout
(Limited time offer- expires soon)
10% OFF RV Rental*
CODE: RVTHEREYET at checkout
(Limited to Spring promotion only)
10% OFF RV Rental*