Beech Fork Campground: Overview
Beech Fork State Park, established in 1978, spans 3,860 acres across Cabell and Wayne counties. Developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the mid-1970s, it offers diverse recreational experiences. Conveniently located near Huntington, WV, the park is easily accessible from Interstate 64.
Beech Fork State Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Known for fishing, wildlife viewing, and recreational boating, the park offers a range of outdoor activities. Hiking and biking trails wind through the park’s scenic landscape, providing opportunities for exploration.
Location and History of Beech Fork State Park
Beech Fork State Park, established in 1978, spans 3,860 acres across Cabell and Wayne counties in West Virginia. The park’s development was initiated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the mid-1970s, transforming the area into a premier recreational destination. Situated near Huntington, WV, Beech Fork State Park offers convenient access for both local residents and visiting tourists seeking outdoor adventures.
The park’s location provides a diverse landscape, encompassing woodlands, open fields, and the scenic Beech Fork Lake. This natural setting creates a haven for various recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ involvement ensured the park’s infrastructure was designed to accommodate a wide range of outdoor pursuits.
Beech Fork State Park has since become a cherished landmark, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Its history reflects a commitment to preserving the environment while providing a space for people to connect with nature.
Popularity and Recreational Activities
Beech Fork State Park enjoys widespread popularity among locals and tourists, drawing visitors with its diverse range of recreational activities. The park is particularly renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities, attracting anglers seeking to cast their lines in the clear waters of Beech Fork Lake. Wildlife viewing is another major draw, with the park’s abundant flora and fauna providing ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the local ecosystem.
Recreational boating is also a popular activity, although regulations limit boat motors to 10 horsepower or smaller, ensuring a peaceful and serene environment on the lake. Hiking and biking trails meander through the park’s varied terrain, offering scenic vistas and challenging routes for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. The park’s popularity is further enhanced by its well-maintained facilities and convenient access, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a wide array of outdoor pursuits.
Campground Details and Amenities
Beech Fork offers 275 campsites in four distinct camping areas. Ninety-nine campsites are lakefront, providing scenic views. All sites have a paved pad, grill, and picnic table. Fully-equipped bathhouses and restroom facilities are available.
Number of Campsites and Layout
Beech Fork State Park boasts a total of 275 campsites spread across its four campgrounds, offering a variety of camping experiences to suit different preferences. A significant number, 111, are prized lakefront sites, providing stunning views and direct access to the water. The campsites themselves are well-equipped, each featuring a paved parking pad to accommodate vehicles, a grill for cooking up delicious meals, and a picnic table for comfortable outdoor dining.
The layout of the campgrounds is designed to maximize space and provide a pleasant camping atmosphere. While some campers have noted the potential for muddy conditions after rain, the park generally maintains its facilities. The distribution of campsites across the four campgrounds allows for varying degrees of seclusion and community, catering to both those seeking solitude and those who enjoy a more social camping experience. Campers can consult campground maps to select a site that meets their needs.
Lakefront Campsites
A significant draw for campers at Beech Fork State Park is the availability of lakefront campsites. With 111 of the 275 total campsites situated directly on the lakefront, visitors have ample opportunity to enjoy stunning views and convenient access to the water. These sought-after sites offer a unique camping experience, allowing guests to wake up to the serene beauty of Beech Fork Lake.
The lakefront campsites provide easy access for fishing, boating, and swimming, making them ideal for water enthusiasts. Imagine casting a line right from your campsite or launching a kayak for a peaceful morning paddle. The proximity to the water also enhances the overall camping experience, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. Campers should book these sites well in advance, as they are highly popular and tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Bathhouses and Restroom Facilities
Beech Fork State Park prioritizes camper comfort and convenience by providing well-maintained bathhouses and restroom facilities throughout its campgrounds. All four camping areas within the park are equipped with full-service bathhouses, ensuring that campers have access to essential amenities during their stay. These facilities offer a clean and comfortable environment for personal hygiene, enhancing the overall camping experience.
The bathhouses typically include hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks with running water, providing a welcome respite after a day of outdoor activities. Regular maintenance and cleaning ensure that the facilities remain in good condition, contributing to a positive and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors. Whether you’re tent camping or RV camping, the availability of these amenities adds a touch of convenience and comfort to your stay at Beech Fork State Park.
Availability of Wi-Fi
In today’s connected world, access to Wi-Fi can be a valuable amenity, even when enjoying the great outdoors. At Beech Fork State Park, Wi-Fi availability is provided at the park headquarters and also at Old Orchard Campground. This allows campers to stay connected, check emails, and share their experiences with friends and family. While Wi-Fi may not be available at every campsite, having access in designated areas provides a convenient option for those who need to connect.
The availability of Wi-Fi at the Old Orchard Campground bathhouse only, allows campers to plan their activities, research local attractions, and stay informed about weather conditions. While some may prefer to disconnect entirely during their camping trip, others appreciate the option to stay connected when needed. The park’s provision of Wi-Fi strikes a balance between offering modern conveniences and preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings;
Campground Options and Features
Old Orchard Campground, open year-round, offers a range of amenities, including coin-operated laundry and free Wi-Fi. This campground has full hook-ups with 50 amp service. With 48 campsites, it can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length.
Old Orchard Campground
Old Orchard Campground, nestled within Beech Fork State Park, offers a year-round camping experience. The campground has 48 campsites. It is located just 22 minutes southeast of Huntington, WV, at an elevation of 603 feet. Known for its convenient amenities, Old Orchard provides campers with coin-operated laundry facilities. Free Wi-Fi access is also available at the bathhouse. The campground offers full hook-ups with 50 amp electrical service.
Old Orchard can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length. Although some reviews mention shoulder-to-shoulder camping, it is organized in a neat fashion. This campground is ideal for those seeking modern conveniences. Furthermore, it provides easy access to park headquarters.
For inquiries, you can call 304-525-4831. Reservations can be made online, by phone, or at the campground office. Old Orchard offers a comfortable and connected camping experience within the beautiful Beech Fork State Park.
Four Coves Campground
Four Coves Campground, a part of Beech Fork State Park, provides a serene camping experience. This campground is situated just 23 minutes southeast of Huntington, WV. It sits at an elevation of 603 feet. It features a total of 87 campsites. Open seasonally, Four Coves welcomes campers to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The sites are designed to accommodate RVs and trailers between 40 and 60 feet. Nestled within the park, Four Coves offers convenient access to hiking trails. Specifically, trailhead is located behind campsite 104 in Moxley Branch Campground. Campsites 137-224 are reservation sites. Campsites 137-224 are also electric only sites.
Known for its proximity to Beech Fork Lake, it provides opportunities for water activities. Four Coves provides a peaceful escape. Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities. Furthermore, it offers a chance to connect with nature. Four Coves provides a memorable camping adventure within Beech Fork State Park.
Recreational Activities and Trails
Beech Fork State Park offers numerous hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Park roads are also used for walking. Trail maps provide guidance for exploring scenic vistas and overlooks. These trails offer a way to see the beauty of the area.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Beech Fork State Park boasts a variety of hiking and biking trails, catering to different skill levels and preferences. The park’s trail guide and map highlight the available options, including the Twin Coves Trail (2.1 miles), Lost Trail (3.3 miles), and Mary Davis Trail (4.9 miles). These trails offer scenic views of Beech Fork Lake and the surrounding natural landscape.
Park guests often utilize the miles of park roads within the campground for walking and biking, providing additional opportunities for exploration. Some trails spur off from the Lost Trail. Many outdoor enthusiasts are also ATV riders and bikers.
Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Beech Fork State Park has something to offer. With well-maintained trails and breathtaking scenery, it’s the perfect destination for outdoor adventure. Remember to consult the park map before venturing out.
Fishing and Boating
Beech Fork Lake is a prime destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts. The lake’s waters are teeming with various fish species, offering anglers ample opportunities to reel in a catch. Whether you prefer casting from the shore or venturing out on a boat, Beech Fork Lake provides a serene and picturesque setting for fishing.
Boating is another popular activity on Beech Fork Lake, although Corps of Engineers lake rules restrict boat motors to 10-hp or smaller. This regulation helps maintain a tranquil atmosphere and protects the lake’s ecosystem. Rent the camping gear, go to the lake and enjoy fishing and boating.
The Beech Fork Lake Dam and Marina are located about a 20-mile (40-minute) drive from the park, offering convenient access to the lake. This recreational area is good place for boating and fishing.