West Virginia has some of the most beautiful waterways you’ll find anywhere, and everyone should carve out some time in the summer to visit at least one of them. Here are some of the best lakes in West Virginia where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer sun while splashing the day away.

1. Summersville Lake
Flickr Richard Freeman
Summersville Lake, West Virginia, USA
Facebook Greg Sweeney
Beautiful Summersville Lake is located in Nicholas County, and it's one of our favorite West Virginia lakes for many reasons. Not only are there incredible rock formations and beautiful landscape to admire, but it's also the only lake in West Virginia where you can scuba dive!
2. Burnsville Lake
Facebook Steven Smith
Burnsville Lake, West Virginia, USA
Facebook Steven Smith
Burnsville Lake in Braxton County is used as both a recreational lake and a flood control reservoir. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming in the summertime, and if you'd like to extend your stay, spend a night at Bulltown Campground for a truly memorable weekend.
3. Bluestone Lake
Facebook Sherry Gill
Bluestone Lake, West Virginia, USA
Facebook Mathew Wolfe
Bluestone Lake is located in Hinton, and it's this West Virginia lake is a true boater's paradise. With a surface area of over 2,000 acres and no limits on engines, you can spend the entire day exploring this beautiful lake by boat, jumping in whenever you need to cool down.
4. Sutton Lake
Facebook Back To My West Virginia Roots
Sutton Lake, West Virginia 26601, USA
Facebook Sutton Lake Marina
Sutton Lake is in both Braxton and Webster counties. This beautiful West Virginia lake truly has it all: a full-service marina with ski jets, pontoons, and even luxury houseboats for rent. Oh did we mention the beach? Yep! There's even a stretch of white sandy beach to sink your toes into.
5. Spruce Knob Lake
Facebook Amber N Conrad
Spruce Knob Lake, West Virginia 26296, USA
Facebook Wilma Stine Harris
Spruce Knob Lake is located in the Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County. With an elevation of 3,840 feet, Spruce Knob Lake is the highest lake in West Virginia. The crystal clear water may be chilly, but boy is it worth it!

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6. Plum Orchard Lake
Facebook Howard Lutz
Plum Orchard Lake, West Virginia 25917, USA
Facebook Jacki Wright
Plum Orchard Lake and Management Area is located in Pax in Fayette County. The lake and the scenery are both stunning, and it's a perfect spot for kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding.
7. Stonewall Jackson Lake
Flickr am lewis
Stonewall Jackson Lake, West Virginia 26452, USA
Flickr am lewis
Stonewall Jackson Lake might just be the most scenic lake in West Virginia. As you enter Stonewall Jackson Resort you are greeted by rolling mountains and the lake's tranquil waters. A day of swimming, fishing or boating on the lake gives you a day full of great memories.
8. North Bend Lake
Facebook Kymberly Byers
North Bend Lake, West Virginia 26346, USA
Facebook Sharon Kay Carper
North Bend Lake is a 305-acre lake that offers fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. It is a favorite destination of avid anglers, but it's also one of the best lakes in West Virginia for kayaking, too.
9. East Lynn Lake
Facebook Historic Wayne County WV
East Lynn Lake, West Virginia, USA
Facebook Mathew Thompson
East Lynn Lake located in Stonewall and it is run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is a fisherman’s haven. When you want to fish the lakes of West Virginia, you'll have a hard time finding a better West Virginia lake than East Lynn Lake. It offers fishermen several types of species of bass, walleye, saugeye and catfish.
10. Cheat Lake
Flickr katiebordner
Cheat Lake, WV 26508, USA
Facebook Tom Nixon
Beautiful Cheat Lake is located in Monongahela County. The lake was formed in the 1920’s as a result of the damming of the nearby Cheat River. During the summer months, you'll find boaters, fishermen, and swimmers taking full advantage of its calm waters. After a day of sun in the sun, stop by the Lakehouse Restaurant located right on the water and enjoy a delicious meal with endless views of Cheat Lake.

Did your favorite West Virginia lake make the list? Let us know in the comments below!

The next time you’re at the lake and also want to add camping to your adventure, why not consider renting an RV? Check out RVShare, where you can find the perfect RV rental to add to your outdoor memories!

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best lakes in West Virginia

Jackie Ann | June 26, 2022

What are the most beautiful beaches in West Virginia?

West Virginia may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying a beach day right in our own backyard. West Virginia’s lakes and rivers offer some of the most stunning scenery, and if you know where to look, you’ll also find some beautiful beaches, too.

  • Surrounded by towering trees and mountains in the distance, Sutton Lake has one of the most beautiful beaches in West Virginia, and you can even rent a houseboat if you’d like to extend your stay.
  • Jennings Randolph Lake is home to Shaw Beach and is maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for various summer fun activities on the beach!

 

Can I camp right on the water in West Virginia?

Yes, you can! There are plenty of campgrounds in West Virginia that offer picture-perfect views of the Mountain State. A few sites on the list include:

  • Compound Nature Preserve is one of the best. The campground is nestled around a beautiful spring-fed lake that’s a lovely shade of blue and you can pitch a tent right on the water’s edge!
  • Bluestone State Park has over 100 sites to choose from.
  • It may be primitive, but you can't go wrong with the scenery at New River Gorge National Park & Reserve

 

Are there any inflatable waterparks in West Virginia?

One of the newest inflatable waterparks in West Virginia is the adventure lake at Tygart Lake State Park. The aqua park features 25 inflatable slides and obstacles just off the shores of Tygart Lake, as well as several lounge chairs to rest on after splashing the day away. The park also offers several boat rental options, a restaurant, cabins, and hiking trails to explore this little slice of paradise even more.

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