Have you visited our very own Beach Fork State Park yet this summer? Here is a list of fun things to do while you're there!

Beech Fork State Park

5601 Long Branch Road
Barboursville, WV 25504
(304) 528-5794

Things to Do

The Wooten Recreation

The Wooten Recreation Area offers a number of opportunities for the entire family. Basketball, tennis, horseshoes, softball and volleyball can be enjoyed April through October.  Equipment is available for rent at Camper's Corner Store.

Camper's Corner Store 

A convenient grocery store is located at the park headquarters. The store offers the basic grocery needs (including milk and bread), gift shop items, hand dipped ice cream, camping supplies, fishing supplies, bait (chicken livers, night crawlers, and meal worms), ice, and firewood.  Game equipment is available for rent. 

The Camper’s Corner opens in April and closes in October.   The store hours are limited to late afternoon and evening times prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day, then during the summer- daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Hours are subject to change.

Swimming Pool

A 50 meter swimming pool and bathhouse facility opened at Beech Fork on Memorial Day in 2000. The complex includes a bathhouse and food/snack stand both open to park guests and the general public.

Pool Hours
Sunday: Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed-except on holidays
Tuesday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Pool hours are subject to change without notice and may close due to weather. There are no refunds.

Admissions*
12 years old and older, $3.00
Under 12 years of age, $2.00
Senior and books of ten ticket discounts are available.
Season passes are available at park headquarters.
Coin lockers are available inside.

*Each person entering the swimming pool facility must pay admission fee.
Admission may be denied for improper swimwear, cuts, casts, etc.
Inflatable water wings, rafts, balls, etc. are prohibited.
Picnic supplies, food, glass, beer, wine is prohibited to bring inside the pool area. 
Picnic areas outside of the pool area are available for use.
Alcohol is not permitted on Beech Fork State Park.

Fishing 

Fishing licenses may be purchased online.  A computer is available for online fishing license purchase at Camper’s Corner or park office.

Hiking

Fitness Trail

Biking

Picnicking

In addition to picnic areas, Beech Fork has 3 shelters for rental.  These are popular for reunions and gatherings.

Game Room

Located at the park headquarters, the game room contains a variety of current video games, ball stations, and prize stations.

Boat Rentals

Beech Fork State Park has pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and row boats for rent.  Row boats are licensed and available for electric motor use (not provided).  The Boat Rental season begins Memorial Day weekend and closes Labor Day weekend. Life jackets are required and provided.  Persons renting boats must provide a valid driver's license.   Open Wednesday to Sunday: Noon to 8 p.m. and closed on Monday and Tuesday (except on holidays). Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice and may close due to weather. 

Seasonal Boat Launch Area at Beech Fork State Park

(not to be confused with Beech Fork Dam and Recreation Area described below)

Pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and licensed jon boats (jon boats are ready for a small motor or include oars for rowing) may be rented from the seasonal boat launch area within the state park.

Boat launch at Beech Fork State Park is seasonal and operational from April when lake fills to summer pool to November when the lake is brought down to winter pool.

Beech Fork Dam and Recreation Area is operated by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Beech Fork State Park operated by West Virginia State Park under (WVDNR) should not be confused with the Beech Fork Dam and Recreation Area operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers near Lavalette, W.Va. This area is located 22 miles from the state park and does not have overnight facilities. This Recreation area includes a Marina with motorized boat and pontoon rental, year round boat launch ramp, swimming beach, and picnic areas.

The Corps of Engineers Dam and Recreation Area can be reached at 304-525-4831.  The Marina may be contacted at 304-522-9374. There is no overnight facilities at the dam and recreation area operated by the Corps of Engineers.

Beech Fork State Park Office Hours

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily beginning April and thru October. Office hours may vary during the off-season. Information to assist visitors is posted at the office building or control station at the front gate. Beech Fork State Park office may be reached by calling 304-528-5794 or for reservations or for park information, call 1-800-CALL-WVA.

Special Events and Activities

Beech Fork State Park hosts special events as well as provides daily activities during the summer season. Events and activities are open to park guests and the general public.

Special Events in 2011

Saturday, July 23
Lou Maiuri – Appalachian Country Cloggers
Beech Fork State Park
Lou will be calling squares and line dances today at 7:00 p.m. Come as you are and dance up a storm.  Circle up four and do sa do.  Open to anyone to attend. Campers, 4-H groups, come one and all.
No fee to attend.

September 16, 17, 18, 2011
"The Legacy of Mary Ingles"

The Legacy of Mary Ingles, in its 23rd year is an 18th century living history weekend that introduces visitors and guests to life and the ways of our pioneering ancestors through demonstrations and the portrayal of life in 1755 that Mary Ingles lived and encountered. The 2011 event will be presented at Beech Fork State Park

The presentations are not lecture-style and is a three-day encampment with more than 20 interpreters and tradesmen and women staged in primitive encampment settings. The interpreters engage those attending throughout the course of the day in conversation and with on going action and work life. The site is accessible.

Some of the life skills and demonstrations planned each day from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and  over the course of the 3-day event include:  the importance of trade, animal care, spinning and weaving, music, salt making, medicinal and edible native plants as early healthcare, finger weaving, blacksmithing, candle making, lye soap making, hunting skills, tomahawk throwing, plant dyes, toys and games, wood working, hide tanning, Indian pictographs, women’s and men’s roles, and frontier cooking and foods.

It’s been 256 years since Ingles made her trek through the Kanawha Valley and New River area, and her remarkable story is woven throughout the each day. For information about this event, call 304-528-5794.

Saturday, October 8  
Gary Booth – Kid’s Magic Show
Beech Fork State Park
Garry returns for the annual Herron Fest at Beech Fork State Park the 7:00 p.m. magic show and balloon art is a sure family favorite.  No fee to attend.

Summer Activities

Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend is the traditional vacation season.  During this time daily activities are scheduled and include hikes, games, evening programs and nature-based activities.  Activities are posted at the park office and vary from week to week and posted online during the summer season.

beechforksp@wv.gov
1-800-CALL WVA

Courtesy of beechforksp.com