About BEECH FORK SHELTERS
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.
How to Get There
FROM CHARLESTON, WV: Travel west on interstate 64 for a distance of approximately 52 miles to exit 8. From exit 8 proceed south on Route 152 for a distance of about 5 miles to Beech Fork Road. Turn left on Beech Fork Road and go approximately 3 miles. FROM LEXINGTON, KY: Travel east on Interstate 64 for a distance of approximately 120 miles to exit 8. From exit 8 proceed south on Route 152 for a distance of about 5 miles to Beech Fork Road. Turn left on Beech Fork Road and go approximately 3 miles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BEECH FORK SHELTERS
Heading to BEECH FORK SHELTERS? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BEECH FORK SHELTERS?
No central reservation system listed for BEECH FORK SHELTERS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234227) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BEECH FORK SHELTERS?
FROM CHARLESTON, WV: Travel west on interstate 64 for a distance of approximately 52 miles to exit 8. From exit 8 proceed south on Route 152 for a distance of about 5 miles to Beech Fork Road. Turn left on Beech Fork Road and go approximately 3 miles. FROM LEXINGTON, KY: Travel east on Interstate 64 for a distance of approximately 120 miles to exit 8. From exit 8 proceed south on Route 152 for a d…
How do I contact BEECH FORK SHELTERS?
You can reach the park at phone: 304-525-4831.
References & Official Resources
