As we draw nearer to Memorial Day Weekend, it’s safe to say we’re all ready to get back into the “swim” of things whether poolside or at one of our favorite beach locations. But as mentioned earlier, in my Hidden Beaches You Never Knew About in Pennsylvania post, not all Mid-Atlantic states have direct access to coastal shores. Yet there remain a host of hidden beaches you wouldn’t expect even among landlocked states.
So many folks are amazed to discover that West Virginia, in particular, has its fair share of sandy beaches. But given how the state is famously known for being “almost Heaven” it all makes sense. From woodland wonders to magical mountainous retreats, here are some of the hidden beaches you never even knew about in West Virginia.
Cheat Lake Beach Area
Cheat Lake has been a Morgantown staple in Monongalia County since its formation in 1925 following the construction of a hydroelectric plant intended to dam the Cheat River. It is located in what is now Cheat Lake Park and features many surrounding hiking trails, playground and picnicking spots, and dozens of recreational possibilities all onsite.
In 1985, following a flood, a beach was established along the Lake’s shore—a happy service to day visitors and onsite campers alike. Here you can take in all the usual sun-soaking fun and even swim in what many have observed to be calmer, warmer waters. While visiting, guests may utilize onsite restroom facilities, a fish wash station with public docks, and additional attributes throughout the surrounding area.
Cheat Lake is accessible by boat or car, and swimming and beaching is permitted throughout the summer months. For navigational directions, set your GPS for 177 Sunset Beach Road, Morgantown, WV 26508. Click on this link for all other additional information.
Lake Sherwood Recreation Area
With an elevation of 2,600 feet and a massive size encompassing somewhere between 156 to 160+ acres, Lake Sherwood is a pretty unique place to experience. Whether you’re here camping or just visiting for the day, there’s plenty to enjoy in the way of recreational pursuits.
Because the area is nestled somewhat modestly and unassumingly within Monongahela National Forest, first-time visitors are often surprised to learn that Lake Sherwood also boasts one of the best-kept hidden beach locations in all of West Virginia with at least two sandy sites to set up at. The pristine swimming conditions here have even been equated to those of a hidden mountain oasis—very peaceful and serene. Fishing conditions are also optimal as are other on-the-water opportunities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. And on another unique note, there’s even an island off the mainland you can access via a connecting bridge! It makes for a most pleasant picnicking spot.
Given that Lake Sherwood Recreation Area is a well-known, well-maintained camping site, overnight and day visitors alike have access to all onsite facilities and amenities while beaching. Swimming is at your own risk, and the beach can be accessed during warmer weather months beginning late May through September.
The address location for Lake Sherwood is 410 Main Street East White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986. Click on the link here to learn more about Lake Sherwood Recreation Area.
Lake Stephens Beach
At 275 acres, Lake Stephens in Raleigh County is another standout body of water to boast about. It is located within a recreational park of the same name and is an excellent spot for camping and other outdoor endeavors. Yet swimming and beaching ventures here rank among the most popular pursuits to enjoy.
The warm, sandy beach and refreshing waters are perfect offerings on their own. But take note that visitors may also access other watery fun on location as well, including a Splash Pad and Aqua Park. And to keep you fueled, you have the convenience of A&J Concessions onsite too. Additionally, there is a lovely marina onsite.
All of the aforementioned operations are available starting Memorial Day Weekend and will remain in full swing through Labor Day. General admission for accessing the Splash Pad and Aqua Park is $5 per child ages 14 and under. Adults are admitted free with a paying child.
Lake Stephens is located at 1400 Lake Stephens Road, Surveyor, WV 25801. Click here to learn more.
Shavers Lake
You may know Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort as a wonderful wintertime escape, but did you know it also plays host to the state’s highest elevated beach location? That’s right, during the summertime you can take to their resident Shavers Lake for an alternate outing. Soak up the sun as you lounge on the sunny sand or take to the water with a deep-end swim of shallow-water wade. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are all available as well.
Additionally, many other lakeside recreations can be enjoyed during your beachgoing experience. These include slacklines, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and more. And don’t forget about that famous “mega” playground. Feeling hungry? Just head for the Boathouse; they’ve got you covered!
Shavers Lake at Snowshoe is unquestionably one of the best beach resort destinations in the state. To arrive, set your GPS for 0 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, WV 26209. Visit the website for all other details and information.
Shaw Beach at Jennings Randolph Lake
A massive reservoir spanning 952 acres, Jennings Randolph Lake straddles both the North Branch Potomac River in Garrett County, Maryland, and Mineral County, West Virginia. It also happens to be the site of another of West Virginia’s best beaching locations.
The sandy shore spans 200 feet of pristine beach overlooking the lakefront. Visitors can enjoy the usual swimming and dipping as well as soaking in those rays, building a sand castle, and making the most of a West Virginia summer. Anyone visiting here has access to numerous onsite facilities, including public restrooms, a bathhouse, water fountains, sand rinse-off showers, and more.
To visit Shaw Beach at Jennings Randolph Lake, set your GPS for Shaw Beach, Jennings Randolph Lake, Elk Garden, WV 26717. Click the link here to learn more.
Summersville Lake
With 2,800 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline, Summersville Lake has plenty of beachfront to boot. Two of the most contested options among visitors are Mountain Lake Beach and Battle Run Beach.
Mountain Lake Beach can be found adjacent to the Lake and is commonly accessed by guests at Mountain Lake Campground. The campsite boasts cabins, RV hookups, and other facilities and amenities available to visitor use.
You’ll also find an expansive 1,000-foot sandy beach at the Battle Run Beach Recreational Area sporting numerous natural-wonder callouts. There’s also an anchoring old Lighthouse attraction to check out. Kayaking and other watercraft options are worth considering as well. Feeling hungry? They’ve got you covered with onsite concessions.
Both beach locations on Summersville Lake are treasured pursuits to enjoy between late May through September. To get to Mountain Lake Beach, visit the site address for Mountain Lake Campground at 1898 Airport Road, Summersville, WV 26651. For Battle Run Beach, you’ll want to navigate to WV-129, Mt. Nebo, WV 26679. Click here for more information about Mountain Lake Beach and here for details about Battle Run Beach.
Sutton Lake Beach
As a 1,520-acre reservoir saddling Webster and Braxton Counties, Sutton Lake is a refreshing, pristine paradise of sorts. Famous for having crystal-clear waters and clean fine-grain sandy shores, the corresponding beach on location at the Bee Run Recreation Area is a great place to chill out on a summer’s day. It’s been declared the most beautiful beach in all of West Virginia (and beyond) countless times over again by many people.
Because of its location to the adjacent marina, a safety ring encompasses the immediate swimming area around the beach. General operations are seasonal and line up with the usual summer swim season.
In addition to beaching and swimming, the Bee Run Recreation Area offers up many accessible amenities and facilities for guests to use. You’ll find Sutton Lake Beach located at 1734 Bee Run Road, Sutton, WV 26601. Read more by clicking on the site link.
Tygart Lake Beach at Tygart Lake State Park
Tygart Lake State Park near Grafton is home to its acclaimed namesake 10-mile long, 1,750-acre Tygart Lake. It’s here you’ll discover a host of recreational opportunities both onshore and on the water. Some of the most popular endeavors include boating, waterskiing, fishing, and even scuba diving. But one classic pastime that never goes out of style is good old-fashioned swimming, which can be done off-shore at their impressive sandy beach.
It’s the best of both worlds—a mountain retreat and the opportunity to bask in the sun on a pristine beach. And if that’s not enough, Tygart Lake is really an “Adventure Lake” boasting twenty-five giant inflatables to enjoy. Read more about the Adventure Lake setup here.
Visitors take note that when you visit you have access to all onsite amenities. These include the use of a bathhouse, bocce ball courts, a horseshoe pit, and a picnic area. Onsite swimming in the Lake is from May 20 through September 4. Visit Tygart Lake State Park at 1240 Paul E. Malone Road, Grafton, WV 26354, or click on the website link for all other additional details.
There are several other exceptional swimming and beaching locations throughout West Virginia, but these are the top-rated ones among most folks. All other locations are also worth exploring, though, and perhaps you’ll even discover your own hidden gem.