Bluestone State Park
4.6(809)google
3.8(9)yelp
LakeWater ActivityBoatingFishingCampingHikingOutdoor
Overview
Bordering the expansive waters of Bluestone Lake, Bluestone State Park is a premier wilderness destination for water sports and outdoor recreation in southern West Virginia. The park features rugged, heavily forested hillsides that plunge into the deep blue lake, providing an idyllic setting for waterskiing, boating, and exceptional bass fishing. Visitors can rent modern lakeside cabins, hike rustic wilderness trails, or explore the nearby scenic rivers, making it a spectacular retreat for families.
Practical Info
Every day8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimePeak timing is a summer morning (June to August) or an autumn evening in October. Summer mornings from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM offer glassy, misty conditions on Bluestone Lake ideal for kayaking and bass fishing, while autumn sunsets from 5:00 PM to dusk illuminate the deep crimson forest canopy reflecting off the waters.
Getting ThereSet in rural Hinton with no transit links; a personal vehicle is required. From Beckley, take I-64 E to Exit 139 for Sandstone/Hinton, then merge onto scenic WV-20 S. Drive south for 15 winding miles along the New River through the town of Hinton to find the main park gates. Free parking serves all boat launches.
Travel Tips
- Ongoing construction on the Bluestone Dam directly impacts waterfront campsite availability and may cause unannounced site closures. You must call the park office at (304) 466-2805 to verify site status before arrival.
- All campgrounds and cabins enforce a strict 14-night maximum stay limit, and weekend bookings often carry minimum night requirements. Avoid over-scheduling to prevent automatic booking cancellations.
- While the lake is excellent for boating, the park's boat ramps can close abruptly after heavy summer rains due to dam sediment or high water levels. Check official water stage advisories before towing private watercraft.
Reviews
Positive
- Nestled beautifully by Bluestone Lake and wrapped in heavy forests, it offers a picture-perfect haven for boating and fishing.
- The cabins scattered on the hillside provide great privacy, charcoal grills, and a deeply relaxing stay listening to night nature.
- The primitive wilderness trails boast rich wildlife sightings, frequently spotting deer and birds, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
- The boat marina rental staff are incredibly helpful, offering pontoon and kayak rentals at very fair prices with quick paperwork.
Heads up
- Tucked deep in a river valley, most areas suffer from absolute zero cell service, problematic for those needing connectivity.
- Some older rustic cabins feature dated bathroom fixtures, with fluctuating hot water temperatures and low water pressure during peak hours.
- Being next to massive water bodies and thick bush, swarms of summer mosquitoes and bugs require keeping cabin screens tightly shut.
- Internal park roadways lack prominent reflectors or clear directional text, making nighttime driving to specific loops confusing.