The Official Web Site of:
Home page for WV State Parks
Go to the WV DNR home page
Go the WV Tourism and Travel Guide
Visit a Shop in the Park for online purchasing of WV State Park items Click Here for Cabin Availability
 
select a park by lodging
What to do at WV State Parks
We offer special packages by the season and year-round
Check out our Calendar of Events
Let us host your next conference
Get the latest WV State Park news
Golf with us
Join one of our year-round programs
Visit our Resource center to receive a brochure by mail or order a gift certificate

Group Services provided by West Virginia State Parks


Online Reservations are available with West Virginia State Parks, click here


Reservations are now taken 2 years in advance at selected State Parks.
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pet friendly vacation cabin rentals in west virginia

Help to Preserve our Legacy!

Join our foundation or make a donation.
Join the West Virginia STate Parks Foundation



WV State Parks and Forests offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities!

Feeding Wildlife is harmful to their health!
and....

it is prohibited by law!

Click Here to learn more!

West Virginia State Parks and Forests
Summer Program Series
A unique collection of events – for fun, for families, for groups,
for free!

Over 300 special events and event weekends are scheduled throughout the year in West Virginia State Parks and Forests.

Daily activities are scheduled at many areas throughout the park system in addition to the special programs listed here.

Families, friends, and groups are welcome. From dancing or campfire tales to history or singing, these special summer program add more fun and enjoyment to your visit.

Special Summer Programs at a Glance
(for special guest information, scroll to bottom of the page or click here)

 

About our special summer program guests –

Three Rivers Avian Center – (TRAC) – What bird says “who cooks for me, who cooks for you all?” Don’t know! Come to this Birds of Prey Education Program featuring live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Live raptors, including hawks and owls are part of this educational program. You’ll learn about the habitat, diet and behavior of each bird presented, the most common causes of injury to each species and the laws protecting these special birds.

Doug Wood – French & Indian War Series – is a historical interpreter who presents the story of Ostenaco in traditional dress. During the French and Indian War, Ostenaco was a leader of Cherokee warriors who assisted Virginia military leaders against northern tribes allied to the French. His leadership provided a much-needed Indian alliance for the British colonial settlements in much of present day West Virginia and beyond. Ostencao led the fight against Ohio Valley Indians who were allied with the French and attacking settlements in the areas of the Tygart Valley, Greenbrier River, and North and South Branches of the Potomac River. With Major Andrew Lewis he led an expedition against the Shawnee along the Big Sandy River area that ended in failure but forged a lasting friendship with Lewis. His allegiance with such Virginia leaders contributed significantly to the expansion of English-speaking peoples into what is now West Virginia.

Lou Maiuri – Square or line– you’re invited. Lou Maiuri was teaching dance long before Dancing with the Stars debuted or Travolta and Swayze made dance popular again. Maiuri is a dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing. He has won many awards in competition, including three national championships and is the director and founder of Appalachian Country Cloggers. Bringing traditional dance and instruction to our state parks is a labor of love for Maiuri – his love of people and his love for dance is obvious when you attend one of Lou’s dance events. No previous dance experience (or rhythm) necessary. Come join us for tradition – let’s dance!

Bugs Stover – A traditional campfire story-teller. A Wyoming County (WV) native, his presentation is down-home, come-on-over, and sit-a-spell. I’m going to tell you a story about when I was but a child camping at…and there was a strange noise… Stover’s stories weave state park tales of mystery and make an ordinary evening something to remember.

Mick Souter – A one man show featuring Celebrate America. Mick presents a multi-disciplinary cultural performance combining music, theater, and storytelling with history, geography, and social studies. The artist accompanies himself on many instruments including banjo, dulcimer, auto harp, and recorder.

Bil Lepp – A winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest, Bil Lepp tells tall tales written by himself and his brother. His outrageous stories about Buck-dog, fishing, politics, trains, the rodeo and many others will have the audience roaring with laughter.

Geology! Rocks – Don’t know limestone from sandstone or granite from gravel! An evening program to teach, explain and explore the mysteries of ‘rock.’ The next morning we ‘roll’ out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are the experts presenting this program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both. Great for scout and 4-H groups, families and our future geologists.

Garry Boothe – Garry is a magician and children’s entertainer, and he performs magic and balloon artistry with a twist. A great family entertainer.

Irish Road Bowling – This series is more about the activity than a special program guest. An outdoor activity born in Ireland, WV is becoming an interesting game of fun. Before football, soccer, and basketball, before baseball and golf, was ... The Old Game,Irish Road Bowling. So when you hear ‘bowl’, obey the rules of the road and know the game is afoot.

Click park name to see park information

Audra
Beech Fork
Blennerhassett Island
Blackwater Falls
Cacapon
Cass Scenic RR
Cedar Creek

Greenbrier State
Hawks Nest
Holly River
Lost River
North Bend
Pipestem Resort

Stonewall
Tu-Endie-Wei
Tomlinson Run
Twin Falls
Tygart Lake
Watoga

Summer programming reflects the West Virginia State Parks mission statement. From cultural and historical facets, to natural history and traditional programs, you’re invited to learn, to play and to enjoy!
Offered at no charge – we encourage families, friends and youth to enjoy the great outdoors as well as some great folks sharing their talent and skills.

Note: This page is updated frequently with additional programs as scheduled.
Always contact the park or forest where a program is scheduled for program location and starting times.
For a complete list of special Hikes & Walks click here.
To view complete calendar of events, click here.
For WV State Parks Programs (Adopt-A-Trail, Hiking Program, VIPP, etc.) click here.

 
View the state map and select a park by location