Recreation
Located in the picturesque West Virginia countryside, Tygart Lake's blue waters and irregular shoreline contrast with the surrounding steep mountain terrain. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to discover the beauty of Tygart Lake and its scenic vistas that provide the ideal setting for many outdoor recreational activities.
With the exception of the administrative area in the vicinity of the dam, the lake and its surrounding Federal lands are out-granted by the Corps of Engineers to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources as part of Tygart Lake State Park and the Pleasant Creek Hunting and Fishing Area.
The steep, wooded mountainsides and the clear inviting waters of the lake attract many visitors to Tygart for a day of relaxation and enjoyment. Located around the lake are several picnic areas, hiking trails, playgrounds, and the State Park's swim beach. The beach has a well maintained sunbathing area and a cement deck that extends into the warm waters of the lake. Certified lifeguards are on duty at the beach to insure the safety of swimmers. The exceptional clarity of Tygart Lake is also attracting an ever increasing number of scuba divers to explore the lake's depths, especially in the area of Henderson's Rocks.
Tygart Lake's 10 mile length and deep waters have made the lake a popular site for power boaters and water-skiing enthusiasts. The lake's irregular shoreline also provides many inlets and backwater areas for canoes and small fishing boats to explore. Excellent access to the lake is provided by four boat launching ramps and a public marina contributing to the lake's popularity with boaters.
Tygart Lake is considered by many to be one of the best bass waters in the area and fishing its deep waters can be a rewarding and exciting experience. In addition to bass, anglers will find abundant walleye, muskie, crappie, perch and numerous pan fish. All species of fish found in Tygart Lake are sustained through natural reproduction rather than by stocking attesting to the exceptional water quality of the lake. Fishing for rainbow and golden trout, which are periodically stocked in the tail waters of Tygart Dam, is also popular with many anglers.
Those seeking overnight accommodations at Tygart Lake have a choice between lodge or cabin facilities available at the State Park. There are also campgrounds available at the State Park and the Pleasant Creek Public Hunting and Fishing Area for those desiring a more rustic experience during their stay.
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