Beech Fork Shelters

Closed — Closed for the season. The shelters typically operate from spring through fall and are available by reservation through Recreation.gov.

About

Beech Fork Shelters consist of five reservable day-use picnic areas located at Beech Fork Lake, a 720-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir in western West Virginia. These shelters provide an excellent base for day trips, offering electric hookups for grills and other conveniences, along with traditional charcoal grills. Two shelters are positioned close to the lake with panoramic views, while two others are near a stream below the dam. The fifth site, a deck at Stower's Branch Swim Beach, is uncovered and lacks electricity but provides shaded lakeside access. The area is set among open spaces with scattered trees and surrounded by Appalachian hardwood forests. Visitors can enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, and saugeye, or explore hiking trails like the Spillway Trail accessible from shelters 1 and 2. Each shelter area includes playgrounds and horseshoe pits, with basketball and volleyball courts available for recreation. The swimming beach and marina are nearby for additional activities. Beech Fork Lake sits in lush river valleys that attract diverse bird species including thrushes, chats, and cuckoos. Beech Fork State Park, a 3,144-acre protected area with additional camping and recreation opportunities, is approximately 25 minutes away on the eastern edge of the lake.

Directions

From Charleston, WV: Travel west on Interstate 64 for approximately 52 miles to exit 8. From exit 8 proceed south on Route 152 for 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 approximately 120 miles to exit 8, then follow the same directions.

Nearby Campgrounds