When summer heat settles over the mountains, West Virginia’s lakes are the place to cool off – from the gin-clear water of Summersville Lake (a cliff-jumping and scuba favorite) to family swim beaches at state-park lakes. This guide rounds up the best swimming lakes in West Virginia, with notes on beaches, clear water and access. Each links to our full lake guide. This page is part of our West Virginia Lakes Database.
The best swimming lakes in West Virginia
- Summersville Lake. Nicknamed the “Little Bahamas of the East,” the state’s largest, clearest lake is famous for swimming, cliff jumping at Long Point and scuba diving in its emerald water.
- Upper Mud River Lake. One of the most family-friendly lakes near Huntington, with a designated swimming beach and a bath house at the wildlife management area.
- Bluestone Lake. Bluestone State Park, on the state’s third-largest lake, has a swim area and a beautiful New River setting next door to Pipestem Resort.
- Beech Fork Lake. Beech Fork State Park near Huntington has a swim/beach area alongside its huge campground – an easy family day on the water.
- Tygart Lake. Tygart Lake State Park near Grafton offers a sandy lake beach beneath the dam, with a marina and lodge close by.
- Moncove Lake. Moncove Lake State Park, in the quiet southeast near the Virginia line, has a swimming pool and beach area beside its bass-and-bluegill lake.
Several other state parks pair lake recreation with swimming pools, including Watoga State Park on Watoga Lake and the area around Stonewall Jackson Lake.
Tips for swimming in West Virginia lakes
Summersville Lake is the standout for clear-water swimming, cliff jumping and scuba, but it has no developed guarded beach – swim with care from the shoreline and boats. For traditional family beaches, head to Upper Mud River, Bluestone, Beech Fork or Tygart Lake. Note that many West Virginia state parks offer swimming pools rather than (or in addition to) lake beaches. Always check posted conditions, and watch for boat traffic and drop-offs at the big reservoirs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best swimming lake in West Virginia?
Summersville Lake, the state’s largest and clearest, is the top pick for swimming, cliff jumping and scuba; for a traditional family beach, Upper Mud River, Bluestone and Beech Fork lakes are excellent.
Where can you cliff jump in West Virginia?
Long Point at Summersville Lake is the state’s most famous spot for cliff jumping into clear, deep water (use caution and check current rules).
Which West Virginia state park lakes have swimming beaches?
Bluestone, Beech Fork, Tygart Lake and Moncove Lake state parks have lake swim areas or beaches, while several other parks offer swimming pools.
Related: see the Summersville Lake scuba & recreation, the best lakes in West Virginia, or head back to the West Virginia Lakes Database.
