Beech Fork State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beech Fork State Park |
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 Beech Fork State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 3,860 acres (15.6 km2) |
| Elevation | 722 ft (220 m) |
| Established | January 1, 1978 |
| Named for | Beech Fork of Twelvepole Creek |
| Governing body | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
Beech Fork State Park is a fun state park located in Cabell County and Wayne County, West Virginia. This park is a great place for outdoor adventures! It sits right next to Beech Fork Lake. This lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help control floods. It's on a part of Twelvepole Creek called Beech Fork.
Since it opened in the 1970s, Beech Fork State Park has become a very popular spot. People from nearby towns like Barboursville and Huntington, West Virginia love to visit. The park is about 10 miles (16 km) south of the Hal Greer Exit (Exit 11) on Interstate 64. You can also get to the park from Exits 8, 15, and 20 of I-64. The Beech Fork Lake Dam and Marina are about a 40-minute drive from the park.
The Corps of Engineers has rules for the lake. For example, boat motors must be 10 horsepower or smaller. This helps keep the lake calm and safe for everyone.
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What Can You Do at Beech Fork State Park?
Beech Fork State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. There's something for everyone, whether you love camping, swimming, or exploring nature.
Camping and Cabins
If you love sleeping under the stars, this park is perfect!
- There are four different campgrounds with a total of 275 campsites.
- Some sites have full hookups for RVs, others have electricity, and some are more primitive for a true outdoor feel.
- If you prefer a cozy stay, the park also has six comfortable cabins you can rent.
Water Activities at Beech Fork Lake
The lake is a big part of the park's fun!
- You can easily launch your boat into Beech Fork Lake.
- During peak season, you can rent paddle boats and canoes.
- The privately run Beech Fork Lake Marina also offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals.
- Remember, boat motors must be 10-hp or smaller on the lake.
Sports and Games
The park has lots of ways to stay active:
- Take a dip in the large 50-meter swimming pool.
- Play a game on the tennis court, volleyball court, or basketball court.
- There's even a softball field for team sports.
Exploring Nature
For those who love the outdoors:
- Enjoy the many hiking trails that wind through the park.
- If you like biking, there are also mountain biking trails.
- Fishing is a popular activity, with access points all around the lake.
- The park has picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal outdoors.
Other Facilities
- The park has a dump station and a water fill station for campers.
- There is also a 100-yard rifle and pistol range for target practice.
Is Beech Fork State Park Accessible?
Yes, the park tries to make sure everyone can enjoy it! Experts from West Virginia University checked how accessible the park is for people with disabilities. They found that many areas are easy to use. This includes the campgrounds, picnic spots, and the swimming pool. The doors and ramps of public buildings are also accessible.
They did suggest some improvements, like better signs on buildings and in parking lots. They also looked at ways to make restrooms even easier to access. The park works to be welcoming for all visitors.
Images for kids
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Camping at the lake is a popular recreational activity, even in the Fall
