17 Scenic West Virginia Lakes You’ll Fall In Love With

West Virginia hides some of the most beautiful lakes you’ll ever see tucked between its rolling mountains and lush forests. I’m talking crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and views that’ll make your jaw drop every single time.

Whether you’re into kayaking, fishing, or just chilling by the shore with a good book, these lakes offer something special for everyone who visits them.

1. Summersville Lake

Picture water so clear it looks like the Caribbean dropped into Appalachia. That’s what you get here, my friend. Summersville Lake boasts the clearest waters in the entire state, making it a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers.

Cliffs tower around the edges, perfect for brave souls who love cliff jumping. Boaters zoom across the surface while others prefer paddling peacefully in kayaks.

The lake stretches over 2,700 acres, giving you plenty of room to explore without bumping into crowds every five minutes.

2. Stonewall Jackson Lake

Named after a famous Confederate general, this lake spans nearly 2,650 acres of pure recreational bliss. It’s one of the newer lakes in West Virginia, created back in 1990. Anglers absolutely love fishing for bass, walleye, and crappie in these productive waters.

The resort nearby offers cozy cabins if you want to stay overnight. Miles of hiking trails wind through the surrounding hills, showing off wildflowers in spring. You can rent pontoon boats at the marina and cruise around all day long.

3. Cheat Lake

Located just minutes from Morgantown, this lake serves as the local playground for college students and families alike. It’s actually a reservoir created by damming the Cheat River decades ago. Sailboats glide gracefully across the water on breezy afternoons while jet skis zip around creating waves.

Houses dot the shoreline, making it feel like a lake community straight out of a magazine. The fishing here can be fantastic, especially for catfish and bass. Parks along the shore provide perfect picnic spots with incredible sunset views.

4. Tygart Lake

This 1,750-acre lake sits in the northern part of the state, offering a peaceful escape from busy city life. A state park lodge perches on the hillside, giving visitors comfortable rooms with stunning lake views.

Fishermen come here hoping to catch trophy-sized muskies that lurk in the deep waters. The swimming beach gets packed on hot summer days when everyone wants to cool off.

Hiking trails loop around portions of the shoreline, perfect for morning walks. Boat rentals make it easy, even if you don’t own watercraft.

5. Sutton Lake

Stretching across 1,440 acres, Sutton Lake offers a quieter alternative to some of the busier spots. It’s located in central West Virginia, making it accessible from several major towns. The Army Corps of Engineers maintains excellent facilities including boat ramps and camping areas.

Elk River feeds into this reservoir, bringing nutrients that support healthy fish populations. You’ll find great spots for bass fishing along the rocky points.

Multiple marinas provide services, and the surrounding Elk River Wildlife Management Area adds extra outdoor opportunities for nature lovers seeking adventure.

6. Beech Fork Lake

Located near Huntington, this lake covers about 720 acres and serves as a popular weekend destination for southern West Virginians. Beech Fork State Park surrounds the water, offering tons of recreational opportunities beyond just boating.

Campgrounds fill up quickly during summer weekends with families roasting marshmallows. The swimming area features a sandy beach that kids absolutely adore.

Nature programs run throughout the season, teaching visitors about local wildlife. Rental cabins provide cozy accommodations if tents aren’t your style, and the fishing can be surprisingly good year-round.

7. Bluestone Lake

Bluestone Lake ranks as one of the largest lakes in West Virginia, covering over 2,000 acres when full. It sits in the southern part of the state near Hinton, surrounded by Bluestone State Park. The lake formed when engineers dammed the New River back in the 1940s for flood control.

Walleye fishing here is legendary among serious anglers who travel from neighboring states. Bluestone State Park offers camping, cabins, and a swimming pool for hot days. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, especially during fall foliage season.

8. Burnsville Lake

This 968-acre lake in central West Virginia offers excellent recreational opportunities managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Multiple recreation areas dot the shoreline, each with boat ramps and picnic facilities. Bulltown Historic Area nearby adds a cultural element to your lake visit with Civil War history.

The lake’s irregular shape creates tons of coves perfect for exploring by kayak or canoe. Bass tournaments happen regularly because the fishing is top-notch. Camping options range from primitive sites to areas with full hookups for RVs.

9. Jennings Randolph Lake

Straddling the West Virginia-Maryland border, this lake offers 952 acres of pristine mountain waters. It’s one of the most remote lakes on this list, which means fewer crowds and more tranquility. The surrounding mountains create a dramatic backdrop that photographers absolutely love capturing.

Trout fishing draws anglers to the cold tailwaters below the dam. Several recreation areas provide camping and day-use facilities managed by the Corps of Engineers. The lake sits at a higher elevation, keeping water temperatures cooler even during summer heat waves.

10. Mount Storm Lake

Here’s something different: a lake created to cool a power plant that became a recreational hotspot. Mount Storm Lake covers about 1,200 acres in the mountains of eastern West Virginia. The power plant keeps the water warmer than natural lakes, extending the swimming season significantly.

You can actually swim comfortably here when other lakes feel like ice baths. Fishing is excellent year-round because the warm water keeps fish active. The scenery is gorgeous with mountains rising on all sides, and public access makes it easy to enjoy.

11. Sherwood Lake

Tucked away in the Monongahela National Forest, Sherwood Lake is a small gem covering just 165 acres. It’s a no-wake lake, meaning motorboats can’t zoom around disturbing the peace. This makes it absolutely perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding in serene conditions.

A campground sits right on the shoreline, offering convenient access for campers. The lake is stocked with trout, making it popular among fly fishermen. Hiking trails connect to the lake area, and the fall colors here are absolutely stunning against the dark water.

12. R.D. Bailey Lake

Located in the southwestern corner of West Virginia, R.D. Bailey Lake spans about 630 acres of beautiful mountain water. It’s named after a local congressman who helped bring the project to life. The lake sits in a narrow valley, creating a long, winding shape that’s fun to explore.

Smallmouth bass fishing here is exceptional, attracting tournament anglers regularly. Several boat ramps provide easy access around the lake.

The surrounding Chief Cornstalk Wildlife Management Area offers hunting and hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts seeking variety.

13. Spruce Knob Lake

Sitting at high elevation near West Virginia’s tallest peak, Spruce Knob Lake is a tiny 25-acre alpine jewel. It’s located in the Monongahela National Forest, surrounded by spruce trees and rocky terrain. The cool mountain air makes this a refreshing summer escape from valley heat.

A scenic trail loops around the entire lake in about a mile. Trout fishing is popular here, though the lake is small enough to explore completely in a kayak within an hour. The nearby Spruce Knob summit offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

14. Plum Orchard Lake

This 202-acre lake sits within the Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area in southern West Virginia. It’s primarily managed for wildlife, which means you’ll see tons of birds and other animals around the shoreline. Electric motors only are allowed, keeping the atmosphere peaceful and quiet.

Fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish keeps anglers busy throughout the season. A campground nearby provides basic facilities for overnight stays.

The surrounding forest trails offer excellent hiking and wildlife watching opportunities, especially during spring and fall migration periods.

15. Sleepy Creek Lake

Located in the eastern panhandle, Sleepy Creek Lake covers 205 acres within the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. It’s a gorgeous spot that feels wonderfully remote despite being relatively accessible. The lake is managed primarily for wildlife habitat, so nature lovers find it especially rewarding.

Only electric motors are permitted, maintaining the tranquil atmosphere. Bass, bluegill, and channel catfish provide good fishing action. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding mountains, and hunters use the area during designated seasons. The fall foliage reflected in the calm water is absolutely breathtaking.

16. Watoga Lake

Nestled in West Virginia’s largest state park, Watoga Lake is a small 11-acre lake perfect for quiet contemplation. The park itself covers over 10,000 acres of gorgeous mountain wilderness. Rowboats and paddleboats can be rented right at the lake for peaceful afternoon excursions.

Swimming is popular here during summer months when the water warms up nicely. The lake is stocked with trout, making it a great spot to teach kids how to fish. Cabins and campgrounds throughout the park offer comfortable places to stay while exploring this mountain paradise.

17. Oglebay Lake

Situated within Wheeling’s famous Oglebay Park, this lake offers a more manicured experience than wilderness lakes. The park itself is a premier resort destination with golf courses, gardens, and a zoo nearby. Families love the lake for its safe swimming beach and paddleboat rentals.

It’s smaller than most lakes on this list but perfectly maintained and accessible. The surrounding park offers tons of activities beyond the lake itself.

During winter, the entire park transforms into a spectacular light display, though the lake itself is less active during cold months.