The official Site of
Tygart Lake State Park
Things to Do
Fishing
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, anglers will find abundant walleye, musky, crappie, perch, bullhead catfish, carp, northern pike and numerous pan fish. All 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 golden rainbow trout, which are periodically stocked in the tail waters of Tygart Dam, is also popular with many anglers.
The best months for smallmouth and largemouth bass are April through June, September and October. Walleye are best caught during September and October. For crappie, try April, May, October and November. Channel catfish can be caught June through September. Fish attractors, marked by floating buoys, help provide good fishing spots. All coves are posted as no wake zones as well. Many trophy fish have been caught in Tygart Lake waters. There is no fee to fish in the lake; however, anglers must possess a West Virginia fishing license.
Golfing
Tygart Lake State Park has partnered with two golf courses to accommodate golfing guests of the park. Tygart Lake Public Golf Course and Bel Meadow Golf Club are owned and operated by golf pro Brad Westfall. Tygart Lake Golf Course is located approximately five minutes from Tygart Lake State Park Lodge, while Bel Meadows is approximately a 30 minute drive.
Custom packages including lodging, meals, and golf are available.
Click here for golf package information.
Swimming (2013)
Swimming at Tygart Lake is at the beach area at Tygart Lake State Park. Closed for six years, the area will soon be undergoing much needed renovations to improve the facilities and for guest safety. The beach swimming area is on track to open in 2013 with a renovated bathhouse, sand beach and renovated picnic and game area.
Until the lake swimming area reopens, lodge and cottage guests may swim free of charge at the Grafton City Swimming pool when they are open. Grafton is a short drive from the state park.
Gift Shop
Tygart Lake Lodge gift shop is located in the lodge lobby. Need a reason to shop? Take advantage of this coupon
Nature and Recreation Programs
The park Naturalist offers a variety of programs on the park's natural and cultural history. Programs and tours can be arranged for groups. These are available during the summer, Memorial Day through Labor Day and at other times by special request.
To join the park naturalist's e-mail list for updates on programming and special events throughout the year, click here.
Hiking
Tygart Lake offers five hiking trails. Map and trail guides are available to assist in planning the right length and duration for your hike.
Download a park map, click here
For trail descriptions, click here
Adobe Acrobat Reader required for viewing and print.
Boating
Boats may be rented from the marina. Depending on lake conditions, the Marina is open May 15 through September 15. The marina offers fishing boats, pontoon boats, and slip rentals by the hour, 1/2 day or full day(s).
View boat rental rates and marina information
Kayaking and Canoeing
Tygart Lake is a most tranquil area for kayaking and canoeing. Miles and miles of shoreline offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. One is certain to experience nature in a most intimate way, when silently gliding along the clear blue waters of this lake. Optimal nature viewing times are early mornings and the last two hours of daylight. The best days for exploring the Tygart Lake by canoe or kayak are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekend motorboat traffic can make navigating the main channel on the challenging side, due to increased wave action. However, all coves on Tygart Lake are No Wake zones. These areas are an oases amidst the busy weekend motor boat traffic in the main channel.
At this time, Tygart Lake State Park does not offer kayaks or canoes for rent.
