About This Park

Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in scenic north-central West Virginia, Tygart Lake State Park provides guests with a quiet vacation spot and breathtaking views. Just four miles south of Grafton, Tygart Lake State Park is known for its 10-mile long, 1,750-acre lake, which offers water activities like boating, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. The park is surrounded by beautiful mountain views and provides lakeside lodging perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a full day of play.

Accommodations

Select an option below to learn more about the accommodations at this park.

Activities

Select an activity below to learn more
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • DeerViewing
    Hunting
  • Swimming
Attraction is located outside of the park.

History

The land that is now Tygart Lake State Park was given to the state of West Virginia in 1945 in a deed from the U.S. government. Before that transaction, the area was under development to control and regulate the waters and tributaries of the Tygart Valley, West Fork, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. In 1938, the U.S. Corps of Engineers built a dam that created the Tygart River Reservoir, located two miles south of Grafton in Taylor and Barbour counties. The area quickly became popular with boating enthusiasts. Over the years, the park expanded to accommodate larger crowds of visitors. In 1953, the park opened its campgrounds, making it one of the first two parks in the state to offer camping. Cabins were added in 1955, and the park received additional funds in 1964 to construct a 20-room lodge.

Dining

The Lodge Restaurant at Tygart Lake State Park is open:

The Lodge Restaurant will be open Sunday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday/Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

On weekdays, breakfast is provided a la carte service. Lunch is a limited menu that includes homemade soups, fresh salads, made-to-order sandwiches. Varying fresh made sandwiches will be featured daily including the Club, Philly, Crab Cake, and BLT’s. Dinner hours feature full menu options.

Saturday: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu available

Sunday: Bring your church bulletin for 10 percent off.

Specials will feature “The Lodge” chef favorites. The Lodge Restaurant is proudly operated by the staff and employees of Tygart Lake State Park.  For larger groups or to learn more about The Lodge, call 304-265-6144.

Christmas & Holiday Hours
The Lodge Restaurant
Saturday, December 24, 2022 – open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 25, 2022 – the restaurant will be closed for Christmas.

Menus

Dockside Menu

Additional Information

Picnicking

Make it a family affair and rent a picnic shelter! The shelters at the park are perfect for family reunions, family outings, catered functions, parties, and cookouts. They’re available for reservation during the summer season. Early reservations are recommended for summer weekends and holidays.

Trails

Download Park Trail Map

Dogwood Trail

The trail begins opposite Dam Trail near the Lodge passing through the forest with numerous dogwood trees. Trail climbs to a higher elevation above the lodge following a ridge top and descending back on the park road from the dam.

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Lake Trail

This trail begins at Picnic Area Number 3 and follows a small stream to the lake.

The trail has few hills.

Distance:  0.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Ridge Trail

This trail begins near the park office and ends at Picnic Area Number 1. The trail passes through several forest types and is a good place to see wildlife. The trail has some steep hills.

Distance: 0.75 miles

Woodland Trail

Beginning near the park office, this trail passes through what was once a farm before ending between Cabin 5 and the campground. The trail has hills.

Distance:  1.5 miles

Tygart Dam Trail

This trail begins near the lodge and follows near the lakeshore before ending at the dam. This trail has few hills and is approximately .75 miles long.

Distance:  0.75 miles

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

School Bus Trail

This trail begins near campsite 21 and is an intermediate directional trail that makes a 2.0 mile loop on the south end of the park. Along the way you’ll see old farm houses and a rock cliff overhang. For mountain bikers, the trail has a little bit of everything including hill climbs, rock gardens, banked turns and more.

Distance:  2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate