When you think of West Virginia, most people would say that the first thing that comes to mind is not beaches. However, there are some beaches in the state that are worth checking out.
South Branch Potomac River Beach
The South Branch of the Potomic River flows through a beautiful valley in West Virginia. The river is popular for rafting, fishing and kayaking enthusiasts who love to explore its rapids and wildlife. It’s also known as one of the best spots to swim in the state.
The most popular spot on this scenic river is at South Branch Potomac River Beach. This sandy beach stretches about 2 miles along the river with plenty of spaces to spread out your picnic blanket or set up camp under an umbrella if you choose to stay awhile! There are bathrooms available but no lifeguards so be sure not to let little ones venture too far into the water without supervision.
This hidden gem offers camping, boating, hiking trails and even a few activities for the kids. We suggest bringing plenty of water and snacks, but leave the glass bottles at home because this is a zero-tolerance beach! The river banks can also get crowded on weekends so arrive early to claim your spot.
The South Branch offers about an hour stretch of mostly shallow shoreline ideal for everyone in your family including little ones and older adults who can’t swim out very far. This is another one of our favorite lifeguarded beaches in West Virginia for families visiting West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle or exploring Harpers Ferry during their stay!
Pendleton Lake Beach
The Pendleton Lake Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists. It’s located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, just an hour west of Washington D.C., and is a perfect family-friendly spot for swimming, fishing, picnicking or hiking.
This summertime hotspot features plenty of shade from the surrounding forest to keep you cool on hot days, as well as two boat ramps that offer access to the tranquil waters of Pendleton Lake.
Pendleton is also home to many species of wildlife including deer, beavers and blue herons – so if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse while visiting!
Gilbert Beach
One of West Virginia’s hidden gems is Gilbert Beach at Veteran’s Park in Charleston, WV.
This beach was created by a man named Melvin Gilbert who donated it to the city back in 1923 for use as a public park and recreational area. The beach has been used for decades as an ice skating rink during winter months but now serves primarily as a beautiful place to spend time on hot summer days or nights. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time here, this is one beach experience you don’t want to miss!
Sutton Lake Beach
Sutton Lake is one of the most popular beaches in West Virginia. It’s located on Sutton Lake, which is formed by the damming of Roaring Creek with a rock-filled crib structure.
It has plenty of parking and a large area for picnics where you can enjoy a barbecue lunch or dinner while watching your kids play in the waves. The beach also offers restrooms and showers as well as lifeguards during the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you’re looking for some old-fashioned family fun, this is definitely worth checking out!
“Sutton Lake Beach” was originally called “Camp Hoover Beach”. In 1927, it was renamed to honor Robert Rutherford Sutton Jr., who died July 24, 1927. The original beach opened in the summer of 1966.