Tygart Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Sitting within the picturesque West Virginia countryside is Tygart Lake, a wonderful site for RV vacations, exciting outdoor recreation, and nature observation. The blue waters of the park’s 2.7 square mile lake, irregular shoreline, and steep mountain terrain all combine to make the park a beauty to behold. Located three miles south of Grafton on County Rd. 9, West Virginia, campers and visitors can easily access this US Army Corps of Engineers park in their RVs, trailers, and cars.
Things to do at Tygart Lake include boating, water skiing, canoeing and paddling on the clear lake; angling for various fish species like bass, walleye, crappie, panfish and perch; and hiking on scenic trails. Sightseers who visit the park will be treated to magnificent views that will leave them taking photographs. More attractions are also available nearby at Coopers Rock State Forest. Wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities are available within the park for fauna lovers and hunting enthusiasts.
There are no RV campgrounds within this US COE park. However, tent and RV camping options are available at Tygart Lake State Park. Electric hookup options are offered at some of the campsites for trailers and RVs.
RV Rentals in Tygart Lake
Transportation
Driving
Located three miles south of Grafton on County Rd. 9, West Virginia, Tygart Lake is an easy COE park to access by vacationers and visitors coming in their cars, trailers, and RVs. A network of roads within the park also makes navigation to the different park areas easy. For campers without rigs, RVs and trailers can be rented at Tygart Lake State Park.
Parking
Parking spaces are available for vacationers and visitors at and around Tygart Lake for their RVs, trailers and cars. Overnight parking facilities are also available.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public transportation services to Tygart Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Tygart Lake
Campsites in Tygart Lake
Reservations camping
Tygart Lake State Park
At Tygart Lake State Park Campground, 40 pet-friendly campsites open between April and October and available by reservation. There are 14 campsites equipped with electric hookups and 26 campsites without hookups for RVs and trailers. A dump station is also available nearby.
Showers, boat ramp, picnic sites, a playground, and hiking trails are available at the campground. RV/trailer length limit at this campground is 70 feet.
Be warned, though, that the campsites here are mostly grass. In rainy periods, this can turn the side into a muddy mess that may be hard to extricate larger vehicles.
Seasonal activities in Tygart Lake
In-Season
Boating
Extending 10 miles in length and consisting of deep waters, Tygart Lake is a popular destination for pleasure boating enthusiasts. RV campers and visitors at this COE park can enjoy a variety of boating pursuits using a wide range of vessels, especially powerboats. Water-skiing enthusiasts also enjoy the lake. Plus, the irregular shoreline of the lake presents the perfect setting for canoeists and paddlers to use the lake. Four boat launching ramps are available, as well as a public marina with boat supplies and services.
Fishing
Known as one of the best bass waters in the region, Tygart Lake’s deep waters are ideal for rewarding and exciting fishing experiences. Not only is the lake popular for bass fishing, other fish species such as walleye, crappie, muskie, panfish, and perch also feature abundantly in the water. Anglers also find golden trout and rainbow trout within these waters. The exceptional quality of the lake is the major reason for the different varieties of fish in the lake.
Hiking
One of the best activities to do when camping at or visiting Tygart Lake is hiking. This is because there are several hiking trails available in the area, all with varying levels of difficulty. What this therefore means is that campers of all hiking skill levels will find something suited to their abilities. The Dogwood trail is one of the more popular trails in the park, taking hikers through a forest consisting of dogwood trees and along a ridge.
Off-Season
Fauna
This US Army COE park is a favorite destination for wildlife enthusiasts, thanks to the abundant wildlife species that call this park area home. An added incentive for wildlife lovers at the park is the presence of the Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area. As a result, wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities at this park are plentiful and exciting. A few of the fauna in the park include deer, turkey, waterfowl, and rabbit. If you’re a hunting enthusiast, you’ll require a license to hunt at this park.
Picnicking
Plenty of outdoor relaxation and enjoyment opportunities are available at Tygart Lake for campers and visitors. Not only do the clear waters and steep, wooded mountainsides within the park attract fun lovers, but the numerous picnic areas offer the chance to share outdoor meals with family and friends within scenic settings with beautiful nature views. Moreover, opportunities to swim are available as a swim beach with lifeguards is available to campers who wish to take a dip in the park’s water.
Visitor Center
A good way to start your visit to Tygart lake is by making a stop at the Visitor Center at the park. While you’re there, you’ll enjoy many interesting exhibits and obtain maps and brochures for the park and its areas that will give you an excellent chance to plan your exploration. Moreover, there are park rangers available that offer dam tours and group tours at designated periods. The dam tours are open to all visitors and campers and often take place in summer.
