On the Water
West Virginia Boating & Lakes Guide
West Virginia may be a mountain state, but its reservoirs and rivers offer some of the best freshwater boating in the region. Whether you are towing a wake boat, cruising in a pontoon, or casting from a bass boat, these lakes deliver clear water, quiet coves, and plenty of launch ramps and marinas.
Quick Info
- Best For
- Pontooning, wakeboarding, fishing boats, jet skis, family lake days
- Best Season
- Memorial Day–Labor Day; May and September are quieter and pleasant
- Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly lakes; river boating requires more skill
- Fees/Permits
- Boat registration required; launch and marina fees vary by location
- Where
- Summersville, Stonewall Jackson, Cheat, Bluestone and Burnsville lakes
Summersville Lake: The Clear-Water Favorite
Summersville Lake is the cleanest, clearest reservoir in the state and the go-to for boaters who want turquoise water and dramatic sandstone scenery. The 2,700-acre lake has a full-service marina at Battle Run and Mt. Nebo, multiple launch ramps, and miles of undeveloped shoreline. It is popular for pontooning, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing. Note that the lake is drawn down in fall and winter for flood control, exposing the famous rock arches and creating shifting hazards — check the current pool level and stay clear of marked shallow areas.
- Battle Run — marina, launch, beach and campground.
- Mt. Nebo — second marina and launch on the upper lake.
- Long Point — cliffs, deep water and swimming.
- Salmon Run — quieter access and fishing spots.
Stonewall Jackson Lake & Cheat Lake
Stonewall Jackson Lake near Weston is a 2,650-acre reservoir with a resort and conference center, a full-service marina, and excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and hybrid striped bass. Its wooded shoreline and quiet coves make it a great pontoon and cruising lake. In the north, Cheat Lake near Morgantown is a warm-water impoundment on the Cheat River with watersports, sailing, and shoreline dining, plus a convenient location just off I-68. Both lakes have state-operated ramps and private marinas.
Bluestone, Burnsville & Other Waters
In southern West Virginia, Bluestone Lake near Hinton is a large, scenic reservoir popular with pontooners and anglers, with a state park and several marinas. Burnsville Lake on the Little Kanawha River is a quieter boating and fishing destination with a resort and campground. Beech Fork Lake near Huntington and R.D. Bailey Lake in the far south round out the state's larger impoundments. For river boaters, the wide, gentle Ohio River along the western border offers lock-and-dam cruising, while the New River and Greenbrier provide scenic river running for more experienced hands.
Registration, Rules & Safety
All motorized boats and many other vessels operating in West Virginia must be registered, and operators of powered boats may be required to complete a boating safety course depending on age. Wearable life jackets are required for every person on board and must be worn by children at all times. Watch for no-wake zones near marinas and launches, keep a lookout for swimmers and paddlers, and never operate a boat while drinking. On reservoirs, be especially careful of floating debris after storms and of underwater structures when lake levels are low.
Boating Etiquette & the Environment
Protect the Shoreline
Do not beach boats on fragile banks or run near nesting birds. Keep wakes low in coves and near docks to protect property and habitat.
Stop Invasives
Clean, drain, and dry your boat and trailer between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels.
Plan for Weather
Summer thunderstorms build fast over the mountains. Watch the sky, head for shelter early, and know where the nearest ramp or marina is.
Top boating spots in West Virginia
Summersville Lake
Clear water, marinas and cliffs for watersports.
Bluestone Lake
Southern reservoir for pontoons and fishing boats.
Fishing by Boat
Bass, crappie and walleye from your favorite lake.
Paddle & Power
Kayaks and canoes share these lakes with motorboats.
Lakeside Camping
Camp where you launch for easy multi-day boating.
More on the Water
Pair boating with rafting, paddling and fishing.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my boat in West Virginia?
Yes. Motorized boats and many other vessels must be registered with the state, and powered-boat operators may need a boating safety course depending on age. Check current requirements before launching.
Which West Virginia lake is best for a family boat day?
Summersville Lake and Stonewall Jackson Lake are both excellent, with marinas, launch ramps, beaches and calm coves. Summersville is famous for its clear water and scenery.
Can I rent a boat in West Virginia?
Yes. Several marinas rent pontoons, runabouts, jet skis and fishing boats by the half-day or day, especially at Summersville, Stonewall Jackson and Cheat lakes. Reserve in advance for summer weekends.
Are life jackets required?
Yes. A wearable life jacket must be available for every person on board, and children must wear one at all times. Many marinas loan or rent life jackets if you do not have your own.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel guide to West Virginia's mountains, rivers, towns, and hidden corners. We publish practical, locally researched guides — from New River Gorge trails to Hatfield-McCoy ATV routes — so you can plan a better trip.
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