Is the heat already getting to you? We feel ya. Summertime temperatures can begin to soar as early as late spring in The Mountain State. But cooling off and enjoying the great outdoors isn't always an easy feat to accomplish. If you're not quite up for a day at a water park (or the expense that comes with it), then head to one of the many state parks with outdoor pools, where admission to the park and the pool won't cost you an arm and a leg. We've listed eight of them below. Which one is nearest to where you live?
1. Bluestone State Park - Hinton
Nestled along a bend in the picturesque Bluestone River, the state park's swimming pool is open Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For hours, call the park office: 304-466-2805. Address: 78 HC, Hinton, WV 25951. Learn more at this link.
2. Beech Fork State Park - Barboursville
What a view — and only 12 miles from Huntington. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the pool at Beech Fork State Park is an awesome place to relax and unwind. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm., and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Learn more at this link.
3. Berkeley Springs State Park - Berkeley Springs
The swimming pool at this state park is filled with cool spring water. Cool off after a morning of exploring the town and visiting George Washington's bathtub only steps from the pool. It's open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Address: 2 South Washington Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411. Learn more at this link.
4. Cedar Creek State Park - Glenville
Pack the kids in the car and head to this small, yet enjoyable, pool just outside of Glenville. During the season, it's open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Learn more at this link. Address: 2947 Cedar Creek Road, Glenville, WV 26351
5. Moncove Lake State Park - Gap Mills
Pop in to this state park to cool down on a hot day in their lakeside pool. There's also a snack bar and a kiddie pool. It's open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Address: County Road 4, Gap Mills, WV 24941. Learn more at this link.
Greenbrier State Forest - Caldwell
Fun in the sun for the entire family awaits. Head to Caldwell and the Greenbrier State Forest swimming pool for hours of fun, especially with the kiddos! During the summer, it's open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Address: 1541 Harts Run Road, Caldwell, WV 24925. Learn more at this link.
7. Lost River State Park - Mathias
Located in the scenic Lost River State Park, the family-friendly pool opens Memorial Day weekend for the summer. Hours vary. Call ahead to 304-897-5372. Address: 321 Park Dr, Mathias, WV 26812. Learn more at this link.
8. Canaan Valley Resort State Park - Davis
Summer in Canaan Valley is just as beautiful as the winter wonderland from months before. And even more so when you're enjoying the view from the edge of the pool at Canaan Valley Resort State Park. (When booking your stay, just make sure to ask if the pool is open.) Address: 230 Main Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260. Learn more at this link.
Some West Virginia State Parks may charge a per vehicle entry fee. Pool fees vary by park. Most parks offer season passes to the park as well as to the pool.
Did we leave out your favorite state park pool? Feel free to add it to this list! For more information on West Virginia State Parks, go here.
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