Rules and Regulations

The following rules and regulations are maintained in consideration of our guests and to protect resources within West Virginia’s state parks and forests. Please be sure that all members of your party are aware of these guidelines prior to arrival. While this abridged listing does not include all regulations pertaining to activities in state parks and forests, it does address some of the more common questions and concerns. Full lists of rules and regulations are posted at each park area.

Unlawful acts in State Parks and State Forests include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Destroying, defacing, disturbing or removing any part of any building, sign, structure or equipment.
  • Destroying, cutting, breaking, removing, defacing, mutilating, injuring, taking or gathering any tree, shrub, other plant or plant part, rock, mineral, or geological feature except by permit issued by the Division.
  • Failure to pay for rental charges or other fees required for park and facility use.
  • All fires must be confined to designated grills or areas.
  • Hunting, trapping or other harassment of wildlife
    • Note: Hunting and trapping are permitted in state forests.
  • Feeding wildlife.
  • Acting in a disorderly manner or creating any noise which would result in annoyance to others.
  • Littering and/or dumping any refuse or waste, including grey water, from any trailer or other vehicle except in places or receptacles provided for such use.
  • Dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in state parks and forests.  Pets must be leashed and restrained.
  • Explosives, incendiaries, flammables and other dangerous substances are prohibited in state parks, state forests.
  • Hawking, peddling, soliciting, begging, advertising, or carrying on any business or commercial enterprise is prohibited in state parks, and state forests without the written permission of the Director of the Division of Natural Resources.
  • Operating vehicles in a reckless manner, or in excess of posted speed limits, or in areas other than those specifically intended for vehicular traffic.
  • Quiet hours are observed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Campground Rules and Regulations

  • One person, 18 years of age or older, must be at each rented campsite.
  • Camping is prohibited except at numbered sites in areas designated for camping.
  • Maximum length of stay is 14 nights, May 1 through Labor Day.
  • Bicycle helmets are required by law for guests 15 years old and younger.
  • Not more than two motor vehicles are permitted on a campsite at any time. A non-family camping group may have only one camping unit (tent, trailer, motor home, camper van, etc.) on its campsite. A family camping group, may be permitted to have one (1) or two (2) small tents on its campsite in addition to the main camping unit. (A family is defined as parents or guardians and their dependent children)
  • Checkout for campsites is noon.

Helpful Resources