Tygart Lake State Park’s beach area is scheduled to open May 24, 2014, after being closed for six years for renovation and to meet safety codes.
“It all depends upon our ability to find lifeguards and for the lake water to pass quality testing for swimming purposes,” said Paul Redford, district administrator for the West Virginia State Parks section of the Division of Natural Resources. “It’s all moving forward and looking good.”
Overnight guests at Tygart Lake State Park were allowed use of the city swimming pool in nearby Grafton while the beach area was closed for renovation. “We are extremely grateful to the City of Grafton for their partnership,” Redford said.
The Tygart Lake beach renovation includes a gift shop, snacks, new bath and shower areas, picnic and grill areas, volleyball, horseshoe and Bocce ball courts. The park also is introducing kayak rentals at the beach area this summer. These are one-person recreational kayaks with several sporting fishing rod holders. Kayak rental prices will include lifejacket, paddle and safety instruction with two-hour, half, full day and multiday rental options.
Daily swimming fees will be $4 adults and $3 for children, with season passes available. The family pass for avid lake swimmers will cost $125. Lodge and cabins rates include swimming fees in the overnight rental rates.
Tygart Lake State Park is located in Taylor County near Grafton. Open year-round, the park features a 20-room lodge, 11 vacation cabins open from mid-spring through autumn, and 40-site campground, 14-sites with electricity and the remaining as standard sites. Tygart Lake is a 1,750-acre water impoundment known for its 31 miles of shoreline and deep drop-offs of clear water that is attractive to scuba divers. Boating is popular as well as kayaking, particularly in mid-week. The restaurant is operated by the popular Boston Beanery. A marina is operated by Tygart Lake Marina LLC. Several pontoon and fishing boat rentals are available by the hour, day or week. Sunset cruises are a popular attraction at the Marina on the large houseboat cruiser.
To learn more about Tygart Lake State Park, accommodations, events and activities, or to inquire about lifeguarding positions, visit www.tygartlake.com or call 304-265-6144.
