West Virginia is allocating more than $19 million toward improvements across its state parks system, with funding directed toward campground development, infrastructure repairs, facility upgrades, and equipment replacements.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the investments Wednesday at Kanawha State Forest alongside State Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger and West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion. The funding combines $9.725 million from the state’s FY27 budget surplus with $10 million in projects proposed through the West Virginia State Parks Endowment Fund Board.
“We know people want to come to West Virginia, and that’s exciting. They want to experience our mountains, our rivers, our small towns, and everything about outdoor recreation that we have in our state and our state parks and forests? They’re a big part of that success,” Morrisey said.
Among the largest allocations is $3 million for Little Beaver State Park to construct a new 34-site campground and make electrical improvements to nearby existing campsites. The state is also dedicating $4 million to paving and repairs at campsites, driveways, parking lots, and walkways throughout the park system.
Other projects supported by the budget surplus include $2.275 million at Twin Falls State Park for cabin renovations, lodge HVAC upgrades, and improvements to cabin interiors and mattresses. Pipestem Resort State Park and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park will receive $150,000 for roof replacements on aging cabins and historic company houses.
Blennerhassett Island State Park is set to receive $300,000 to replace its service barge and tugboat, GiGi. The equipment provides the primary reliable means of transporting supplies, equipment, and other goods to the island.
The additional $10 million proposed through the State Parks Endowment Fund Board focuses heavily on wastewater and operational infrastructure, according to the West Virginia Metro News. Chief Logan State Park is slated for $3 million to replace a deteriorating 20,000-gallon-per-day wastewater treatment plant serving its lodge, cabins, recreation center, and future facilities. Cacapon Resort State Park is proposed to receive another $3 million for wastewater collection system repairs and plant upgrades serving its lodge, cabins, golf course, and other recreational facilities.
Statewide wastewater repairs would receive $2 million to replace aging sand filtration components and improve treatment plants. Canaan Valley would receive $1 million for snowmaking equipment enhancements, while Hawks Nest State Park would receive $1 million to rehabilitate its lower tram building, including the gift shop, restrooms, and boat rental concession area.
“When we talk about our state parks and the investments that we’re making in state parks, those are investments in West Virginians. West Virginians visit these parks day in and day out. These are an important part of the fabric of our state and our community,” Kessinger said.
For campground and outdoor hospitality operators, the Little Beaver project and statewide paving work could be particularly relevant as public-sector campground improvements add or enhance camping inventory and visitor infrastructure. Upgrades to wastewater systems at multiple parks also highlight the operational role of utilities in supporting lodging, camping, and recreation facilities, particularly at properties with plans for future development.
Kessinger said the state views the investment as a long-term commitment to maintaining places used by residents and visitors.
“We are investing in our own families. We are investing in places where we get to make memories that our children and our children’s children get to carry with them for generations,” she said.
Morrisey said the improvements are also intended to support tourism growth as West Virginia promotes its outdoor recreation opportunities to visitors from outside the state.
“I want to make sure that everyone across America and the world knows that West Virginia is truly the best place to be. It’s not only ‘Almost Heaven.’ It’s now coming out where people across the globe know that this is one of the best tourism destinations around,” he said.
The projects announced Wednesday span camping infrastructure, lodging facilities, transportation equipment, utilities, recreation amenities, and maintenance. For private campground and resort operators, the investments may also affect the competitive landscape in markets where public campgrounds provide accommodations alongside private outdoor hospitality businesses.
