Located just outside Berkeley Springs, Cacapon Resort State Park spans more than 6,000 acres in the scenic mountains of the Eastern Panhandle. Positioned along a folded mountain ridge, the park blends resort-level amenities with immersive outdoor recreation, making it one of the most complete destinations in the West Virginia State Park system.
Visitors will find a unique mix of history, adventure, wellness, and modern convenience, all within a single destination.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps
Cacapon Resort State Park is a living legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Constructed during the Great Depression, the park officially opened on July 1, 1937, as part of a nationwide effort to create public lands and jobs.
CCC crews shaped the park’s early infrastructure—cabins, roads, lake, and lodge—establishing a foundation that still defines the visitor experience today. The park continues to honor this heritage through preserved structures and annual events celebrating its origins.
Championship Golf by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
One of the park’s defining features is its 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr..
Set against sweeping mountain views, the course features:
- Dramatic elevation changes
- Wide fairways with strategic bunkering
- Scenic vistas throughout the round
Opened in the 1970s, the course helped transform Cacapon into a true resort destination and remains one of the premier public golf experiences in West Virginia.
The Almost Heaven Swing & Cacapon Overlook
At the top of Cacapon Mountain, the overlook delivers one of the most iconic views in the region.
Here you’ll find the Almost Heaven Swing, a signature photo spot promoted by West Virginia Tourism. Easily accessible from the parking area, the swing offers panoramic views of forested ridgelines stretching across the horizon.
Lake Activities: Swimming, Fishing, and Kayaking
Cacapon’s lake is a central hub for warm-weather recreation.
What You Can Do:
- Swimming: Seasonal lakefront beach with designated swim area
- Fishing: Stocked with trout and home to bass, catfish, and bluegill
- Kayaking & Paddle Sports: Rentals include kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and paddleboards
The lake provides a relaxed, family-friendly environment that complements the park’s more rugged mountain terrain.
Hiking Trails for Every Level
Cacapon offers miles of hiking trails across varied terrain, from forested valleys to ridge-top viewpoints.
Highlights:
- Scenic ridge hikes with expansive views
- Forest trails through oak, maple, and pine ecosystems
- Accessible multi-use paths near the lake and picnic areas
Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a more challenging climb, the park’s trail system supports a wide range of experiences.
Mountain Biking: A Growing Destination
Cacapon has quickly become one of the region’s top mountain biking destinations.
- Over 20+ miles of trails with ongoing expansion
- Flow trails, technical descents, and beginner-friendly routes
- Skills areas and professionally built trail systems
Riders consistently highlight the quality, variety, and progression of terrain, making it a repeat destination for cyclists.
The Nature Center & Year-Round Programming
The Thomas Ambrose Nature Center serves as the park’s educational and interpretive hub.
Features:
- Interactive exhibits on wildlife, ecology, and regional history
- Pollinator garden and outdoor learning spaces
- Indoor classroom and meeting facilities
Programming:
- Guided hikes and naturalist-led experiences
- Seasonal workshops and family-friendly activities
- Year-round interpretive programming
The Nature Center connects visitors to the landscape through hands-on learning and immersive outdoor experiences.
Wellness at Healing Waters Spa
Rooted in the region’s long-standing wellness traditions, Healing Waters Spa offers a full menu of services including:
- Massage therapy
- Facials and body treatments
- Manicures and pedicures
Located within the park’s resort setting, the spa provides a restorative complement to outdoor recreation, reinforcing Cacapon’s identity as a place of both activity and renewal.
Dining at Cacapon Resort State Park
Cacapon offers multiple dining options that enhance the resort experience.
Prospects Restaurant
The park’s main dining venue offers:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
- Seasonal menus and regional flavors
- Indoor dining with scenic views
Additional Options
- Casual dining and lounge spaces within the lodge
- Golf course dining for quick meals between rounds
Dining at Cacapon is designed to be convenient, comfortable, and reflective of the surrounding landscape.
Lodging & Resort Amenities
Cacapon delivers a full-service resort experience with:
- A modern lodge with over 120 rooms
- Cabin rentals ranging from rustic to vacation-style
- Indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center
- Conference and event spaces
- Pet-friendly accommodations
The lodge’s location overlooking the golf course adds to the immersive mountain setting.
Accessibility, EV Charging & Visitor Amenities
Accessibility
- ADA-accessible lodge rooms and facilities
- Accessible trails and public areas
- Overlook access near parking areas
EV Charging
- Level 2 EV charging stations available on-site
- Free charging for guests and visitors
Additional Amenities
- Nature center and interpretive programming
- Sporting clays and outdoor recreation facilities
- Picnic areas, playgrounds, and group spaces
- Year-round events and seasonal programming
A Complete West Virginia Experience
Cacapon Resort State Park stands apart because it offers everything in one place:
- Historic roots through the CCC
- Championship golf
- Scenic overlooks and iconic photo spots
- Lake recreation and mountain trails
- Wellness experiences and spa services
- Dining, lodging, and modern amenities
It’s not just a park—it’s a fully integrated mountain resort experience where visitors can explore, relax, and reconnect with nature in a single trip.
