All Dogs Go to Almost Heaven

West Virginia’s state parks and forests have gone to the dogs.

This story was originally published in the May 2025 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com.

Written by Laney Eichelberger

Photos Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Commerce

From the cascading waters of Blackwater Falls to Blennerhassett Island’s storied soil to the laid-back luxury of Cacapon Resort, West Virginia’s 36 state parks and nine state forests promise outdoor recreation and comfortable accommodations. But even with some of the greatest views on Earth within easy reach, for some, an adventure can never be complete without one vital ingredient: man’s best friend.

All state parks and forests welcome cats and dogs, but in recent years, many have begun to offer particularly fetching amenities and activities for West Virginia’s four-legged explorers.

Cozy Up, Copper

West Virginia’s state park cabins haven’t always had an open-door policy for furry hides and muddy paws. Efforts to establish pet-friendly cabins can be traced back to a 1997 amendment to state park rules filed on behalf of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Previously, state parks and state forests welcomed dogs and cats but prohibited them from cabins. The 1997 amendment spurred designation of pet-friendly accommodations and ongoing efforts to better serve pet owners. Why? It’s what park visitors wanted.

“It goes to show the thought that we put into our guests and attention to the things they need and want,” says West Virginia State Parks District Park Manager Jesse Anderson. “For some folks, that might mean they leave their pet behind for a little while. But for other folks, you might as well ask them to leave their child behind—and we understand that.”

In his 25 years of working in West Virginia’s state parks, Anderson notes endless positive feedback from visitors with pets. It’s no surprise pet-friendly lodges are a hot commodity—so call ahead to ensure availability.

“When we officially adopted policies for pet-friendly cabins at Greenbrier State Forest, there were people who thanked us close to tears,” he says. “We really got to see the difference it made for people and how grateful they were to be able to have this experience with their pet.”

Tag Along, Toto

Pet-friendly digs are just the beginning. Whether your pooch prefers exclusive beach access or a half-marathon, get ready for the dog days of summer with a series of special events designed specially for pets and their owners. One such event? Cacapon Resort State Park’s annual Pet-A-Palooza.

In less than one decade, what started as a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Morgan County led by local Girl Scouts has evolved into a full day of pet-friendly hiking, conservation outreach, swimming, and more. Chief Naturalist Valerie Chaney kicks off the event with a B.A.R.K. in the Park hike, including discussion on park etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. Make sure Rex has his listening ears on—at the end of the hike, your furry friend can earn a B.A.R.K Ranger certificate for minding his manners in West Virginia state parks. “Walks like this are a fun way to introduce guests to different aspects of outdoor recreation and practices that help everybody have a better time,” says Anderson.

Following the hike, pets receive an exclusive invitation to Cacapon Resort’s beach, an area that typically prohibits pets. Once a year, the park opens its sands to frisky paws and soggy coats. The palooza sees upwards of 50 visitors, and Chaney has big plans for future events. “It’s a beautiful event where all the dogs have fun playing with others, and it’s fun to see all the dogs digging in the sand and swimming,” says Chaney. “It’s been very successful over the years.”

This isn’t the only way Cacapon Resort State Park has stolen the hearts of four-legged and two-legged visitors alike. Guests love the resort’s Bark Park, the first dog park in West Virginia State Parks history. In fact, park visitors are the ones who founded it. In 2019, a group of locals presented around 100 signatures in support of a dog park to the Morgan County Commission. The commission turned to Cacapon Resort State Park and, three years later, a fenced, 1.5-acre dog park began welcoming its first canine explorers.

Chaney travels state parks and forests with her loyal sidekick, Maple, and the pair have been two of many park guests to experience greater outdoor recreation thanks to pet-friendly amenities. Maple’s most recent adventure was last summer at Holly River State Park.

Listen Up, Lassie

Before you pack your pup’s carry-on, heed the WVDNR’s guidelines designed to create safe, sustainable fun for all park visitors.

• Dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in West Virginia state parks and forests.
• All pets must be kept on a leash of no more than 10 feet.
• Pets should be up-to-date on vaccinations and in good health.
• Clean up after your pet and dispose of waste in provided receptacles.
• Ensure contact information on your pet’s identification tag is current.
• Barring stipulations made by individual parks, pet-friendly lodges welcome a maximum of two pets with a weight limit of 15 pounds per pet and a fee of $40 per stay.

“Parks are for the people and people travel with their pets. Pets are family,” says Anderson. “West Virginia state parks welcome all walks of visitors.”

To learn more about state park amenities, events, and policies, visit WVstateparks.com and get your furry companion leashed up for their next grand adventure.