North Bend State Park
- Status
- Status not postedOpen 24 hours
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins, lodge or inn rooms
- Official site
- wvstateparks.com304-643-2931
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
North Bend State Park is a 2,765-acre park in Ritchie County, about 15 miles southeast of Marietta.
Popular activities here are off-highway vehicle riding, boating, swimming, biking, and fishing. Overnight options include campsites, with RV sites with electric hookups and tent sites. Roofed lodging includes cabins and lodge rooms.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Open 24 hours | ||
Official wording
Lodge: 24/7
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
Fees apply to lodging, camping, pools and activities.
Statewide fee rule from West Virginia's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- WV State Parks reservations (Inntopia-based, reservations.wvstateparks.com)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed
The park offers year-round rentals for its nine deluxe vacation cabins, some of which are pet-friendly.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Season: River Run Campground has 49 sites, 26 of them have electric hookups and is open from mid-April through Thanksgiving (the 4th Thursday in November). North Bend has two campground sites that will suit your every need. River Run Campground has 49 sites, 26 of them have electric hookups and is open from mid-April through Thanksgiving (the 4th Thursday in November). Cokeley Campground has 28 sites with electricity and water hookups. It’s open from May 1 and closes for the season on October 31. Each campground has ADA-compliant sites. West Virginia State Park campground reservations are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-serve basis through October 31. A campsite reservation… | — | River Run Campground has 49 sites, 26 of them have electric hookups and is open from mid-April through Thanksgiving (the 4th Thursday in November). | — |
Camping details from the park
North Bend State Park has two campgrounds that will suit your every need. River Run Campground has 49 sites. 26 of the sites have both water and electric hookups. River Run Campground is typically open from mid-April through October. Cokeley Campground has 28 sites with electricity and water hookups. Each campground has ADA-compliant sites and Wi-Fi.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Lodging: 29 units
- Cabins
Lodging
North Bend State Park’s Lodge sits atop a breezy ridge and overlooks the woodland river valley below. It has 29 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant, meeting space and conference rooms, and a gift shop stocked with souvenirs.
Cabins
The park offers year-round rentals for its nine deluxe vacation cabins, some of which are pet-friendly. Constructed of solid cedar, the cabins have fireplaces, central heat and air, and are available in two, three and four bedrooms. The cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping with cooking utensils, dishes, linens, blankets, kitchens with modern appliances, and baths with built-in shower/tub units. Cabins must be rented for a minimum of one week during the summer season.
Things to do
Off-highway vehiclesBikingBoatingCampingFishingGeocachingHikingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Trail to North Bend Rail Trail | 0.8 mi | Moderate | This road bed provides access for hikers, bikers and horseback riders to the North Bend Rail Trail. Access Trail begins in the recreation area near Shelter #3 and ends at the rail trail. Featuring 11 tunnels and 32 bridges, the North Bend Rail Trail is 72 miles long with North Bend State Park situated at the midpoint. Parking is available. Distance: 0.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
| Barton’s Lake Trail | 3 mi | — | This trail can be accessed from the Overlook Trail, Jughandle Day-Use Area and the Cokeley Recreation Area equestrian trail head. It winds through the woods with varying grades and follows along the lake. Distance: 3 miles |
| Castle Rock Trail | 0.3 mi | — | This short spur is located to the left of the dam off the Lake Trail. It features a large rock formation known as the Castle Rock. The trail has a moderate uphill grade with a rocky surface and good sight lines. Distance: 0.3 miles |
| Extra Mile Trail | 0.3 mi | — | This is a self-guided, paved interpretive trail equipped with braille and English interpretive signs. At the end of the trail is a small deck that sits back in the woods along an intermittent stream. From this trail, you may access the Overhanging Rock Trail and the Access Trail. Distance: 0.3 miles |
| Fisherman Trail | 1.3 mi | Easy | This trail can be used to access fishing along the lake shore. The trail begins by the Cokeley Recreation Area boat dock and runs along the lake shore to the Jughandle Day-Use Area. Distance: 1.3 miles Difficulty: Easy |
| Giant Pine Trail | — | — | This trail begins and ends across from the lodge. It is a beautiful hike through a white pine thicket offering views of birds, deer and other wildlife. It features moderate grades, smooth tread and changing sight lines. Distance: 0.6-mile loop |
| Giant Tree Trail | 0.5 mi | — | This short, flat trail links the picnic area with the playground area. Large oak, beech and poplar trees may be seen. It features moderate grades, smooth tread and good sight lines. Distance: 0.5 miles |
| Gibbons Nature Trail | 0.25 mi | — | This is a short backtrack trail dedicated to the late, natural foods advocate Euell Gibbons, who was featured at early Nature Wonder (Wildfoods) Weekends held annually at the park. The trail begins beside the pond and ends near the swimming pool parking lot. It features a gentle grade with rough tread and good sight lines. Distance: 0.25 miles |
| Hibbs Cemetery Trail | 1 mi | — | This trail that begins in the pond area, follows the ridge to the Hibbs Family Cemetery and ends behind the lodge. It features a constant grade with changing tread and good sight lines. Distance: 1 mile |
| Nature Trail | — | Moderate to Difficult | This is one of the park’s longest trails. It begins and ends near the pond area, circling part of North Bend and its facilities. The trail goes through a variety of habitats and allows viewing of expansive fern beds, fungi and rocky outcrops. It features moderate to strenuous grades, along with changing tread conditions and sight lines. Distance: 4-mile loop Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult |
| Overhanging Rock Trail | — | — | This trail begins at the entrance to the recreation area and ends at the Extra Mile Trail. The main view is a large rock formation in a cool ravine. It features moderate to strenuous grades. Distance: 0.5-mile loop |
| Overlook Trail | — | — | The trailhead is by the cabin supply building. Highlights include rock formations along the Hughes River and an overlook of the Hughes River Dam. It features moderate to strenuous grades with changing tread surfaces and sight lines. Distance: 1.2-mile loop |
| Southern Railroad Trail | 1.5 mi | — | This trail follows the old Harrisville Southern Railroad Grade that previously went from Cornwallis to Harrisville and now connects River Run Campground to the base of the Hughes River Dam. In the spring, abundant wildflowers may be seen on this trail. Distance: 1.5 miles |
| Tanker Run Spur Trail | 0.8 mi | — | Designed by mountain bikers, this trail provides a more rideable way out from the Nature Trail Loop. The grades change from moderate to flat, the tread is smooth single track and sight lines are good. Distance: 0.8 mile |
| Ten Acre Trail | 3 mi | — | This trail was designed by mountain bikers to be ridden in a counterclockwise direction and features one big climb and one descent. Distance: 3 miles |
| Union Ridge Connector Trail | 0.2 mi | — | This trail is a repurposed roadbed that connects the cabin area to Barton’s Lake Trail. Distance: 0.2 miles |
| Water Edge Trail | 1.6 mi | — | This trail connects the Cokeley Recreation Area boat ramp to the canoe launch area. The trial follows the lake below Cokeley Campground. Distance: 1.6 miles |
Trail descriptions from the park
Like to hike and bike? North Bend has 14 hiking trails stretching 26 miles, varying in degree and difficulty. North Bend is an excellent spot for bikers because of its easy access to the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail which boasts nearly flat grade for leisurely rides and walks.
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Swimming
North Bend’s swimming pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Wednesdays through Sundays from 12-6 p.m. Hours may be adjusted in mid-August, please visit our About this Park information for any date or hour changes.
Admission for adults is $6 and $5 for kids 6-11. Kids 5 and younger get in for free. For more information or to inquire about swimming passes or pool parties at, call 304-643-2931.
Boating and paddling
Ready for a day on the lake? The 305-acre, 8.1-mile lake at North Bend State Park is part of the North Fork of the Hughes River Watershed Project. This lake has an average permanent pool width of 310 feet. There is a boat launch, a canoe launch and two accessible fishing platforms. The lake has excellent bass, crappie, catfish, and musky fishing. Boat rentals are available at North Bend Outfitters and include canoes, kayaks, Jon boats and pontoons. For rental rates, hours of operation and other rental information, click here.
Fishing
North Bend State Park has 305-acre recreational lake, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier and other fishing access points. The river downstream of the dam is stocked with trout January, February, March and April. Fishing is also available at the North Fork of the Hughes River.
Fish for bass, crappie, musky and catfish at North Bend State Park. But before you head out, make sure you purchase a current West Virginia fishing license, available at www.wvfish.com.
If you’re planning a fishing trip and need overnight accommodations, make your reservation by clicking Book Now!
Fishing in North Bend State Park
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
Lodging
- Cabins
- Lodge or inn rooms
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 202 North Bend State Park Road
Cairo, WV 26337 - Nearest town
- Marietta — about 15 mi southeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 39.2863, -81.2320
- Phone
- 304-643-2931
- northbendsp@wv.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- West Virginia State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 2, 2026
- West Virginia State Parks park finder: window.parks JSON embedded in the /parks/ page (WordPress page + park post with ACF meta)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology