Tomlinson Run State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- 55 campsitesAlso cabins
- Official site
- wvstateparks.com304-564-3651
Official page last checked Oct 30, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 1,361 acres, Tomlinson Run State Park lies in Hancock County, about 2 miles south of Chester.
Things to do include horseback riding, historic sites, boating, swimming, and biking. Camping is available: 55 campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups and tent sites. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
Official wording
6 A.M. to 10 P.M.
Spring through Fall, weather permitting.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 30, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Pets
'Dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in state parks and forests. Pets must be leashed and restrained.' Select cabins are pet-friendly, varying by park.
Statewide rule from West Virginia's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
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.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Season: Campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-serve basis after Labor Day. Tomlinson Run State Park’s 55-site campground has a contact station, convenience store, dump station and two bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities. Forty-eight sites are suitable for tents and trailers, and include picnic tables and grill fire rings, while 43 sites have electric hookups. The park also has a rustic camping area, ideal for Scouts of all ages. West Virginia State Park campground reservations are available year round. Campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-serve basis after Labor Day. | 55 | Forty-eight sites are suitable for tents and trailers, and include picnic tables and grill fire rings, while 43 sites have electric hookups.Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Tomlinson Run State Park’s 55-site campground has a contact station, convenience store, dump station and two bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities. Forty-eight sites are suitable for tents and trailers, and include picnic tables and grills fire rings, while 43 sites feature electric hookups. The park also has a rustic camping area, ideal for Scouts.
Camper Cabins
Tomlinson Run State Park has five camper cabins available to rent between April 1 - October 31. Four sites have electricity, while the fifth has electric and water. All camper cabins are furnished and include a picnic table and fire ring.
Yurts
Try a yurt for a new experience in the woods! Tomlinson Run State Park has two yurts available to rent between April 1 - October 31. These small, round tents come with a cooler, propane stove, lantern, cookware, picnic table and fire ring.
From the official park page, checked Oct 30, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins
- Yurts
Camper Cabins
Tomlinson Run State Park has five camper cabins available to rent. Four sites have electricity, while the fifth has electric and water. All camper cabins are furnished and include a picnic table and fire ring. Book your spot now!
Yurts
Try a yurt for a new experience in the woods! Tomlinson Run State Park has two yurts available to rent. These small, round tents come with a cooler, propane stove, lantern, cookware, picnic table and fire ring.
Things to do
BikingBoatingCampingFishingGeocachingHikingHorseback ridingHistoric sites and toursSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beech Trail | — | — | Starting point is across Country Road from the Old Mill Site entrance. Follows ridge above road to view of valley, then down to Tomlinson Run Stream and back to Country Road and across bridge to starting point. Walking time: 35 minutes Blaze: Yellow |
| Big Foot Trail | — | — | Starting point is 300 feet up the road from the picnic area gate. The trail follows shore about lake to north fork of the lake. Return the same way or take road back to starting point. Walking time: 1 hour Blaze: Red |
| Fern Trail | — | — | Starting point is at the entrance to the picnic area. Follows small stream to head, then makes sharp right. Follow trial to boat dock parking lot, then take road back to starting point. Walking time: 20 minutes Blaze: Orange |
| Laurel Trail | — | — | Starting point is the Old Mill Site. Follows Tomlinson Run Stream into the Wilderness Area and circles back to within 200 feet of the starting point. Walking time: 70 minutes Blaze: Blue |
| Maple Trail | — | — | Starting point is the restroom facility at Shepherd Valley switchback. The trail then continues over the hill and d own to Washington School Road. Take main park road back to starting point. Walking time: 40 minutes Blaze: Light blue |
| Poe Trail | — | — | Starting point is the lower end of Laurel Trail. Follow the old road to White Oaks Flats. Return the same way. Trail leads into the heart of the Wilderness Area. To get to White Oak Trail, one has to first walk half of Laurel Trail. Walking time: 30-45 minutes Blaze: White |
Trail descriptions from the park
Explore more of Tomlinson Run State Park on a hike! There are plenty of trails waiting to be discovered. Maps are available at the park office.
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Swimming
Tomlinson Run's recreational facilities include a swimming pool with a waterslide, bathhouse complex, and snack bar. The swimming pool is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from noon until 7:30 p.m. The pool boasts a 182-foot figure eight-shaped water slide. Rates for swimming at Tomlinson Run State Park are $7 for swimmers 12 and older and $5 for swimmers under 12. Days of operation in the later part of August may vary based on availability of lifeguards. During the summer, the park opens its pool and waterslide. A one-day pass that includes swimming pool access, miniature golf and paddle or row boat use may be purchased at the park headquarters or the campground office.
Note: The swimming pool will be open on weekends only through Labor Day. Open dates are August 27, 28 and September 3, 4, and 5, 2022.
Boating and paddling
There are many water-oriented activities at Tomlinson Run. Stop by the boat docks where row, kayak and paddleboat rentals are offered for your enjoyment. Rentals are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Boat rentals are seasonal, closing Labor Day and reopening by Memorial Day Weekend.
Fishing
Tomlinson Run State Park is a great place to fish for bass, catfish, bluegill and trout. But before you head out, make sure you purchase a current West Virginia fishing license, available at www.wvfish.com.
Fishing in Tomlinson Run State Park
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Nature center or museum
- Restaurant or food service
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
Lodging
- Cabins
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ 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
- 84 Osage Road
New Manchester, WV 26056 - Nearest town
- Chester — about 2 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.5816, -80.5535
- Phone
- 304-564-3651
- tomlinsonrunsp@wv.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- West Virginia State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 30, 2026; page says updated Oct 7, 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