Top 12 Lakes around Wheeling

Schenk Lake, located within Oglebay Park, offers a variety of activities including pedal boats, aqua cycles, and kayaks. Fishing is popular, with no license required and bait available. The area also features mini-golf, a playground, and walking trails. On select evenings, you can experience music synchronized with water fountain displays. Oglebay Park itself provides extensive amenities like a zoo and gardens. For more details on Oglebay Park, you can visit their official website: wheelingwv.gov/oglebay-park.

Yes, several lakes around Wheeling are excellent for families. Good Lake at Wheeling Park is a historic and accessible option with pedal boat rides, a walking path, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. Wheeling Park also has an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a waterslide and splash pad. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins, about an hour away, is another great choice, offering an 80-acre lake with swimming, an inflatable obstacle course, pontoon rentals, and various paddle sports.

Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Schenk Lake in Oglebay Park allows fishing without a license, and bait is available. Castleman Run Lake, approximately 30 minutes from Wheeling, is heavily stocked with trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, including golden rainbow trout, making it ideal for anglers. Fish Farm Camp also offers a private lake experience with good fishing for freshwater prawn and bluegill.

Jefferson Lake State Park, about 30 minutes from Wheeling, features a 17-acre lake perfect for canoeing and kayaking in a peaceful natural setting. Schenk Lake at Oglebay Park also offers kayaks and aqua cycles. For a more comprehensive experience, Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins provides kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddle boats.

Yes, many lakes are surrounded by hiking trails. Jefferson Lake State Park offers eight dedicated hiking trails. Barkcamp State Park also has numerous hiking trails in addition to its water activities. Within Wheeling, Schenk Lake in Oglebay Park and Good Lake in Wheeling Park both feature picturesque walking paths. For more extensive hiking, you can explore the Running Trails around Wheeling guide, which includes routes like the Des Plaines River Trail.

Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins features an 80-acre lake suitable for swimming, complete with a Wibit inflatable obstacle course. Barkcamp State Park also has a 117-acre lake where swimming is permitted. For a more private swimming experience, Fish Farm Camp offers a 20-acre lake known for its clear, deep water.

Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins allows boating with a 25 hp limit and offers pontoon rentals. Barkcamp State Park's 117-acre lake is also open for boating. Schenk Lake and Good Lake provide pedal boats and aqua cycles for a more leisurely water experience.

Jefferson Lake State Park provides campsites for overnight stays, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature. Barkcamp State Park also offers various camping options, including designated pet, equestrian, and group camps.

Barkcamp State Park, located about 20 miles from Wheeling, features a 117-acre lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. Beyond the water, it boasts numerous picnic areas, hiking trails, an 18-hole mini-golf course, volleyball and basketball courts, an archery range, and horseshoe pits. It's known for its versatility, catering to various types of visitors with designated pet, equestrian, and group camps.

While specific cycling trails directly around every lake aren't detailed, the region offers extensive cycling opportunities. You can find various routes in the Cycling around Wheeling guide, including the North Branch Trail Loop and routes connecting to the Des Plaines River Trail. The Road Cycling Routes around Wheeling guide also provides options like the Founders Park – Shelton Park loop.

Good Lake is part of Wheeling Park, the city's first public park, making it a historic and accessible destination. It offers charming pedal boat rides and a picturesque walking path. The wider park amenities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a waterslide and splash pad, tennis courts, and a seasonal ice skating rink, providing a wide array of activities for all ages. You can find more information about Wheeling Park at wheelingwv.gov/directory/Parks-Recreation/wheeling-park.

Yes, Fish Farm Camp near Wheeling offers a unique private lake experience. It features a 20-acre lake that is 60 feet deep with clear water, suitable for swimming and fishing. Kayaking is also welcome, and there are additional ponds for fishing, providing a more secluded option for visitors.