CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A significant infusion of money is coming to West Virginia’s state parks system with the announcement of more than $19 million in state funds for improvements.
Governor Patrick Morrisey detailed the investment in the parks system on Wednesday and said supporting state parks is an important decision.
“We know people want to come to West Virginia, and that’s exciting. They want to experience our mountains, our rivers, our small towns, and everything about outdoor recreation that we have in our state and our state parks and forests? They’re a big part of that success,” he said.
Some of the projects involved include a new campground at Little Beaver State Park, upgrades to the wastewater system at Chief Logan State Park, a new barge and tugboat for Blennerhassett Island State Park, and many more.
Funding for the improvements comes from two sources, with an initial appropriation from the state legislature being added to from a budget surplus.
“There was $10 million that the legislature set aside, and then there was the budget surplus. Because we were managing the budget in a fiscally prudent manner, we were able to garner another $9.725 million for these projects,” Morrisey said.
Governor Morrisey announces approximately $19.725 million in investments to modernize, repair, and expand facilities across West Virginia’s state parks, forests, and outdoor recreation areas.
“West Virginia’s tourism industry is reaching new heights, and our state parks and… pic.twitter.com/UXuDp9CNn0
— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) September 30, 2026
State Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger is excited for more backing for state parks. She believes that supporting the parks system is a step in supporting the people of the state.
“When we talk about our state parks and the investments that we’re making in state parks, those are investments in West Virginians. West Virginians visit these parks day in and day out. These are an important part of the fabric of our state and our community,” she said.
Kessinger hopes that these kinds of investments can continue to make West Virginia’s state parks a destination for years to come. She wants West Virginians to be able to enjoy these places with their loved ones for as long as they wish.
“We are investing in our own families. We are investing in places where we get to make memories that our children and our children’s children get to carry with them for generations,” she said.
Morrisey also believes supporting state parks will bring more business and more visitors to West Virginia as the word continues to spread about the recreation opportunities in the state. He said that is a worldwide reputation that will only get bigger.
“I want to make sure that everyone across America and the world knows that West Virginia is truly the best place to be. It’s not only ‘Almost Heaven.’ It’s now coming out where people across the globe know that this is one of the best tourism destinations around,” he said.
Morrisey, Kessinger, and state Department of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion made the announcement at Kanawha State Forest.
Gov. Morrisey’s office released the following information:
FY27 Budget Surplus Investments ($9.725 Million)
Thanks to responsible fiscal management, $9.725 million from the FY27 budget surplus will support improvements across the State Park system:
● Little Beaver State Park will receive $3 million for construction of a new 34-site campground and electrical improvements to nearby existing campsites.
● Pipestem Resort State Park and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park will receive $150,000 for roof replacements on aging cabins and historic company houses.
● Statewide paving and repairs will receive $4 million for campsites, driveways, parking lots, and walkways throughout the State Park system.
● Blennerhassett Island State Park will receive $300,000 to replace its service barge and tugboat, the GiGi, which provide the only reliable way to deliver supplies, equipment, and other goods to the island.
● Twin Falls State Park will receive $2.275 million for comprehensive cabin renovations, lodge HVAC upgrades, and upgraded cabin interiors and mattresses.
State Parks Endowment Fund Board Proposed Projects ($10 Million)
An additional $10 million in projects is proposed through the West Virginia State Parks Endowment Fund Board:
● Chief Logan State Park will receive $3 million to replace a deteriorating 20,000-gallon-per-day wastewater treatment plant serving the lodge, cabins, recreation center, and future facilities.
● Canaan Valley will receive $1 million for snowmaking equipment enhancements, allowing for a higher volume of snowmaking throughout the skiable area.
● Statewide wastewater repairs will receive $2 million to replace aging sand filtration components and enhance wastewater treatment plants throughout the State Park system.
● Cacapon Resort State Park will receive $3 million for wastewater collection system repairs and necessary plant upgrades serving the lodge, cabins, golf course, and other recreational facilities.
● Hawks Nest State Park will receive $1 million to rehabilitate the lower tram building, including renovations to the gift shop, restrooms, and boat rental concession area.