Immerse yourself in the spirit of West Virginia at Curtisville Lake and Campground. There you can explore 695 acres of Appalachian forests and fish or boat on the 30-acre lake. Take the scenic drive through Mannington to get to a well-kept secret of solace. Trust us, the drive is worth it.
Times
Curtisville Lake is open year-round. Camping is permitted from April 1 through October 31 for two-week periods per person or group. Wooded areas and hiking trails are only permitted for use during daylight hours. The playground may be used from dawn until dusk and is also open throughout the year.
Early July is the busiest time of year, so plan accordingly.
Directions
1131 Curtisville Lake Road, Smithfield, West Virginia 26437
Directions to Curtisville Lake Using Google Maps
Directions to Curtville Lake Using Apple Maps
Curtisville Lake is located in northern West Virginia, west of Fairmont. Access it from the campground on the northern side of the lake or a parking area on County Rt. 7/2 at the southern part of the lake
Directions to Curtisville Lake from Fairmont:
Take Route 250 North out of Fairmont towards Mannington. When you reach the Town of Mannington, take a left on Main Street. (You’ll see brown signs for Curtisville Lake.) Main St. turns into Rt. 1 and passes the Mannington Fair grounds. Stay on Rt. 1 for about 5 miles just past Logansport. Take a left on Curtisville Pike (Rt.7). Go about a mile and the lake is on the left.
Safety
There is a 5mph speed limit near camp sites for bikes, RVs and cars. ATVs are not permitted. Be aware of fast drivers when walking.
Parking
Parking is available at the main entrance of the lake.
Amenities
A restroom is located near the boat ramp.
Reserve the pavilion there for your birthday party, family reunion or cookout.
Hiking
Curtisville has three hiking trails around the 30-acre lake. The trails form two loops on the hillside of the western part of the park and total more than 2.5 miles. The Ray Henderson Trail is considered moderate to difficult and spans one side of the lake to the other. Elevation reaches 1,049 feet. The other two trails are currently unnamed.
Biking
Non-motorized bikes are permitted on the road around the lake and out to Party Rock. ATVs are not permitted.
Take your mountain bike on the old coal mine and logging trails out there.
Fishing
Fish for trout, channel fish, blue gill and carp from an ADA accessible fishing dock. Work on your fly fishing technique there, too. Night fishing is permitted. Ice fishing is also permitted for those crazy enough to do it. The lake is periodically stocked with trout by the Department of Natural Resources.
Kayaking
Non-motorized boating is permitted on Curtisville Lake. There is a boat ramp where you can put in a kayak or canoe. Go flatwater kayaking or canoeing and fish from your canoe or kayak. Take home any prizes you catch!
Swimming is not permitted in the lake.
Camping
A great alternative for sparse hotels and vacation rentals in the area is primitive and RV camping. Near one end of the lake is a small area for tent camping. There are two pit toilets available for campers. There is a bathroom with running water and a water pump available to all campers.
Curtisville Campground offers five RV sites ($20 a night) and six primitive sites ($10 a night) on a first come, first served basis. RV sites include 20 amp hook ups. Sites are available April through October for two weeks at a time. A bathroom (but no shower) is available at the RV campground. Payment is made on site. Both tent and RV sites have fire rings and picnic areas.
Know all the rules and regulations before you go. Get all the camping details here.
Leisure
Curtisville is both a place of activity and relaxation. Pack a picnic lunch and eat among the birds and the trees. Take the kids to the playground or take a peaceful stroll along the lakefront.
Wildlife
Curtisville Lake and Campground is filled with West Virginia native wildlife. There you might see black bears, bobcats, deer, wild turkeys, black snakes, raccoons, rabbits, possums, squirrels and waterfowl. Trees include oak, maple and beech.
Places to Stay
Don’t want to camp? Plan to stay at the Carriage House of the historic Senator’s Mansion.
Events
Annual Family Fishing Day takes place every spring each spring on Good Friday, with a freshly stocked lake.
Nearby
Dents Run, a wildlife management area, offers hiking, kayaking, hunting and an outdoor shooting range. Among the 1,387 acres of rolling hills and wooded areas are two lakes. Mannington Lake is 10 acres and Dents Run Lake is 30 acres in size, both offering warm-water fishing. Get the Complete Guide to Dents Run WMA.
Play around outside and inside. Solve puzzles at the Mystery Vault, the only escape room in Marion County.
Dining:
Have some of the state’s best slow-cookin’ at Sweet P’s BBQ. Just a 14 minute drive from the campground.
Grab a pizza for your picnic at Big Momma Pizzeria.
Get hot or iced tea from BerTeas. Choose from many, many different kinds of tea. Get a sweet treat for the road, too. Also serving Stone Tower Coffee.