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Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · WV

Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area is a serene natural haven in West Virginia, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation.

Wildlife Management Area2,9851+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

2,985

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area is a serene natural haven in West Virginia, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area, located in Lewis and Upshur counties of West Virginia, encompasses a tranquil expanse around Stonecoal Lake. This 550-acre reservoir was constructed in the late 1970s for flood control and recreational use. The area is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and the scenic Stonecoal Lake, making it a popular spot for anglers seeking bass, crappie, and catfish. The region supports diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, and a variety of waterfowl, making it an appealing location for wildlife viewing and hunting. Stonecoal Lake WMA is predominantly forested, offering peaceful settings for hiking and birdwatching. Although the area is primarily geared toward fishing and hunting, its natural beauty and quietude attract visitors looking for a tranquil outdoor escape.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Outdoor Nature Escape at Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area★ 5.6⌖ 3 miFishing
Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Outdoor Nature Escape at Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Located near Buckhannon, WV, Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area offers tranquil fishing for bass and muskellunge, forest hunting opportunities, and peaceful picnic spots. Easily accessible by car, it provides a quiet natural escape popular with regional anglers and hunters.

Tranquil Escape at Stonewall Resort State Park★ 7.5⌖ 7 miBoating
Stonewall Resort State Park

Tranquil Escape at Stonewall Resort State Park

Enjoy boating and fishing on Stonewall Jackson Lake in West Virginia's Stonewall Resort State Park. With family-friendly amenities, it's a serene spot for water activities and hiking amidst scenic views, best visited in spring or fall.

Audra State Park: A Natural Haven★ 6.8⌖ 18 miHiking
Audra State Park

Audra State Park: A Natural Haven

Explore Audra State Park's picturesque riverside trails near Buckhannon, WV. Enjoy hiking, camping, and canoeing with scenic views along the Middle Fork River. Ideal for families, this park offers a tranquil escape with moderate crowds year-round.

Discover Nature at Kumbrabow State Forest★ 7.3⌖ 25 miHiking
Kumbrabow State Forest

Discover Nature at Kumbrabow State Forest

Discover Kumbrabow State Forest near Huttonsville, WV. Explore scenic trails like the Turkey Bone Trail and fish at Mill Creek. Ideal in spring and fall, this remote spot offers a peaceful escape for hiking, fishing, and camping.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Scenic Stonecoal Lake✦ Diverse wildlife, including waterfowl and game species✦ Excellent fishing opportunities for bass and crappie✦ Serene, forested landscapes perfect for birdwatching
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees, but fishing and hunting licenses are required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Primitive Camping Area

Accessible along the lake, offering basic camping experience with no facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Roanoke
⌖ 6.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roanoke, West Virginia

A tranquil destination surrounded by serene lakes and forests perfect for a mix of water and land-based adventures.

Spring and SummerExplore Town
Buckhannon
⌖ 8.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buckhannon, West Virginia

A quaint town with hidden gems for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty and adventure in the Allegheny Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Weston
⌖ 8.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Weston, West Virginia

A quiet town serving as a gateway to central West Virginia's natural landscapes, offering a mix of low-key outdoor pursuits with easy access to forests, waterways, and state parks.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Jane Lew
⌖ 11.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jane Lew, West Virginia

A quiet rural town offering access to gentle outdoor activities in a scenic Appalachian foothill setting, perfect for nature lovers seeking peaceful hikes and paddling nearby.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Burnsville
⌖ 16.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Burnsville, West Virginia

A quiet Appalachian town surrounded by forested hills and waterways, perfect for paddling, hiking, and peaceful outdoor retreats.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Hacker Valley
⌖ 19.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hacker Valley, West Virginia

A quiet mountain community offering tranquil access to forests, rivers, and trails, ideal for those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape in West Virginia’s Appalachian terrain.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Stonecoal Lake Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Experience Snowshoe Mountain’s Scenic 1 Hour Trail Ride Through Eastern Continental DivideRanson, West Virginia · 40.37 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· New & Gauley River Adventures

Experience Snowshoe Mountain’s Scenic 1 Hour Trail Ride Through Eastern Continental Divide

Explore the rugged mountain trails of Snowshoe Mountain Resort on a 1 Hour Trail Ride that reveals sweeping panoramic views and abundant wildlife. Perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike, this horseback experience immerses you in West Virginia’s high-elevation forest.

1 hour

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.