Renovations and local stewardship are helping a McDowell County reservoir welcome a new wave of visitors.
IF YOUR IDEA OF A GOOD time includes any combination of a cabin, a camp chair, a fishing pole, and a sky full of stars, Berwind Lake might be your kind of place.
Built on War Creek in 1959, the 20-acre reservoir has anchored summer memories in southern McDowell County for generations. Recent flooding brought challenges—but it also sparked major renovations and a new chapter of local stewardship, says Jennifer Justice, executive director of the McDowell County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources still supports fishing and wildlife habitat on the lake and in the surrounding wildlife management area, while the local economic development authority now oversees its recreational facilities.
Berwind still feels like it always has—easy, welcoming, and familyfriendly—but it now offers more ways to stay and more reasons to linger. “It’s a hidden gem,” Justice says. “That lake has been a staple of the community for as long as I can remember.”
For visitors looking to stay a night or two, Berwind Lake Cabins offers 12 rentals—six one-room and six two-room—plus a threebedroom trailer for larger groups. There are also other cabins, cottages, and hotels in the surrounding area.
Days here can be as active or as slow as visitors want them to be. Kayak the lake or bring a small boat—electric motors only. Let the kids burn off energy at the playground, spread out lunch at one of the picnic areas, cast a line from the fishing pier, explore hiking trails, and stay long enough for dinner in the area to feel like the next natural thing.
There’s also a seasonal swimming pool. “No swimming in the lake,” Justice says, “but the pool more than makes up for it.”
It’s also a good home base. War is only a few miles away for local favorites like The Owl Drive Up Restaurant and Josie’s Ice Cream and More, plus a grocery stop if you’re stocking the cooler.
Nearby trail access adds another reason to keep building a longer itinerary. Visitors will appreciate the Berwind Lake Trail circling the lake, perfect for exploring on two feet. It’s an easy, scenic loop with a bridge that lets explorers cross from one side to the other. The nearby wildlife management area adds more room to roam, and birdwatchers will find plenty worth pausing for.
After dark, it gets even better. The area is a strong spot for stargazing—quiet enough and dark enough to see the night sky on full display, Justice says.
Annual events add even more energy, including the state’s Gold Rush program that provides anglers with the added challenge of hunting the elusive golden rainbow trout. Kids Fishing Day, drawing hundreds of youth annually, has quickly become a popular May tradition.
Justice calls the lake the start of the itinerary. The rest of McDowell County just keeps surprising people, she says.
“We have some of the nicest people here, so welcoming to visitors. We have a rich coal history, the Hatfield–McCoy Trails, the Head of the Dragon scenic route, an Almost Heaven swing, and the lake,” she says. “There’s plenty to do and discover, and we just love having people come to explore this amazing place that we call home.”
Planning details, cabin info, and more are available at exploremcdowell.com and berwindlakecabins.com.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SPRING 2026 ISSUE
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