tomlinson run state park

Introduction of  Tomlinson Run Park 

Tomlinson Run, located in the northernmost tip of West Virginia’s panhandle, offers a wide range of recreational options to both local and out-of-state tourists.

The park’s 1,398 acres stretch along the stream from which it takes its name, both of which are named for a family of early immigrants, to within a mile of the creek’s confluence with the Ohio River.

The park, which is roughly divided into two portions, provides a wilderness environment with highly forested hills, overhanging sandstone and shale cliffs, and a plethora of flora and fauna. Picnicking, boating, miniature golf, basketball and volleyball courts, swimming, a campground, and a group camp are all available inside the park’s constructed portions. In addition, program events are planned from April through October.

Tomlinson Run State Park Camping

There are 44 RV campsites available for reserve at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, 39 of which have electric hookups. If you’re driving a larger vehicle, double-check your reservations. Only 15 of the sites can accept RVs or trailers up to 40 feet long, and only three of them can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet long. Reservations must be made at least seven days before your visit, with a two-day minimum and a maximum stay of 14 days.

Laundry facilities and a sanitary waste site are available near the store in the campground’s northern section. Generators are permitted during the day, but must be turned off between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Dogs and cats are welcome at this campground, but they must be controlled by a ten-foot or shorter leash. Pets are not permitted in the pool area and must be controlled and cleaned up after.

Tomlinson Run State Park Activities

Fishing in Tomlinson

Fishing aficionados should ensure that their equipment is packed in their trailer, as there are numerous opportunities to catch their dinner here at Tomlinson Run State Park. The park has many small rivers that are stocked with trout in the early spring, as well as a 30-acre lake containing trout, bass, bluegill, catfish, and sunfish. Campers who haven’t brought their own boat can fish from the beach or rent a rowboat from the marina.

Swimming in Tomlinson Run State Park

The recreational amenities at Tomlinson Run include a swimming pool with a waterslide, a bathhouse complex, and a snack bar. The pool has a figure eight-shaped water slide that is 182 feet long.

Boating

Tomlinson Run Lake is a 30-acre lake in the park’s Shepherd’s Valley section. The scenery is breathtaking, and it is a popular destination for both fisherman and leisure boaters. If you’ve brought your boat, the moderate slope to the water’s edge makes it simple to launch it. If you don’t have your own boat, the marina rents out paddleboats and rowboats, albeit they may be closed during the winter.

Hiking on Tomlinson trails

Tomlinson Run State Park has about eight beautiful hiking routes that run into the wilderness. The Beech Trail, for example, is a moderate climb along spectacular sandstone and shale cliffs. While these paths are good for experienced hikers, they may be too difficult for beginners and are not suitable for little children. Other trails, such as the Laural Trail Loop and the White Oak Trail, are easier to follow for inexperienced hikers. When compared to other places, this area has a high concentration of ticks. When you get back to your trailer, double-check your pant legs. If you have a canine friend, make sure they are up to date on their flea and tick meds and that they are carefully checked.

Golfing in miniature

Miniature golf may be a fun diversion from life on the road, and Tomlinson Run State Park is one of the few state park campgrounds that has a miniature golf course. The course, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is a fun way to spend an afternoon and a great opportunity for the kids to burn off some energy. Even during peak season, the course is frequently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan your vacation appropriately if you want to take advantage of this feature.

Biking

Hiking isn’t the only method to get a feel for the park. Tomlinson Run State Park is an ideal option if you’re hauling your bike in a trailer. For riders at all skill levels, there are miles of routes to explore. The Big Foot Trail is a very scenic trail with stunning views of the lake and beach. The Laurel Trail is the longest and offers the most difficulty while winding through the forests. The Fern Trail is a great option for a brief, easy ride that takes you past a bubbling stream.

Playing Disc Golf

Tomlinson Run State Park’s disc golf course is popular with both residents and visitors. It’s an 18-hole, 6,100-foot course with chainstar targets that wraps around some of the other activities. The front nine holes are located on accessible, level terrain that circles the swimming pool clockwise, making it appropriate for both novices and specialists. The back nine is a little more difficult, since it follows some of the park’s more historic areas as well as wandering through the woods, eventually concluding near the miniature golf course. The back nine may be too difficult for newcomers to the game, but it’s worth a shot just to see the scenery.

Tomlinson State Park Location

Tomlinson Run State Park’s campgrounds are located in the far north of West Virginia, between Ohio to the west and Pennsylvania to the east. It is located slightly over a mile northwest of the nearest town, New Manchester, WV. Highway 8, commonly known as Veteran’s Boulavard, is the most direct route to the park. While the road is small and has a few curves, they are all quite wide and should be easy to manage even if you are driving a big rig or hauling a trailer. The entrance to the park is simple to detect and well-paved, though it remains narrow, and there are a number of twists and bends that may need some more difficult navigation, especially for the interior sites, but once you reach your site, it should be both large and level. There are numerous spots throughout the park where you can temporarily store your RV; there are large parking lots near the swimming pool and near the marina by Tomlinson Run Lake.

Public Transport

Public transport is not available for  Tomlinson Run State Park