Upgrades Continue within West Virginia's State Park System as $25 Million Lodge Project Latest Endeavor
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 21, 2021
Gov. Jim Justice announced Thursday that the new lodge at Cacapon Resort State Park is now open for reservations, following the completion of major expansion work and additional facility improvements.
The $25 million project brings much-needed upgrades to Cacapon’s lodge, which has been under construction since November 2018. Major additions include the construction of 78 guest rooms, a restaurant, lounge, spa, indoor heated pool and whirlpool, fitness center, and multiple spaces for outdoor gatherings. 
“The transformation that has taken place here at Cacapon is truly incredible and just one of the ways I’ve followed through on my promise to improve our already-beautiful state parks,” Gov. Justice said. “This expansion is going to make the Eastern Panhandle an even more attractive vacation destination and will bring all kinds of new tourism dollars to West Virginia.”
As part of the expansion project, existing facilities at Cacapon Resort also received major upgrades, including remodeling each existing guest room, creating new conference space, renovating the lobby, and upgrading utility and electrical equipment.
“These improvements speak volumes to Governor Justice's vision and longstanding commitment to our parks and forests. With summer travel just weeks away, Cacapon is poised to welcome visitors with modern accommodations, first-class outdoor activities, and the warm 
hospitality found only in West Virginia,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby.
hospitality found only in West Virginia,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby.
Cacapon Resort isn’t the only state park to receive major upgrades recently. More than $100 million in improvements have been completed or started at every state park and forest over the past four years, with most projects expected to be completed this summer.
“I want to thank Governor Justice for his continued support and for his commitment to improve our state parks so they can be enjoyed by new and returning visitors for years to come,” said West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Stephen McDaniel. “As yet another project gets completed, we get closer and closer to having a completely modernized state parks system that will be the envy of every state in the country.”
Located in the Eastern Panhandle, Cacapon Resort State Park is a popular vacation destination for commuters looking to get away from the busy Washington, D.C.-Baltimore metro area. A new, four-lane highway, called the Berkeley Springs Bypass, will improve traffic flow for travelers to both Cacapon and nearby Berkeley Springs State Park.
“The expansion to our wonderful state park and all of the great work being done in the Berkeley Springs area is going to attract many new visitors to Cacapon and give loyal guests and locals something new and exciting to enjoy,” said Cacapon Superintendent Scott Fortney. “And the renovations over at the spa at Berkeley Springs State Park will allow us to promote Cacapon Resort State Park as a full-service resort experience.”
Cacapon Resort State Park’s lodge was built in the 1950s. The park also has 31 cabins, a 12-room inn, and many outdoor attractions, including a golf course, lake swimming, and hiking and equestrian trails. To learn more about the park and to book a reservation, visit WVstateparks.com/park/cacapon-resort-state-park.
