September through January
Where to stay for hunting in West Virginia
West Virginia holds about 1.5 million acres of public hunting land, most of it in the Monongahela National Forest and state wildlife management areas. Buck firearms season opens the Monday before Thanksgiving and fills lodging in rural counties.
Where do you stay for hunting in West Virginia?
Monongahela National Forest, Dolly Sods Wilderness and Spruce Knob are three of the best areas to base a hunting trip.
The season runs september through January, and each area below has its own page with places to stay nearby.
- Best time of year
- September through January
- Where people go
- Monongahela National Forest, Dolly Sods Wilderness, Spruce Knob, Hatfield-McCoy Trails, Sutton Lake
- Where people stay
- Cabins, Campgrounds, Lodges, Vacation Rentals
Where people go
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- Hatfield-McCoy Trails
- Sutton Lake
- Elkins
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- Petersburg
- Moorefield
- Lost River
- Franklin
- Parsons
Hunting near Monongahela National ForestHunting near Dolly Sods WildernessHunting near Spruce KnobHunting near Hatfield-McCoy TrailsHunting near Sutton LakeHunting in Elkins, WVHunting near Coopers Rock State ForestHunting in Petersburg, WVHunting in Moorefield, WVHunting in Lost River, WVHunting in Franklin, WVHunting in Parsons, WVHunting in Kingwood, WVHunting in Richwood, WVHunting in Sutton, WVHunting in Webster Springs, WVHunting in Logan, WVHunting in Williamson, WVHunting in Gilbert, WVHunting in Pineville, WV
Places to stay for hunting
We're still adding places to stay near West Virginia's best hunting areas.
Own or manage a property nearby? List it on BookWV.
Hunting in West Virginia: what people ask
When is the season for hunting in West Virginia?
The season runs september through January. Outside those months conditions are unreliable and some access points close.
Where is the best hunting in West Virginia?
Monongahela National Forest, Dolly Sods Wilderness, Spruce Knob and Hatfield-McCoy Trails are the areas most people head for. West Virginia holds about 1.5 million acres of public hunting land, most of it in the Monongahela National Forest and state wildlife management areas. Buck firearms season opens the Monday before Thanksgiving and fills lodging in rural counties.
Where should I stay for hunting in West Virginia?
Monongahela National Forest, Dolly Sods Wilderness, Spruce Knob and Hatfield-McCoy Trails are where most people base themselves, because each one puts you close enough to get an early start. Choose one to see the places to stay within reach of it.
Do I need to book ahead for hunting in West Virginia?
In season, yes. Many of the best hunting areas are near small towns, so weekend lodging can fill quickly. Midweek and shoulder-season dates stay open much longer.
Is hunting in West Virginia good for beginners?
Yes. West Virginia has everything from easy overlooks and short nature trails to demanding backcountry routes, though the two are often an hour apart rather than side by side. Each destination page describes what that area is known for, which is worth reading before you choose where to stay.