When I started working on a guest dude ranch outside of Phoenix, Arizona, I never imagined I would run into so many people who had traveled through the Mountain State. Upon seeing “Princeton, West Virginia” written on my name-tag, many patrons have a sweet little anecdote to tell about the time they visited my home among the hills.

Last week, I had an amazing conversation with a guest while she told me of her visit to Cacapon Resort State Park a few years ago. This struck a chord in me as I reflected on my own vacation to the state park, and all the memories it provided my family. 

Located in the eastern panhandle, under the shadows of the region's highest peak and namesake, Cacapon is derived from the Shawnee Indian’s word meaning “medicine waters.” Along with hiking and fishing, Cacapon has a widely renowned 18 hole golf course with several different lodging options to truly make this place the very definition of a “stay and play getaway.”

Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones JR., playing the 18 hole golf course is a must when you're in the area.  Overlooking the championship golf course is the park’s main lodge. Currently, the lodge houses 48 rooms, but is closed for the construction of a new addition which will more than double its size! While you’re here be sure to treat yourself to a meal in the lodge’s main dining room or at the Golf Club Grill. 

If you're looking for something a little homier for your vacation, you can stay at one of the 13 year-round cabins or 18 seasonal cabins that are available from April through October. If you're planning for a larger group, Capacon is home to the Old Inn. This cabin, historically known as the first WV state park lodge, has a commercial kitchen and sleeping arrangements for up to 32 people. This cabin is perfect for a family reunion or weekend getaway with a large group of friends! 

While the golf course might be the main attraction at Cacapon Resort State Park, there are still loads of activities to participate in. From hiking and fishing to a game of tennis or a horseback ride around the lake, Cacapon is a hub for outdoor activity while also being the premier place for a spa retreat. 

Less than 15 minutes down the road is the historic Berkeley Springs State Park.  With massages, saunas, and roman baths of spring water naturally heated to 74.3 degrees fahrenheit you can easily slip into relaxation here. Originally constructed by James Rumsey, who also invented the steamboat engine, the facilities in this park also hold a lot of history. One of the main attractions here is “George Washington’s Bathtub,” which is a replica of a tub George Washington took a soak in on March 17, 1748. Now, every March on the weekend closest to the day Washington took his famous soak, the town of Berkeley Springs host a celebration!

If you’re in the mood for more historic locations after your visit here, Cacapon and Berkeley Springs are just a day trip away from our nation’s capital city. So take a weekend for yourself, with your friends, or with your family to these West Virginia state parks. I guarantee you won’t forget this stay and play getaway.