Middle Fork River between rock shelves and wooded banks at Audra State Park
RiverWV

Audra State Park

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background photo from a past visit, not current conditions. View photos and source links

Plan Audra river swimming with official visitor information, seasonal camping, Alum Cave trail context and five reviewed park photos.

Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm current day-use charges; camping and shelter reservations are separate.
Best season
Check weather, river levels and current notices before travel
Nearby towns
Clarksburg, Elkins, Phillipi, Buckhannon
Water body
Middle Fork River

Location

Map & Directions

WV
Nearby towns
Clarksburg, Elkins, Phillipi, Buckhannon
Access location not verified
39.0419, -80.0672
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.

Sources & checks

This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.

Swimming rules
Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
Access location not verified
The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
Record updated
· This is a data update, not a field visit.

Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.

River swimming at Audra State Park

The park activities page lists swimming in the Middle Fork River. This is natural river access, not a treated pool or confirmation of today's water quality.

Arrival and contact

The park overview gives 8397 Audra Park Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201, a contact number of 304-457-1162 and hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ask about current restrictions and suitable river access. The retained map pin is not a verified swimming entry.

Camping, picnics and the boardwalk

Camping is seasonal and weather-dependent. Reserve separately and confirm facility availability. Campground bathhouses should not be assumed to serve as swimming-area changing rooms. The Alum Cave overhang boardwalk is a hiking attraction, not a required approach into the river. Shelter reservations are also separate from a river visit.

Before entering

Check current notices, weather and water levels. Do not jump into unknown depths or enter high or rapidly changing water. Supervise children and ask staff about supervision and access needs. The five-photo gallery includes general park context; a photograph cannot establish safe entry or current conditions.

Getting There

Use 8397 Audra Park Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201 and follow staff guidance. Retained coordinates are not a verified water entry.

Access Notes

Published park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; confirm current restrictions.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Access

Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.

Regulations & Fees

Check current river notices and permitted access with staff. Do not infer swimming supervision from campground services. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.

Seasonality & Flow

Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.

What to Bring

Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.

Map data retrieved 2026-06-15

Audra State Park

State park

0.2 mi 4.8 (1404)

Audra Park Rd, Buckhannon, WV 26201

Riverfront park popular with whitewater kayaking enthusiasts offering tent & RV camping sites.

Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides

Parking lot

Parking grounds

14.1 mi

College St, Elkins, WV 26241

Allegheny Highlands Trail of WV Trailhead

Hiking area

14.1 mi 5 (3)

Allegheny Highlands Trail of WV, Elkins, WV 26241

Elkins Depot Welcome Center

Tourist information center

14.1 mi 4.6 (141)

315 Railroad Ave, Elkins, WV 26241

Restroom

Elkins Randolph County Tourism, Convention and Visitors Bureau

Visitor center

14.1 mi 4.6 (5)

315 Railroad Ave, Elkins, WV 26241

Restroom

Citizens Bank parking lot

Parking lot

14.3 mi

309 Henry Ave, Elkins, WV 26241

Monongahela National Forest Supervisor's Office

Federal government office

14.3 mi 5 (1)

200 Sycamore St, Elkins, WV 26241

Restroom

Saylwinds

Campground

15.4 mi 5 (33)

624 Arnold Hill Rd, Elkins, WV 26241

Running water

Live Conditions Nearby

Checking nearby USGS water conditions…

Frequently Asked Questions About Audra State Park

Is Audra's swimming area a pool?

No. The park identifies river swimming in the Middle Fork River, not a treated swimming pool.

Is the Alum Cave boardwalk a swimming approach?

It is a hiking feature. Do not treat it as instructions to descend into the river.

Can I assume the campground bathhouses are swimming changing rooms?

No. Confirm day-use facilities with staff; campground amenities have a separate purpose.

Is Audra camping available year-round?

The overview describes seasonal camping, weather permitting. Confirm current availability before booking.

Highlights

Middle Fork River setting
Alum Cave hiking feature
Seasonal camping

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

Avoid high or rapidly changing water, supervise children and do not jump into unknown depths.

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Use official park history for background; visitor planning does not rely on folklore.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Five qualified park views include river and boardwalk context, not verified swimming entries.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Stay on permitted routes and pack out litter.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Check weather, river levels and current notices before travel.
Difficulty Level
Water approach and accessibility need confirmation; no general easy-entry claim.
Fee
Confirm current day-use charges; camping and shelter reservations are separate.
Facilities
Campground bathhouses do not establish day-use changing facilities at a swimming entry.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
304-457-1162 (park)

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

Camping Information

Seasonal camping, weather permitting; verify reservations and facilities separately.

Loading weather data…

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

  • Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
  • Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
  • Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.

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