Generated illustration of a natural swimming setting; not a photograph of this location
RiverWV

Stuart

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.

Plan Stuart's Shavers Fork river visit with supervision notes, seasonal access, separate day-use facilities and camping, plus four reviewed photos.

Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm current day-use charges and separate camping or pavilion rates.
Best season
Check current hours, river conditions and seasonal services with the facility
Nearby towns
Elkins, Bowden
Water body
Shavers Fork River

Location

Map & Directions

WV
Nearby towns
Elkins, Bowden
Access location not verified
38.9222, -79.7783
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 Stuart Recreation Area

Recreation.gov lists river swimming and explicitly states that there is no lifeguard. Stuart is on Shavers Fork, not a lake. Follow current signs, supervise children and do not jump or dive. The recreation area may flood; check weather and notices before travel.

Day use is separate from camping

The concession operator describes day-use picnic areas, pavilions, restrooms and changing rooms alongside separate camping facilities. Confirm which services are operating and what your booking includes. Accessible buildings and parking do not establish an accessible route into the river. Check current charges rather than relying on historical prices.

Hours, season and contact

The booking page says entrance gates are locked from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and day use closes at 6 p.m. after Labor Day. Confirm posted hours for your visit. Call its facility-specific contact, 304-567-3082, for access questions. A September 21, 2026 report lists October 13 as the recreation area's closing date. Confirm services before travel; this is not a year-round river-use prohibition.

Arrival and gallery context

Follow live booking-page directions from Elkins to the signed entrance. The retained map pin is not a surveyed water entry. Four reviewed photos show river scenery, the entrance, a wooded picnic table and autumn day-use grounds. They do not establish safe depth, lifeguard coverage or current facility opening.

Getting There

Follow live Recreation.gov directions from Elkins via Route 33, old Route 33 and Route 6 to the signed entrance. Retained coordinates are not a surveyed swimming entry.

Access Notes

Confirm seasonal services and posted hours before travel; the dated 2026 report lists an October 13 closing date.

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

Use permitted river access and follow current signs. No lifeguard; swimming being listed does not establish permission to jump or dive. 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

Citizens Bank parking lot

Parking lot

3.7 mi

309 Henry Ave, Elkins, WV 26241

Revelle's River Resort

Campground

3.9 mi 4.6 (305)

5 Rainbow Dr, Elkins, WV 26241

Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water

Alpine Shores Campground

Campground

4.5 mi 4.8 (22)

Alpine Shores, Elkins, WV 26241

Restroom

Bear Heaven Campground

Campground

5.3 mi 4.8 (76)

Elkins, WV 26241

Public restroomRestroomTent sites

Otter Creek Trailhead

Hiking area

6.1 mi 4.9 (21)

Forest Rd 303, Bowden, WV 26254

Allegheny Trail (US 33 Trailhead)

Hiking area

7.4 mi 5 (7)

Government Rd, Bowden, WV 26254

Lindy Point Trailhead

Hiking area

18.3 mi 4.9 (133)

Canaan Loop Rd, Thomas, WV 26292

Monongahela National Forest - Greenbrier Ranger District Office

Federal government office

26.3 mi 5 (1)

7409 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Bartow, WV 24920

Live Conditions Nearby

Checking nearby USGS water conditions…

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuart

Is there a lifeguard at Stuart?

Recreation.gov explicitly states there is no lifeguard. Supervise children and follow current restrictions.

Are day-use facilities the same as campground amenities?

No. Confirm which services are operating and included in your visit or reservation.

Does accessible parking guarantee accessible river entry?

No. Ask the facility about the specific approach and assistance you need.

Do the gallery photos show today's swimming conditions?

No. The reviewed photos provide historical recreation-area context, not present depth, water quality or opening evidence.

Highlights

Shavers Fork river setting
Separate day-use and camping areas
Reviewed picnic-area photos

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • The recreation area may flood
  • Check weather and notices, supervise children and do not jump into unknown depths

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Use official history resources; no cabin booking promise inferred from prospectus text.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Four reviewed views show river scenery, the entrance and picnic-area context, not current depth or opening conditions.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Pack out litter and follow current food-storage and firewood notices.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Check current hours, river conditions and seasonal services with the facility.
Difficulty Level
Ask about your specific access needs; no blanket accessible-water-entry claim.
Fee
Confirm current day-use charges and separate camping or pavilion rates.
Facilities
Operator describes day-use services; accessible facilities do not establish accessible river entry.
Activities
Swimming, Picnicking, Camping
Phone
304-567-3082 (facility-specific contact on Recreation.gov)

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

Use the live reservation page for dates and available sites; camping does not automatically include every day-use service.

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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