National and State Parks - Recreational Areas

Home Page
Parks Starting With: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y | Z
Berkeley Springs State Park
State Park Information

State Park Overview

History of the Area
Long before the first Europeans discovered the warm waters of Berkeley Springs, it was already a famous health mecca which attracted Indians from the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada and the Great Lakes to the Carolinas. Those first settlers, who came in 1730, learned the uses and value of the springs from the Indians and began spreading the word of its benefits throughout the settlements of the east.

Perhaps the most notable and influential advocate of the curative powers of the springs was George Washington, who -t 16, visited them as a member of a survey party. As the party, which was surveying the western limits of Thomas Lord Fairfaxs lands, camped there for the night, young Washington noted in his diary, "March 18th, 1748, We this day called to see Ye Famd Warm Springs."

For many years afterwards, George Washington visited the springs regularly and it was largely through his efforts that its fame as a health spa grew throughout the colonies. At the urging of the Colony of Virginia and in the public interest, Lord Fairfax conveyed his land holdings at the springs and fifty adjacent acres to the Colony of Virginia in 1776. Shortly thereafter, the land was offered for public sale. George Washington, three signers of the Declaration of Independence, four signers of the Constitution, seven members of the Continental Congress and five Revolutionary generals were among the prominent colonists who made initial purchases there. Hence, the springs reputation as a health resort became firmly established.

Borrowing the name of a famous counterpart in England, the General Assembly of Virginia formed the town of Bath on this location in 1776 and created a board of trustees to govern the new town. James Rumsey, who later invented the first successful steamboat, was then contracted to construct five bathhouses and several other public buildings. This officially established the springs as a resort facility.



More Info

Wildflower Vacation Rentals. ? ~~~ Click the pictures below below for more pictures and details. Sunflower Cottage in the Town of Bath. Sunflower Cottage Studio Apartment $100.00/night
The West Virginia State Park system is comprised of over 80,000 acres which have been set aside to protect regions of natural wonder, showcase scenic beauty and preserve sites of historical...

Area Attractions
The Spa

Roman BathsNot a whirlpool or Jacuzzi, but 750 gallons of mineral water in a ceramic tile, walk-in private tub (can be shared with someone of the same sex). Heated to a maximum water temperature of 102 degrees Farenheit, the Roman Bath is a tub big enough to stretch out in, to float, read, or just relax. There are metal railings for exercise use and safety. Bath time is 15 minutes if you are also having a massage 20 minutes without a massage.

Relaxing BathLuxuriate in 6 1/2 foot Victorian-style footed bathtub with mineral water heated to a maximum temperature of 102 degrees Farenheit. Bath time with a massage is 15 minutes 20 minutes without a massage. Footrests and pillows are available.

MassageEnjoy thirty or sixty minutes of Swedish-style full-body rub down with massage oil in a traditional mixture of pure olive oil and 190 proof ethyl alcohol. Massagers are trained and instructed. There are female massagers on the womens side and male massagers on the mens side. Sensitive areas will be fully draped at all times during your massage.

Heat CabinetThe steam cabinets are heated to 124 degrees Farenheit and enclose the entire body, except for the head, for eight minutes. The steam treatment may be included with a Bath/Massage package.

Infra-red HeatThis treatment uses a standard heat lamp for eight to ten minutes at a time-an excellent therapy for isolated body parts (shoulders, hip, etc.).

ShowerAt the end of your massage you may take a five minute shower or you may elect to shower immediately following your bath. Another option is to follow your treatment with powder and no shower-this is especially good for those with dry skin.

Reservation Policy All reservations require full advance payment or credit card guarantee. If reservations are canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment, the full amount will be refunded. If reservations are canceled less than 24 hours in advance of the appointment - refund will be granted only if the appointment is re-booked.

Area Campgrounds

Falling Waters Campsite
7685 Williamsport Pike
Falling Waters, WV
(304) 274-2791

Hitch USA
7685 Williamsport Pike
Falling Waters, WV
(304) 274-0600



Area Resorts and Lodging

Berkeley Lodge
303 N Mary St
Hedgesville, WV
(304) 754-8301

Walden Restaurant at the Woods Resort
1694 Mountain Lake Rd
Hedgesville, WV
(304) 754-7977

Elk Branch Lodge
2223 Sleepy Creek Rd
Hedgesville, WV
(304) 754-3622

Log Cabin Inn The
7536 Millstone Rd
Hancock, MD
(301) 678-5670

Coolfont Resort & Conference Center
3621 Cold Run Valley Rd
Berkeley Springs, WV
(304) 258-4500

Treetop House Restaurant
3621 Cold Run Valley Rd
Berkeley Springs, WV
(304) 258-4500


Berkeley Springs State Park