Teter Creek Lake WV is small. Like, really small. If you're looking for the massive expanse of Summersville or the endless shoreline of Stonewall Jackson, you're going to be disappointed. It’s only about 35 acres. But honestly, that’s exactly why people in Barbour County keep it a secret. You don't come here to go 60 miles per hour on a jet ski. You come here because the water is glass, the mountains wrap around you like a heavy blanket, and you can actually hear your own thoughts for once.
Located near Belington, this little impoundment is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). It was built back in the late 1950s—1958 to be exact—and it has spent the last several decades serving as a quiet sanctuary for people who find "tourist" to be a dirty word. It isn't flashy. There are no high-end resorts or five-star dining options within walking distance. It’s just a lake, some woods, and some of the best fishing in this part of the state.
Getting to Teter Creek Lake WV Without Getting Lost
West Virginia roads are notorious for a reason. If you’re driving in from Elkins or Philippi, you’re going to be winding through some seriously tight turns. Basically, you take Route 33 to County Route 9, and then you follow the signs. Don't rely 100% on your GPS once you get off the main highway; cell service in the hollows near the lake is spotty at best. Sometimes the signal just drops into a black hole the second you enter the Teter Creek Wildlife Management Area.
It’s about 15 miles north of Elkins. The drive is beautiful, especially in October when the maples turn that violent shade of orange that makes your eyes hurt. You’ll pass old farmhouses and rusted gates. It feels like you're driving back into a version of West Virginia that hasn't changed since the 70s. That’s the charm.
The Fishing Situation: What’s Actually Under the Surface
Most people come to Teter Creek Lake WV for the trout. The WVDNR stocks it heavily with rainbow trout, usually starting in February and running through May. If you show up on a Saturday morning after a stocking truck has visited, expect company. The shoreline near the boat ramp gets crowded. But here’s a tip: bring a kayak. Since the lake has a "no motors" or "electric motors only" rule, you aren't fighting wake or noise. You can slip into the little coves where the fish hide from the pressure.
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It isn't just trout, though. The lake has a surprisingly healthy population of:
- Largemouth Bass: They aren't monsters, but they're feisty.
- Bluegill: Perfect for kids or just an easy afternoon.
- Channel Catfish: People pull some decent-sized cats out of the deeper spots near the dam.
- Tiger Muskie: They stock these occasionally to keep the stunted panfish populations in check. Catching one is a badge of honor because they are notoriously moody.
Local legends talk about "The One" that lives near the old timber under the water. Every lake has that story. At Teter Creek, it’s usually a muskie that allegedly snapped someone’s heavy-duty fluorocarbon like it was sewing thread. Whether that’s true or just "fisherman talk" doesn't really matter. The mystery makes the casting better.
A Quick Note on Regulations
You need a license. Period. The DNR officers do patrol this area, and they aren't fond of excuses. If you’re fishing for trout, make sure you have your trout stamp. Also, remember the electric motor rule. If you show up with a 150-horsepower outboard, you’re going to be disappointed when you realize you can’t drop it in the water.
Camping and Staying Overnight
If you’re looking for "glamping," keep driving. Teter Creek Lake WV offers primitive camping. This means you get a spot, a fire ring, and maybe a pit toilet if you’re lucky. No electric hookups. No Wi-Fi. No water refills for your RV. It is rustic.
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There are about 20 campsites scattered around. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During the peak of summer, they fill up fast, mostly with locals who have been camping in the same spot for thirty years. It’s the kind of place where people actually talk to their neighbors. You’ll smell woodsmoke and frying bacon at 7:00 AM. It’s nostalgic in a way that’s hard to find in 2026.
Wait. There is one thing you need to know about camping here. Bears. This is West Virginia. The Teter Creek Wildlife Management Area covers over 1,000 acres of rugged terrain. Black bears live here. They aren't usually aggressive, but they are opportunistic thieves. If you leave a bag of marshmallows on your picnic table, you’re inviting a 300-pound guest to your tent at midnight. Use bear-proof containers or hang your food. Don't be "that" tourist who ruins it for everyone else.
Why the "Wildlife Management Area" Part Matters
The lake is just the centerpiece. Surrounding it is the Teter Creek WMA. This is public hunting land. During the fall, the vibe shifts from fishing and splashing to serious hunting. If you’re hiking the trails around the lake in November, wear blaze orange. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s common sense.
The terrain is steep. We’re talking about typical Appalachian ridges that will make your calves scream. But the reward is the silence. Once you get a half-mile away from the water, the sounds of the boat ramp disappear. You’re left with the wind in the hardwoods and the occasional drumming of a ruffed grouse.
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The biodiversity here is actually pretty impressive. It’s a great spot for birdwatching if you’re into that. I’ve seen pileated woodpeckers—those giant ones that look like pterodactyls—tearing apart old stumps just yards from the camping area.
Common Misconceptions About Teter Creek Lake
Some people think it’s a swimming hole. While people do swim there, it isn't a "beach" destination. The bottom is silty. It’s muddy. You might step on a rock or a submerged branch. If you’re expecting white sand, you’re in the wrong state.
Another mistake? Thinking you can "do" the lake in twenty minutes. Sure, you can drive in, look at the water, and leave. But you’d be missing the point. The value of Teter Creek Lake WV isn't in its size or its "attractions." It’s in the way the fog sits on the water at 6:00 AM. It’s in the way the stars look when there’s zero light pollution from a nearby city.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're actually going to go, do it right. Don't just wing it.
- Check the stocking schedule. If you want fish, go to the WVDNR website and look up the Barbour County stocking dates. They are usually pretty spot-on.
- Pack for all weather. This is the mountains. It can be 75 degrees at noon and 40 degrees by 8:00 PM. The hollow traps cold air. Bring layers.
- Bring a physical map. I'm serious. Download an offline map on your phone or buy a paper one. When your phone says "Searching for Service," you’ll be glad you have it.
- Stop in Belington or Philippi for supplies. Once you're at the lake, the nearest gas station is a trek. Grab your ice, worms, and beer before you turn off the main road.
- Leave no trace. This sounds like a cliché, but it’s vital. Teter Creek is a small ecosystem. It can’t handle a bunch of trash being left behind. Pack out what you pack in.
Teter Creek Lake WV is a slice of the "Old West Virginia." It’s a place where time slows down because there isn't enough cell signal to speed it up. Whether you’re casting for rainbows or just sitting by a fire trying to remember what silence sounds like, it’s worth the winding drive. Just watch out for the bears and keep your expectations grounded in the reality of the woods.
To make the most of your trip, aim for a mid-week visit in late September. The weekend crowds are gone, the humidity has broken, and the lake is usually yours alone. Check your tires before you head out—those back roads aren't kind to low-tread rubber. Clear your schedule, leave the laptop at home, and just be there. It’s one of the few places left where "getting away from it all" isn't just a marketing slogan.