Visit Berkeley Springs State Park

Exploring Berkeley Springs State Park

Berkeley Springs State Park is one of the smaller state parks in West Virginia and at a quick glance may seem unremarkable.  On the surface, it appears more like a typical city park with a few walking trails and a public pool. However, if you take a closer look, Berkeley Springs has several unique features that will make this stop worth your time. You can book a spa experience, treat yourself to a heated mineral bath- Old Roman Spa style, visit a museum, see George Washington’s bathtub, swim, or relax in the park.   

What to Expect

Berkeley Springs State Park is open for day use only and is technically dog-friendly. You can bring your dog in the main front section of the park where most of the paths, benches, and tables are, but dogs are not allowed past the public pool area. There is metered parking on the streets around the park and a small parking lot for people that will be using the bathhouse services.

Lodging Near Berkeley Springs State Park

There is no camping allowed inside this park, but you are able to camp at Cacapon Resort State Park which is only about a 20-minute drive down the road.  

For non-campers, there are several hotels available nearby. The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs is right next to the park, or you can stay at the SureStay Plus Hotel which is also located in the town. Both are pet friendly.  You can also use our booking.com link below to find the best fit for your needs.

Where to Eat in Berkeley Springs

If you get hungry, there are snacks available for purchase in the public pool area of the park or you can take your pick from several restaurants all within walking distance. On our last trip, my husband and I both ate at the Beehive Cafe, a vegan restaurant that also gives back to the community in multiple ways for anyone that needs a little extra help. They serve a variety of tasty vegan foods and drinks. We both loved our order of burgers, pulled ‘pork’ sandwich, and scones we purchased to snack on later that day.

Things to do in Berkeley Springs State Park

Berkeley Springs Park has a wide array of activities to choose from.  You can swim in a chlorinated pool, wade in the natural springs, see a piece of presidential history, visit a museum, or have a spa day. After a quick stop here with my friend and one of my dogs, I quickly decided to come back with my husband so we could treat ourselves to an Old Roman bath.

George Washington’s Bathtub

Towards the back of Berkeley Springs is where you will find George Washington’s Bathtub. This small stone tub is where President Washington is said to have bathed when he visited Berkeley Springs. You can go right up to the tub and even dip your hand in it. I was amazed at how small it was! Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in this area of the park.

Swimming in Berkeley Springs State Park

For a small fee, you can have fun swimming in the public pool inside the park. The pool is chlorinated due to federal regulations, but the water used is from the springs. It is generally open from 12 pm- 5 pm every day except Tuesdays from Memorial to Labor Day.

If you don’t want to pay to swim, you can wade for free in the natural mineral waters towards the back of the park near George Washington’s tub. This is also a fun place to spot minnows and crayfish if it’s not too busy. Bring sandals and enjoy soaking your feet and watching the kids play in the shallow waters.

Walk and Relax at Berkeley Springs State Park

Take a stroll and relax on the benches. There are several walking paths that wind their way throughout the park. This is a great place to take a break, eat, read a book, or enjoy the scenery. There are public restrooms available near the pools that open seasonally. Dogs are allowed in this front area of the park but are not allowed past the bathroom area.

Museum of Berkeley Springs

The Museum of Berkeley Springs is located on the 2nd floor of the Old Roman Bath House near the public water pump. It also doubles as the interpretive center for the Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway. Inside you will learn more about the history of the springs and our first President, George Washington. The museum is free to enter but is typically only open on the weekends. Check the website to confirm the hours before you go as the museum does depend on the availability of volunteers.

Berkeley Springs State Park Bathhouse Spa

There are two spa buildings onsite: the Main Bathhouse and the Old Roman Bathhouse. This is where you can get all sorts of massages, book a sauna, or even a cupping treatment. You can also purchase a mineral or whirlpool bath.

The Old Roman Bathhouse is where the Roman baths are located. Massages are charged in 30/60/90-minute increments and they offer different packages depending on what services you are looking for. You do need to call and book your reservations ahead of time.

Old Roman Bath

If you book a Roman bath, be forewarned that it is a no-frills experience but it does allow you to soak in heated mineral water from the local springs.

Your bath experience is in a private room that comes with a bench, the ‘tub’, and drinking water. You do have the ability to lower the bath temperature if it is too hot for you by adding cold water to it. You can also change into your swimsuit before your heated mineral bath, but clothes are not required.

Roman baths are booked by the half-hour with one adult costing $27 and each additional adult $17. There is discounted pricing for seniors and kids. This makes it a great budget-friendly way to treat yourself on your vacation.

My husband and I booked 30 minutes which ended up being the perfect amount of time for us. I think an hour would have been too much with how hot the bathwater was.

At the main desk, you can purchase empty bottles to fill up with the free mineral water available outside at the pump so you can have fresh spring water to drink later on. You can also fill up your own bottles if you already have some on hand.

Nearby Attractions to Berkeley Springs State Park

Once you are done with the park, or if you are waiting for your spa experience take some time to explore the historic town of Berkeley Springs. The downtown area is full of fun shops and restaurants for you to walk around and enjoy. You can also book a spa experience outside of the park if you are looking for a more luxurious experience. 

If you are looking for more adventures near Berkeley Springs, the town is located near Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.  and the park itself is a part of the Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway.

• Cacapon State Park is just down the street and has a ton of trails, campgrounds, and a lake.
• Flight 93 National Memorial is in Pennsylvania where you can learn more about the bravery of the passengers that overtook the terrorists on board during 9/11.
• Hershey Park in Pennsylvania is a fun excursion if you are looking for a light-hearted fun time surrounded by chocolate.
• Harpers Ferry National Park is only an hour away where you can visit museums and other historical sites, go hiking, biking, and even rock climbing!
• Monongahela National Forest is another fantastic park nearby filled with numerous unique landscapes including the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area and Seneca Rocks.

Why You Should Visit Berkeley Springs State Park

Berkeley Springs State Park is a wonderful place to take a moment to relax and spoil yourself during your vacation. Book some time at the park’s spa or at one of the other spa experiences in town. Spend some time shopping and eating in the local shops and restaurants. Admire some fantastic local history in the museum or while walking the paths in the park. Personally, I was prepared for this stop to be a quick one but was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience so much that I visited twice!

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