Camping near Burnsville Lake
Camping near Burnsville Lake, West Virginia includes several well-maintained campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The area features Bulltown Campground and Riffle Run Campground, both situated along the shores of Burnsville Lake in the Appalachian Mountains. These established campgrounds accommodate both RV and tent camping, with many sites offering water, electric, and sewer hookups. Bulltown Campground, located at the headwaters of Burnsville Lake and the Little Kanawha River, contains nearly 200 sites across multiple loops, with most outside loop sites positioned directly on the water with their own boat mooring posts. Riffle Run Campground, on the northern end of the lake beyond the dam, offers 60 sites nestled in a mountain valley, including five primitive sites designated for tent campers.
The camping season at Burnsville Lake generally runs from mid-April through late November, with peak visitation occurring during summer months. Reservations are highly recommended for weekend stays, particularly at Bulltown Campground which is extremely popular with RV campers. During the off-season (typically October through early April), some loops close and remaining sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis through self-service kiosks. Cell service is available at most Burnsville Lake campgrounds, which is relatively uncommon for West Virginia camping areas. Hunters should note that the area is popular during deer season, with bow season running from late September through December and firearm season from late November to early December.
Visitors to Burnsville Lake campgrounds can enjoy numerous recreational activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. The lake permits power boats, making it popular for water sports and fishing. Multiple playgrounds throughout the campgrounds make the area family-friendly. According to reviews, the grounds are "meticulously maintained" with "impeccably clean facilities." The nearby Bulltown Historic District offers additional interest for history enthusiasts, featuring Civil War battle sites where Confederate and Union soldiers fought to control a critical supply route. Hiking trails meander through the surrounding mountains, though some visitors note they are "not well-marked or often used in early Spring." Wildlife is abundant in the area, with campers frequently spotting deer, turkey, and various bird species.
