Burnsville Lake sits at an elevation of 825 feet in central West Virginia, with surrounding hills rising to 1,800 feet. The lake covers 968 acres with 31 miles of shoreline in Braxton County. Most camping areas near Burnsville Lake remain open from mid-April through October, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Fishing the lake: Burnsville Lake offers excellent bass and crappie fishing opportunities accessible from multiple shoreline spots. At Bulltown Campground, campers can fish directly from dedicated lake access areas near camping loops. "There's a boat ramp with fishing and swimming areas within the campground as well as a beach area and fishing about half mile away," notes reviewer Elaine L.
Historic site exploration: The Bulltown Historic Area features preserved Civil War battlefield sites and interpretive trails explaining the 1863 Battle of Bulltown. "There's a historical area that's really neat and a country store with things you may have forgotten - the ice cream and pizza are great too!" shares one visitor.
Mountain biking: Stonewall Resort State Park Campground provides multiple biking trails suitable for families and intermediate riders. "There are a half-dozen hiking trails, mostly easy to moderate difficulty, with a total of 16-miles to explore," explains Jennifer B. Many trails connect directly to camping areas.
Kayaking: The calm waters of Burnsville Lake make it ideal for paddling, with dedicated launch points near camping areas. "We took our kayaks we stayed right next to lake," reports camper Malena B., highlighting the easy water access from shoreline camping sites.
What campers like
Lake access sites: Waterfront camping options with direct lake access rank among the most popular sites. "We stayed at the waters edge this time. It was nice and quiet, close to the bath house, water fountain and playground," shares one Bulltown camper, highlighting the convenience of lakeside spots.
Shaded loops: Many campsites feature mature tree coverage providing natural shade during summer months. At Williams River Sites, camper Autumn B. recommends specific sites: "I always go to camp site #7 or #8 just a personal preference just like the rent but they are all equally amazing. Not to mention you're by the river with both of these sites so if you like to swim that's a plus."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Burnsville Lake, Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers fully-furnished yurt accommodations with modern amenities. "Mountain Lake Campground is a massive system of varied campsites (hammock sites to large full-hookups)," notes Christopher S., adding that "facilities are very clean and stocked, and the property has so many amenities."
Playgrounds for kids: Multiple family-focused campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup," shares Nick C. from Mountain Lake Campground.
What you should know
Burnsville elevation changes: The terrain around Burnsville Lake features significant elevation changes, affecting some campsites. At Flatwoods KOA, one camper notes: "Be ready to tow up steep hills throughout this park. You enter the park through a Chevrolet dealership lot and then check in at the Days Inn Hotel."
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds require water filtration systems for drinking water. One Flatwoods KOA visitor cautions: "Make sure you run the water lines to clear them out before hooking up. The water quality is very poor. We filled up a jug of water for travel day without the filters- when leaving and it was completely contaminated."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons and other wildlife are common at many campgrounds surrounding Burnsville Lake. One visitor at Bulltown Campground reports: "We saw deer and a skunk came up to our site twice." Proper food storage is essential at all camping areas.
Booking requirements: For yurt camping at Burnsville Lake and nearby options, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Christopher S. notes about Mountain Lake Campground: "This was our first trip here and since arriving we've been impressed. While sitting at our fire pit tonight, we booked a return trip in September."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: The dedicated swimming beach at Burnsville Lake provides a family-friendly environment with gentle slope entry points. "The beach was nice, we definitely enjoyed it," reports Fred J. from Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins. Another camper mentions "a beach area and fishing about half mile away" from the main camping loops.
Multiple playgrounds: Families with young children should consider sites near playground areas. "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site," shares Katie J. about her family's experience.
Bike-friendly terrain: Several camping loops feature flat, paved surfaces ideal for children learning to ride. "Good area for kids to ride bikes," mentions one Bulltown visitor. Another adds, "The site was beautiful and quiet with plenty of bike paths and water activities."
Rainy day options: During inclement weather, the nearby Flatwoods Factory Stores provide indoor activity options approximately 15 miles from Burnsville Lake. "We splurged for this KOA. We were pleasantly surprised it was quite empty," reports Samantha L., noting its convenience as a backup option during poor weather.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require leveling blocks. "Very unlevel spot. Not sure if they are all like this, but it's a big ugh," reports one RVer at Flatwoods KOA. When selecting sites, requesting information about levelness is recommended, especially for larger rigs.
Full hookup locations: For those requiring complete hookups, Tygart Lake State Park Campground offers limited but well-maintained options. "The campground has 36 sites, 10 with electric and 26 standard sites for RV or tent camping," explains Jennifer B. She adds that "the launch ramps and parking lot at Tygart Lake have been expanded recently, so there's easy access for boaters."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and WiFi availability vary significantly between campgrounds. At Flatwoods KOA, one camper reports: "Wifi is non existent! Tried connecting TV to it and connected with no internet. So, hotspotted my cell phone and showed an internet connection, but very slow."
Size restrictions: Large RVs face limitations at some campgrounds. "The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow," shares one camper at Stonewall Resort State Park. For yurt camping near Burnsville Lake as an alternative to RVs, several sites offer spacious yurt options with room for multiple guests and amenities comparable to basic RV hookups.
