Burnsville Lake campgrounds feature diverse terrain ranging from lakeside flats to elevated woodland settings at around 1,000 feet elevation. The regional climate produces abundant rainfall year-round with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s and winter lows near freezing. This mixed hardwood forest region experiences vibrant fall foliage from late September through mid-October, which significantly impacts campground availability.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At Elk River Camp and RV Park, visitors can enjoy direct river access for water activities. "The park is right on the beautiful Elk River where you can swim, float or kayak," notes a camper, with another mentioning the "beautiful river setting" that makes for peaceful paddling opportunities.
Historic exploration: The Civil War historic site adjacent to Burnsville Lake offers educational opportunities for history enthusiasts. One visitor at Holly River State Park notes: "This campground has plenty to offer for the whole family," mentioning that besides water recreation, "this park has lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, biking, fishing, and horseback riding."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated fishing access points with carp being a notable catch. A camper at Stonewall Resort State Park recommends: "I highly recommend going to the marine to feed the carp. It's definitely an experience." Many waterfront sites include boat mooring capabilities for anglers bringing their own vessels.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise across multiple rv parks near Burnsville Lake. At Camp Holly, one visitor reported: "The bathrooms are the cleanest and well kept camp bath houses I have ever seen," adding that the campground is "beautiful, tucked away in the mountains."
Water proximity: Many campers specifically seek waterfront sites for convenience and atmosphere. A visitor at Bulltown Camp described their experience: "I've gone to park twice this month, it's only 90 minutes from my house. Both times I got a spot on the lake…just 10-15 yards from the water. Clean, calm and refreshing from the heat wave we are having."
Ample recreation options: Beyond basic camping, larger rv parks at Burnsville Lake offer extensive recreation facilities. A visitor at Holly River State Park appreciated that "They have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and a pool for campers to enjoy. They also have cabins to rent if you are not feeling up to camping."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds around Burnsville Lake have limited or no cellular connectivity. At Eagle's Nest Campground, a camper mentioned: "The sites were level and easily accessible, no shade but that worked well for us using the Starlink," indicating the need for alternative communication options.
Seasonal considerations: Fall foliage brings increased crowds to Burnsville Lake campgrounds. A reviewer noted: "It was a beautiful place to camp in the month of October with the fall leaf colors reflected on the surface of the lake. I imagine it could be a bit of zoo during the peak summer months."
Hunting season impacts: Camping during hunting seasons requires safety precautions. A Bulltown Camp visitor advised: "Wear orange, or bright colors if you're hiking outside the 'safety zone' during WV's hunting season. The 2020 bow season runs from September 26th to December 31st. The buck firearm season runs from November 23rd to December 6th."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Stonewall Resort State Park Campground, facilities are "well-maintained" with "plenty of space and hookups for RVs," making it suitable for family outings with amenities like "boating, fishing, swimming, a Palmer golf course, disc golf and tennis."
Swimming options: Several rv parks near Burnsville Lake maintain dedicated swimming areas separate from fishing zones. Holly River State Park features "a pool for campers to enjoy" along with multiple recreational facilities making it suitable for families with varied interests and age groups.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers abundant wildlife sightings appropriate for children. A camper at Holly River State Park observed: "There was a lot of wildlife to enjoy as you go through the park: deer, Turkey," noting this added to their family's camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Several rv parks Burnsville Lake visitors note difficult approaches. At Elk River Camp and RV Park, one RVer cautioned about the "narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground," adding their "42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground."
Electrical considerations: Power quality varies significantly between campgrounds. One Stonewall Resort camper reported: "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time," suggesting RVers bring protection devices.
Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, certain sites offer better accommodation. At Flatwoods KOA, a visitor observed: "Lots of pull through sites for big rigs," and another noted they "have decent cellular for AT&T and TMobile/US Cellular. The campground also has WiFi for a fee."
