131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping in Summersville, West Virginia centers around Summersville Lake, with campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds and cabin rentals. Campers searching for campgrounds near Summersville will find options spanning free riverside sites to full-hookup RV parks and lakefront cabins. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers diverse accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Battle Run Campground provides sites with electric hookups along the shoreline. The region also includes free primitive camping at Gauley Tailwaters Campground, located below Summersville Dam, appealing to budget-conscious campers looking to explore the area.
Most campgrounds in the Summersville area operate seasonally, with the main camping season running from April through October. Mountain Lake Campground operates from April 15 to October 31, while Battle Run is open from May 1 until Columbus Day. Several sites require reservations, especially during summer weekends when waterfront locations fill quickly. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few campgrounds like Summersville Lake Retreat remaining open year-round for RVs. Roads within campgrounds can present challenges, particularly for larger vehicles. "The road to area 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out. It should be paved, no exceptions for that hill," noted one visitor about Mountain Lake Campground.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the clear water and scenic shorelines of Summersville Lake. Campground amenities vary widely across the area, with some offering extensive facilities like playgrounds, mini-golf, swimming pools, and ice cream shops, while others provide only basic services. Several campers mention the spaciousness of sites at Mountain Lake Campground as a significant advantage. "Mountain Lake Campground is a large campground with four different main sections. All of the spaces that we saw seem to be quite spacious, and many of them are shaded at least in part," reported one reviewer. Gauley Tailwaters Campground, though primitive, earns praise for its free camping with basic amenities and riverside location. Many visitors note the convenient access to recreational activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing opportunities nearby.
"Best camp ground in Summersville lot of things you keep the kids occupied"
"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."
"Whether it's weekend camping with friends/ family or some where to crash after a long day on the lake/ river you won't regret staying in beautiful West Virginia."
"This campground is situated on gorgeous Summersville Lake!"
from $24 - $40 / night
Check Availability"On west side of Summersville lake, 18 free first come campsites, drive-in, level. Vault toilets, no water. Picnic tables, grill and fire ring. Access to free swimming across road at winter boat ramp."
"there are bathrooms and tap water, but no electrical or showers. you park right next to your tent. you can walk down to the gauley river. you may see many white water rafters here for this reason."
"I’m 42 yrs old and I’ve been camping at Summersville Lake since shortly after I was given birth too( no joke)! Therefore I’ve been camping at Summersville for my whole life!"
"Summersville is a pretty lake. Fayetteville is close & a really cute town. Bridge Day happens at a near bye bridge over the New River."
from $40 - $56 / night
Check Availability"The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."
"Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"
from $33 / night
Check Availability"A 3 mile drive to long point trailhead and only 20 minutes from the beautiful Summersville lake. The campground has a bathhouse and store but we didn’t use either so can’t comment on those amenities."
"Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It is a nice little campground near New river gorge bridge and Summersville lake. It is a heavily forest area with lots of sing birds. The owner was friendly."
"Great tent campground very near the New River gorge and close by Summerville Lake and the Gulley River. Multiple campsites in heavily forested area. Drive up to the sites."
from $10 - $11 / night
Check Availability"And about 30 mins south of summersville lake!"
"Easy to find, sites are tucked into the woods with a lot of space, good shower rooms. We enjoyed it!"
from $9 - $34 / night
Check Availability"This spot was a short drive away from awesome rock climbing in the New River Gorge."
"The white water rafting was incredible and the staff all around was FANTASTIC. The only downside would be the campsites (tent camping) being very close to one another."
from $7 - $69 / night
Check Availability"I told them I did not have these capabilities in my rig and they gave me sole access to the handicapped shower."
"The owner goes around the campground at 430p offering firewood for $5/bundle. The view from our full hookup campsite is hands down amazing!! We're situated directly on the New River in Gauley Bridge."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability
ScoutOn west side of Summersville lake, 18 free first come campsites, drive-in, level. Vault toilets, no water. Picnic tables, grill and fire ring. Access to free swimming across road at winter boat ramp. Sandy beach swimming down the road for $5. Lake is clear and warm.
ScoutOnly one campground on the east side of Summersville lake, run by private family. “Primitive “ sites have no paved area to park. Just picnic tables on the grass, close together, hilly, and no shade. $25-45/ night. Across the lake on the west side we stayed at Gauley Tailwaters cg, 18 drive-in sites, Army Corps of Engineers, Free. Access to swimming across the road at the winter boat ramp.
TravelerAs others have reported, the 11 sites here are well maintained and spaced apart nicely. The road in is narrow and has a lot of low hanging limbs, so no big rigs here. It’s quiet apart from the sounds of the river and the bugs. Generators are allowed except for between 10p-6a. Verizon has no service here. Half the sites get decent exposure to charge the solar, the other half are mostly shade. The protected river bottom meant no breeze for the 5 nights we were here, so it remained hot and buggy. But overall it’s a great spot away from the madness. Most of the spots got filled every night during the week at the end of August with a lot of daily turnover, so arrive early.
ScoutThis is a great campground with hostel vibes. There’s ample space and lots of amenities. The staff are very knowledgeable for daily activities if you’re not sure of what to do.
TravelerWe came late an did not get a campsite. So, being that we have a camper van, we stayed in the large on site parking area.
Very nice site. No cell service. Pit Toilets only. No water or electric. However, well maintained and great spot for our dog to enjoy.
We just needed a single night and this suited our needs well. It is a little out of the way just for a single night, but think of the adventure.
TravelerThis was a quaint place to reset. Relaxing!
We came late and all of the sites were occupied, but when you are in a camper van the large day use parking area was perfect!
Pit toilets are clean! Not that we used them. No hookups of any kind.
Short walk to the river and some well maintained picnic benches.
ScoutBathrooms clean and spacious enough. Campsites close enough to access what water, trash, and other needs with still allowing for some privacy. The front has laundry, ice, firewood and tends to most needs. Dark skies and deer wandering around make for a peaceful and nice experience overall.
ScoutPerfect camp spot has a fire ring and table lots of trees around
ScoutWe had a wonderful stay at Rifrafters! The campground is remarkably clean, well-organized, and has a truly welcoming, homey feel. The dog park is large, open, and was a great spot for our dogs to run around and burn off some energy.What really sets this place apart is the incredible owners. They are as friendly, accessible, and easygoing as they come. They guided us into our spot perfectly on the first attempt, constantly checked in to ensure we were comfortable, and even recommended a great local mechanic when our truck needed service. You can really tell they care about their guests. We will definitely be staying here again next time we're in the area!
Camping spots near Summersville, West Virginia offer more than just proximity to the lake. Located in the Appalachian Plateau region at elevations averaging 1,800 feet, the area experiences relatively mild summers with temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F. The surrounding Nicholas County terrain features both steep forested hillsides and flat plateaus, creating diverse camping experiences from riverside sites to mountain settings.
Hiking near the dam: Gauley Tailwaters Campground provides access to trails leading directly to the river. "This place provides an amazing view of the gauley river just below the dam! You can hike trails to the river, even to a beautiful swimming spot just below the dam and camping sites!" reports Ashley W.
Watersports beyond the lake: While Summersville Lake is well-known, the nearby New River offers different water experiences. At New River Campground, "You can fish right from your site" and it's "a great place for kayaks," according to Jim C. and Nikhil.
Climbing opportunities: The region features excellent rock climbing options. According to Ruby W. at Gauley Tailwaters Campground, the area is "Very close to Summersville Lake, where there is a lot of boating, deep water soloing, and hiking." Paul P. notes it's "Known by kayakers and rock climbers."
Historical exploration: Visit historical sites like the nearby grist mill. At Babcock State Park, "The beautiful gift shop was once a former park restaurant of a bygone era" and "three remaining gristmills from around the state were dismantled and rebuilt into one at the present location over 30 years ago," according to Dave V.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping at Gauley Tailwaters appeals to cost-conscious campers. Amber W. calls it the "Best free camping, HANDS DOWN" with "flat & comfortable sites" and notes it's "Close to any store you may need."
Riverside views: Many campers appreciate waterfront access. At New River Campground, Kenneth K. describes "Beautiful night along the New River! Waterfront tent site with access to clean, personal bathrooms/showers assigned to each site." Thomas H. adds, "The spots on the river are darn near in the river lol. It is really cool being that close to the river."
Wooded privacy: For those seeking seclusion, Rays Campground offers natural separation between sites. Tyler H. calls it a "Hidden Gem" with "large and secluded" sites, while tawney notes, "The tent area I stay in Is very spacious and often you cant see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house."
Swimming access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. Battle Run receives praise for its "large beach area" and "super clean" water. Jason Y. notes it has "several site right on the lake" and "a large beach area."
Reservation timing: The most popular waterfront sites fill extremely quickly. Jason Y. warns that Battle Run is "Very hard to get sites. Must be booked 6 months in advance." Plan accordingly, especially for summer weekends.
Road conditions: Some campground access roads present challenges. At Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins, Fred R. cautions, "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out." Similarly, at New River Campground, Chris S. notes, "The drive from Rt 19 to the campground is 8% grades both uphill and down, with twists, turns, and practical uturns with my 35ft."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality of facilities differs significantly between campgrounds. At Chestnut Creek Campground, Lisa K. describes "Nice bathhouse with good hot water and water pressure," while at Rifrafters Campground, Jaime H. found "The bathrooms weren't in any where close to great shape."
Weather considerations: The region can experience severe storms. Patience W. at Rifrafters Campground recommends being prepared: "We stopped in one night on our way back to Pennsylvania. We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so hospitable."
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas. At Mountain Lake Campground, Nick C. recommends 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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many local campgrounds offer nature encounters. At Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek, Fred R. mentions "friendly skunks visit every night. They keep the Raccoons away and didn't spray any one or any dogs." At Babcock State Park, Carissa V. suggests families "pack a lunch" as there are "Great areas for picnics."
Multiple activity options: Some sites offer extensive recreation beyond swimming. At Mountain Lake Campground, Fred J. reports, "This place is huge! There is so much to see and do" including "the mini golf was fun" and "the ice cream store was also satisfying."
Educational opportunities: The region provides learning experiences for children. Babcock State Park offers historical structures where "the beautiful gift shop was once a former park restaurant of a bygone era" according to Dave V., making it perfect for explaining local history to children.
Limited hookup options: Many sites lack full hookups. Thomas H. notes about New River Campground: "The sites are gravel, or at least the patio area is" and "I put my passenger side wheels just on the edge of the gravel patio so my entry steps wouldn't be in the mud and I was nearly level."
Site selection strategy: Look for specific locations within larger campgrounds. At Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse, Larry M. advises, "Up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34. There are about 8 nice sites out back with water and electricity."
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies significantly. At New River Campground, Sammii D. warns, "Verizon service is terrible. Perfect for the weekend getaway but not during work hours. AT&T is flawless though."
Seasonal maintenance differences: Some campgrounds have better upkeep depending on the season. Rachel S. at Adventures on the Gorge mentions, "Bathhouses were very clean, firewood was delivered which made things easy. Be prepared to dry camp as there are no water hookups."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Summersville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Summersville, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Summersville, WV and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Summersville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Summersville, WV is Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Summersville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Summersville, WV.
What parks are near Summersville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Summersville, WV that allow camping, notably Summersville Lake and Sutton Lake.
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