128 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Summersville Lake, West Virginia includes a mix of established campgrounds, RV parks, and primitive sites set against the backdrop of clear waters and forested mountains. Battle Run Campground, situated directly on the lake, provides waterfront camping with 114 sites including seven walk-in primitive options. Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse offers year-round RV camping with seasonal shower facilities from April through October. The lake itself spans approximately 2,700-3,000 acres with 60 miles of shoreline, making it the largest lake in West Virginia and a popular destination for water recreation.
Most campgrounds in the Summersville Lake area operate seasonally, typically from April or May through October or early November. Battle Run is open from May 1 to Columbus Day, while Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins operates from April 15 to October 31. Summer temperatures are generally warm, but campers should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms. According to reviews, "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts, but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt." Cell service is limited in many areas, particularly at more remote sites.
The camping experience varies significantly between locations around Summersville Lake. Waterfront sites at Battle Run are popular with boaters who can dock directly at their campsite, but they offer limited privacy and fill quickly during peak season. Visitors note that "this campground is mainly for RVs; tent camping here is not the best." For those seeking more seclusion, Gauley Tailwaters Campground in the Gauley River National Recreation Area offers free camping with basic amenities. Rays Campground, about 30 minutes south of the lake, provides "spacious tent areas where you can't see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house." The area is also known for excellent water recreation including scuba diving, as the lake is "one of the clearest lakes in the east."
"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."
"I used to love Mtn Lake because of their secluded primitive camping where deer often visit and provided a quiet place away from the busy RV sites, however they gave into demand and now have overrun the"
"This campground is situated on gorgeous Summersville Lake!"
"With that being said it is one of the only campgrounds that is actually on Summersville lake which makes it nice for easy access to the lake and cliffs."
from $24 - $40 / 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"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."
"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"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!"
"You check in in a fantastic little gift shop adjacent to the lighthouse The gift shop has everything from mugs to camping needs.. and a lovely selection of local wine (seasonally) The lighthouse who's"
from $40 - $56 / 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"Great campground adjacent to New River Gorge National Park. Within a short walk/bike to multiple biking and hiking trailheads. Close enough to bike into Fayetteville (a cool little town)."
"Good amenities plenty of space, and walking distance from some of the best views in the park!"
from $10 - $85 / night
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ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutGreat campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
TravelerThis review is for the primitive boondockers like myself. It's a very established campground, full amenities, restaurant, gift shop, the works. I thought we would find a primitive campground with much more privacy based on the details and reviews of the grounds. The primitive camping spots are all in view of each other down a long stretch of dirt road. They're very clean and come with trash cans at each sight, which was nice. We were the only tent campers so it was enjoyable, but I don't know if I would have had the same experience if there were a lot of campers. I think that's a very important and left out detail about this location for the people who enjoy a more private environment. I'm still very happy with my stay, and the staff is absolutely WONDERFUL. They're all so kind and went out of their way to provide us with information when we had questions they didn't know the answer to, everyone who works there is a delight. 25$ a night felt a little much to sleep in our tent, but the showers, clean bathrooms, and care put into the property made it worth it. Waterfalls nearby as well. I'd stay again.
TravelerHuge campground. Well maintained. The lake is gorgeous, great for kayaking or paddle boarding
ScoutThe website is dead and so is the phone number. No reservations possible.
GuideBeautiful area but not really campervan friendly. Great location and climbing areas. But vehicle sites are very level.
ScoutIf youre looking for away from people. Away from most people youll be. Well taken care of.
RangerThis campground provides an off the main road and in the woods experience. Tents have grassy spots and elevated platforms overlooking the area. There are several camper/RV spots along with cabins of various sizes. A calm creek runs through the property and within minutes of the New River National Park visitor center, downtown Fayetteville, and other adventure businesses.
TravelerEasy to get to, parking and bathrooms nearby, kayak access, 3+ mile trail access, cell service is reliable
Summersville Lake camping offers diverse options within the New River Gorge region at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet. Sites around the 2,700-acre lake range from primitive forest clearings to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and drop to 55-65°F at night, creating comfortable camping conditions even during peak season.
Cliff jumping and swimming spots: Several sites around Summersville Lake have designated areas for cliff jumping, with proper precautions needed. "Cliffs line much of the lake, which lends itself to daredevils plunging off into the water..but know what lies below. Because this is a man-made lake, they flooded it over the existing wooded areas…so when water levels are low, you could be impaling yourself. Locals know the best spots," notes a visitor to Battle Run.
Frisbee golf: Some campgrounds offer on-site recreation options beyond water activities. "They have a Frisbee/Disc Golf Course... Close to rivers, climbing and hiking activities," according to a review from Chestnut Creek Campground.
Visit local caves: Explore geological features near camping areas. "There is a gave located right above the campsites that's beautiful to view from outside! Unknown safety on air quality or safety do not prefer going in," shares a camper at Gauley Tailwaters Campground.
Spacious tent areas: Tent campers appreciate sites that offer privacy and room to spread out. "The tent area I stay in is very spacious and often you cant see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house, with regular toilets electric and more. If you need amenities like a shower but like a private, primitive, woodsy feel this is the place," explains a visitor to Rays Campground.
Multiple playground options: Families appreciate campgrounds with recreation options for children. "Sites are big, easily accessible, clean, and not too close to your neighbors. Decent showerhouses with hot water! Cute little store with ice cream, firewood, ice, knick knacks, and a few grocery items. Weekend activities for the kids, putt putt, a pool, several swingset/play areas," notes a camper at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins.
Free camping with amenities: Budget-conscious campers can find free options with basic facilities. "Whenever we go and rock climb at New River Gorge on a budget, we stay at this free site. They have CLEAN bathrooms, water hookups, showers, tables, fire rings, and grills," reports a visitor about Gauley Tailwaters Campground.
Limited cell service: Cell coverage varies widely between campgrounds and carriers. "I have Verizon and had 4 bars cellular signal and was showing LTE but it was incredibly slow if it worked at all," shares a visitor to New River Campground.
Camp store limitations: Supplies at campground stores can be limited. "The camp store was a bit of a letdown, a lot of knic knacks, and not many actual camping supplies," notes a Mountain Lake Campground visitor.
Seasonal shower availability: Some facilities operate on limited schedules. "Open Year Round and Showerhouse Open April thru October," states the information for Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse.
Lighthouse access: Unique features provide additional activities for children. "The lighthouse who's moved here by the last owners and designed interiorly by local students... there is a password-controlled area," explains a visitor to Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse.
Site selection for playground access: Select sites based on proximity to 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," recommends a Mountain Lake Campground camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy observing local wildlife at certain campgrounds. "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn! They had a mini golf course, a small pool, a jumping pad, and an ice cream shop in the general store," shares a Mountain Lake camper.
Limited sewer hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric and water but lack sewer connections. "No sewer hook up in the rv/trailer sides just water and electric. I felt as though if you stayed for more than a week they should offer a free one time honey wagon service," notes a camper at Mountain Lake Campground.
Uneven sites: Be prepared for leveling challenges at some campgrounds. "Most sites are not level at all," warns a visitor to Mountain Lake Campground.
Electric power reliability: Power limitations can affect comfort during summer months. "A/C power was an issue. 1 camper had 30 amp breaker blow 2 days in a row and my 50 amp ran A.C. units fan but didn't cool all day," shares another Mountain Lake Campground visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available at Summersville Lake in West Virginia?
Summersville Lake offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Battle Run is situated directly on the lake with both RV and tent sites, providing easy access to the water and cliffs. For those seeking a unique experience, Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse offers family-friendly camping with gorgeous lake views. Additional options include Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins with upper and lower lots, Chestnut Creek Campground near New River Gorge, and primitive sites at Summersville Lake Shelters. For whitewater enthusiasts, camping is available near Gauley River during release season. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when the lake's clear waters attract many visitors.
What are the camping fees at Summersville Lake State Park?
Camping fees at Summersville Lake vary by campground and amenity level. At Chestnut Creek Campground, which is near Summersville Lake and New River Gorge Bridge, rates are moderate with firewood available for purchase at the main office. For budget-conscious campers, Gauley Tailwaters Campground offers free camping with basic amenities including clean bathrooms and water hookups. Most developed campgrounds around Summersville Lake charge between $20-40 per night for standard sites, with premium waterfront locations or sites with full hookups commanding higher rates. Fees typically increase during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and on weekends. Most campgrounds accept advance reservations, which are highly recommended during summer months.
What amenities are available at Summersville Lake campgrounds?
Summersville Lake campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities to suit different camping preferences. Battle Run provides bathhouses with showers, dump facilities for RVs, picnic tables, and direct access to the clear waters of Summersville Lake. At Tawney Farm, campers will find more primitive amenities with proximity to Gauley River, making it popular among kayakers during whitewater season. Other campgrounds around the lake feature fire rings, grills, potable water, electric hookups, and clean restroom facilities. Some locations offer additional amenities like wooden decks, picnic shelters, boat launches, and swimming areas. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours after 10pm for a peaceful environment. Wi-Fi and cell service vary by location, with better connectivity at the more developed campgrounds than at primitive sites.
Are there designated tent camping areas at Summersville Lake?
Yes, Summersville Lake has several designated tent camping areas. Rays Campground offers spacious tent sites with a private, primitive feel while still providing access to amenities like showers and regular toilets. The tent area is well-spaced, often allowing campers privacy from neighbors except when traveling to facilities. At Rifrafters Campground, tent campers can find quiet sites in the back of the campground with both shade and sun exposure, some featuring wooden decks and picnic tables. While Battle Run is primarily designed for RVs, it does accommodate tents though not optimally. For a more rustic experience, primitive tent camping is available at several locations around the lake. Reservations are recommended for all sites, especially during summer months.
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