k
kelly P.
Scout
ScoutThe Outpost at New River Gourge
Very nice
Great campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
Glamping near Summersville Lake, WV
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Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins and Rays Campground both offer upscale glamping options near Summersville Lake, with accommodations including spacious yurts and canvas tents equipped with comfortable bedding and electricity. These sites provide a blend of outdoor immersion and modern comforts, featuring private decks overlooking the lake and surrounding forest. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities and thoughtfully designed spaces for relaxing after a day of adventure. One guest shared, "The sites on the water are lovely. They are VERY open and not wooded, but you wake up to the most beautiful sunrises, and you go to sleep to the most gorgeous sunsets." Glamping accommodations include climate control options for year-round comfort, with some premium units offering kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms.
Activities abound at these glamping destinations with direct access to Summersville Lake's crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking, swimming, and boating. Rays Campground provides a more secluded, woodsy atmosphere while maintaining convenient amenities like hot showers and laundry facilities. A recent visitor mentioned, "This is my fiance and I's favorite spot. If you need amenities like a shower but like a private, primitive, woodsy feel this is the place." Both locations offer hiking trails through scenic terrain, with Mountain Lake featuring multiple playgrounds, mini-golf, and a dedicated beach area. The proximity to New River Gorge National Park makes these glamping sites ideal basecamps for exploring regional attractions, including world-class rock climbing and whitewater rafting opportunities. Most glamping accommodations are available from April through October, with some premium units requiring advance reservations.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Summersville Lake (23)
1. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins
"Mountain Lake Campground is a massive system of varied campsites (hammock sites to large full-hookups). This was our first trip here and since arriving we’ve been impressed."
"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."
2. Babcock State Park Campground
"Since we were traveling in the summer and brought our dogs along, we needed a spot where we could leave our doggos in a safe and air conditioned space while we explored."
"Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"
from $33 / night
Check Availability3. Rifrafters Campground
"It was quiet, with both shade and sun; it also had a wooden deck and nice picnic table. The back seems to be for small RVs and tents (we have a teardrop)."
"The campy was absolutely overrun with Scouts from all over the world, and the owners and staff managed the situation admirably!"
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability4. Rays Campground
"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."
"Very close to the New River Gorge National Park. Back in the woods with a 1/4 mile gravel drive to enter the campground. "
from $9 - $34 / night
Check Availability5. Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek
"The staff were accommodating of our late-night arrival. The cabins are heated, which kept us plenty warm in the middle of winter."
"What more can you want: campground, live music, beautiful patio bar, fire pit, volleyball court, awesome people."
from $7 - $69 / night
Check Availability6. The Outpost at New River Gourge
"They have a large community center w/ clean bathrooms, a large green area w/ fire pits and a ton of space for a dog to run around in."
"The regular tent sites that you can drive in to are a bit crowded, but there are more secluded walk-in tent sites."
7. Ace Adventure Resort
"The area and cabins looked very cozy and welcoming; however, I didn’t stay in one. We hiked and ran in the trail system on site. Beautiful vistas and great opportunities for many activities."
"We stayed in their tent camping site, and there were plenty fire pits and picnic tables, but it was a little unclear where the sites started and ended."
from $15 - $600 / night
Check Availability8. mountain lake campground
"The lake is gorgeous, great for kayaking or paddle boarding"
9. Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
"We came in and drove through the drive up sites, but there was no question once we saw the riverfront walk-in sites. Flat sanded area, riverfront with little beaches lining the river, and a bathroom."
"I heard from several people that the walk-in spots can get pretty rowdy with locals. The pull-in spots were fine. Picnic table, fire ring, grill, camping pad."
10. Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
"Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Spots are shaded. Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom."
"I’ve spent over 150 days camping and hiking in West Virginia n the past four years and keep finding new, wonderful places to enjoy."
Drive Time
- 39 min from Beckley, WV
- 1 hr 56 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 2 hrs 17 min from Parkersburg, WV
Recent Glamping Photos near Summersville Lake
50 Photos of 23 Summersville Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins
Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek
The Outpost at New River Gourge
Babcock State Park Campground
Rifrafters Campground
Grandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Elk River Hotel
GlampOut Resorts
Little Beaver State Park Campground
Riverside Campground — Watoga State ParkT
Snowshoe Valley CampingD
Glamping Reviews near Summersville Lake
265 Reviews of 23 Summersville Lake Campgrounds
kacee W.
TravelerHolly River State Park Campground
It's a beautiful, clean place with incredible staff
This 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.
- i
ilona S.Travelermountain lake campground
Beautiful
Huge campground. Well maintained. The lake is gorgeous, great for kayaking or paddle boarding
Hannah S.
RangerThe Outpost at New River Gourge
One of the best stays near New River!
This 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.
Stephen R.
GuideGrandview Sandbar Campground — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
By the river
Nice place to camp very relaxing.
- AAmy S.Traveler
Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Boondocking Spots
As 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.
- BBruce W.Guide
Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Well maintained and peaceful
This 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.
Matt R.ScoutRiverside Campground — Watoga State Park
Almost Heaven
Bathrooms 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.
Karissa R.ScoutArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Perfect camp spot
Perfect camp spot has a fire ring and table lots of trees around
Guide to Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake offers some of the most diverse camping terrain in West Virginia, with elevations ranging from 1,650 to 2,000 feet above sea level. The 2,700-acre lake sits at the base of Gauley River National Recreation Area, creating a cool microclimate that often stays 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands during summer months. Weather patterns can change rapidly in this Appalachian region, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Summersville Lake contains largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers direct lake access. "Trails were never nicely marked and well cleared. Good size spaces and distance between each camper," mentions Ronnie B., highlighting the easily accessible shoreline fishing spots.
Rock climbing access: The sandstone cliffs surrounding Summersville Lake provide over 60 established climbing routes. Rifrafters Campground serves as a convenient base. "Known by kayakers and rock climbers," notes Paul P., adding that they also offer "rustic cabin bunkhouses that are also reasonably priced."
Trail exploration: Over 30 miles of hiking paths surround the lake area. "Nice trails to forage and nearby Gristmill to top it all off. If we'd had the time, we would've stayed an extra night," reports SkywaystoHighways.com Y. from their stay at Babcock State Park.
What campers like
Yurt camping comfort: Yurt accommodations at Summersville Lake offer solid structures with real beds and electricity. Rays Campground provides yurt options that combine tent camping freedom with cabin comforts. "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," explains Tawney.
Lake swimming access: Clear, clean waters make Summersville Lake popular for swimming from late May through September. "The lake is amazing, clear and has so many visual gems that I highly suggest a visit," writes Carissa V. about her experience at Mountain Lake Campground, though she notes some maintenance issues with facilities.
Evening entertainment: Many campgrounds host weekend activities. "Live music on weekends throughout the summer included with your stay. Also, they have some ticketed events for live music," mentions Sean R. about The Outpost at New River Gorge, which offers both camping and glamping near Summersville Lake.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. "It rained the entire time I was there, yet I still enjoyed my stay. Campsite was clean and the other campers were quiet," notes Todd V. about his experience at Grandview Sandbar Campground.
Shower facilities vary: Campground bathroom quality differs significantly between locations. "Bathrooms are traditional but clean and functioning well," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Little Beaver State Park, while others mention more rustic facilities at primitive sites.
Reservation timing: For yurt camping at Summersville Lake, book 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends. "We booked cabin for group of 8 people, and room was pretty good enough for all of the members," shares Pranali P. about Adventures on the Gorge, though noting the group camping areas can fill quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. "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," shares Jessica H. about Mountain Lake.
Kid-friendly yurt camping: Yurts offer a compromise between tent camping and cabins. "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 Nick C. from Mountain Lake Campground.
Swimming safety: The lake has designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "Our first time camping with our four year old little boy! We only stayed two nights, but we had a great time. 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. The lake swimming was fun," shares Katie J.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "RV sites are not private but we had great neighbors and a great weekend. Bathhouses were very clean, firewood was delivered which made things easy. Be prepared to dry camp as there are no water hookups," advises Rachel S. about Adventures on the Gorge.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. "Most sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 with a 23 ft TT and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site," warns Adam and Suzanne B.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management, as sewer connections are limited. "Just a quick FYI, there is no camping in the winter. We stopped by for an overnight while enroute to Ohio... Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump," explains Charlie W. about Little Beaver State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Summersville Lake?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Summersville Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Summersville Lake is Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Summersville Lake?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Summersville Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 glamping camping locations near Summersville Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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