Summersville Lake sits at 1,650 feet elevation in Nicholas County, surrounded by mixed hardwood forests typical of the Appalachian Plateau. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with cooler nights, while rainfall occurs regularly even in summer months. Most horse campgrounds near Summersville Lake require advance reservations during peak season when facilities fill quickly.
What to do
Trail riding with guides: River Expeditions Campsites offers guided horseback tours through nearby forest. "This clean and spacious campground lends itself to white water rafting enthusiasts, offering various guided trips down the New and Gauley rivers. The campground has its own hiking/biking trails and zip line canopy tours. It also offers horseback riding and ATV tours," notes Kelly M.
Multi-day equestrian treks: The Greenbrier River Trail stretches 78 miles with multiple access points for overnight horse camping. "Traveling the Greenbrier River Trail allows the traveler to be sent back in time...passing through old Railroad towns, seeing old Railroad buildings, water towers offers a glimpse backwards," explains Dave V. from his stay at Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 28.5 Primitive Campsite.
Fishing excursions: Local rivers provide excellent fishing opportunities. "If your looking for a weekend getaway or a week long rest. Look no farther. The fishing here is the best around with beautiful waterfalls like big ruff and the ducks are so colorful like no other," writes Jamie H. about nearby Cranberry River Sites.
What campers like
Small bathhouses with hot showers: Most equestrian facilities offer basic shower facilities after a day on the trails. "Primitive tent camping with spacious sites, RV and cabins too; friendly staff, small bathhouse and small gift shop; cute and earthy pub and grill with live music; offer rafting adventures and horseback riding," explains Kelly M. about her stay at New & Gauley River Adventures.
Riverside accommodations: Many sites position campers directly along waterways. "The Holly River runs clear through the Park, right beside a good many of the of the sites and hanging a hammock and listening to the water, can't be beat!" writes Suzy J. about Holly River State Park Campground.
Diverse camping options: From rustic to developed sites with various amenities. "Beautiful RV Park. Wonderful sites for parking your RV. Very well lit with very modern water and electric hook ups. All slips have a fire pit, bar-b-que grill and picnic tables," describes Katrina B. about Elk River Camp and RV Park.
What you should know
Water access challenges: Swimming spots may have difficult entry points. "The reason for the warning is that if you visit Campbell falls, BEWARE it is extremely slippery. The brown algae makes it very slick and no shoe will handle it. There's no real entrance to the water to swim," cautions Rachel L. about Camp Creek State Park Campground.
Weather considerations: The area receives regular rainfall even in summer. "Every morning and every night it rained which made it difficult to swim and fish. The park workers said this is common year round," mentions Elaine L. about Holly River State Park.
Horse health documentation: Current Coggins tests and health certificates are required at all equestrian facilities in the region. CB Ranch provides dedicated spaces for horses, with "lots of local attractions from State parks, Greenbrier rails to tails (77 miles long), Greenbrier river (Kayaking) and a couple caves to explore," according to cheryl B.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Find safe river access points for family water activities. "The River offers both stocked trout fishing along with wild trout tribs in a few places. You can pretty much camp where ever you'd like and there are also Adirondack style shelters in various spots along the trail," shares Mike F. about the Cranberry River area.
Wildlife watching: Keep food secured in bear country. "It is what you make of it. Middle of no-where. There are bears," cautions Joseph K. succinctly about Cranberry River Sites.
Shelter options: Adirondack shelters at primitive sites provide protection during rain. "The Dale McCutcheon Shelter was so clean and comfortable, it's hard to call this primitive camping," describes Dave V. about his stay at Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5 Primitive Campsite.
Tips from RVers
Uneven pads: Many sites have sloping gravel pads. "The sites are a little tight if you have a bigger camper. We have a R-Pod so the site was perfect for us. We stayed in a site that backed up to the mountain which added some privacy when other campers came in towards the end of our stay," advises Cassia M. about Holly River State Park.
No cell service: Prepare for limited connectivity. "No cell service at all for Verizon service, so a nice place to disconnect," adds Cassia M.
Bathroom facilities vary: Some equestrian campgrounds have limited facilities. "Mix of wonderful water and electric sites with ok full hookups. Beautiful river spots. The owner was wonderful. No laundry, showers or wifi," notes John R. about Elk River Camp and RV Park.
Traveler
