Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins accommodates pets across its diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping areas. The sprawling property features multiple camping sections with spacious sites, providing ample room for campers traveling with dogs. Gauley Tailwaters Campground also welcomes pets in its free primitive camping area situated along the river. Most campgrounds in the Summersville Lake region maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes and proper waste disposal. Campers report the campground staff as being pet-friendly and accommodating, though visitors should bring proof of rabies vaccination as some locations may request documentation upon check-in.
Hiking trails near the campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with access to both wooded paths and waterfront areas. The clear waters of Summersville Lake offer swimming opportunities where many campers bring their dogs to cool off during summer months. Pet owners camping at Mountain Lake appreciate the spacious sites that provide adequate room for pets to relax without disturbing neighboring campers. During peak summer periods, campers should be mindful of hot pavement and provide adequate shade and water for pets. Most bathroom facilities are regularly cleaned, making for a pleasant experience when walking dogs around the grounds. Wildlife encounters are possible, so keeping dogs leashed protects both local animals and pets.
"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"
"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
"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."
"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."
from $15 - $50 / night
"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
"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!"
"Very central location to everything. Super dog friendly, clean bathrooms, and everyone who works there were great. We loved our site plenty of space and were not on top of our neighbors."
Available this weekend
from $40 - $56 / night
"And about 30 mins south of summersville lake!"
"Friendly campground dog who likes to roam free and check on tenants. Stayed one night on 9/8/19. Campgrounds was dog friendly."
from $9 - $34 / night
"They keep the Raccoons away and didn't spray any one or any dogs."
"This spot was a short drive away from awesome rock climbing in the New River Gorge."
from $7 - $69 / night
"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
"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
ScoutI have known tbe owners for 30 years, great folks ,honest caring. We stayed from April 2026 through August 2026 while building our new place. Never any issues .Peaceful quiet setting, we made reservations, although we were a couple days the owners were glad to accommodate. We highly recommend staying here to anyone from tent to toy hauler they can cover your needs.
ScoutShady Rest RV Park — one night, Nov 7–8, 2026
We stayed one night in our 31.5-ft Class C and left early the next morning because we didn't feel safe — and we couldn't sleep.
Getting in was the first warning. The road in narrows to one lane for a long stretch, and it's muddy — I nearly got stuck, and the rig coming the other way nearly went over the drop-off. There's no office and no signs telling you where to check in. I called first and got voicemail; I emailed and it bounced. (The website even says the GPS coordinates are wrong, though our RV-safe navigation brought us right in.)
A kind older woman came out of the trailer at the top of the hill, calling for 'John.' John is the property manager — he's in the blue trailer at the front of the row, landscaping equipment by the porch. The woman is the owner; her husband recently passed away, and he was the one who ran everything. That's clearly why nothing gets answered. I feel for her — truly. But the place is in chaos.
The owner and John argue constantly, in public, and it turned physical more than once while we were there. She told us John would take care of us, then whispered that she's his foster mother and that he has an intellectual disability. She couldn't tell us the rates. Later John knocked on our door with a handwritten note: $50/night, $175/week. We considered the week — we didn't take it, and I'm glad.
This isn't an RV park anymore; it's a run-down trailer park with long-term residents, only about half the trailers occupied. Sites aren't marked — a man just waved us to a spot, and we had to move because it was 50-amp and we need 30-amp. The gravel sites are unlevel and ungroomed. The electric will make you glad you have a surge protector. The water is cold, the sewer is just a hole in the ground, and the 'bathrooms' are glorified outhouses. There's a horde of cats and kittens across the road, and the whole park is their litter box — our dog found every spot. Three trailers I walked past were empty and falling apart. The one next to us had been sitting so long the grass had grown over its sewer hose.
We left at 9 AM after spending half an hour looking for someone to pay. When we finally found John and handed him the $50, the owner stormed out of her trailer demanding to know if we'd paid him, how much, and why — she's the owner, after all. Then she tackled him to get the $50 from him. It was awful to watch.
I have nothing against mom-and-pop campgrounds. But this place is disorganized, unkempt, and — with the constant public fighting — we did not feel safe there, not leaving our dog, and not leaving our whole life in the rig while we went to see the New River Gorge. (Yes, it pained me to skip the Gorge.) The whole time, I swear I could hear the Deliverance banjo.
I don't recommend it. The value just isn't there at $50 a night. It's an old park in a great location that is way past its heyday — and until someone is actually running it, it's not a resting place for RVers.
GuideVery nice camping and mill near by
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutGreat campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
TravelerThis review is for the primitive boondockers like myself. It's a very established campground, full amenities, restaurant, gift shop, the works. I thought we would find a primitive campground with much more privacy based on the details and reviews of the grounds. The primitive camping spots are all in view of each other down a long stretch of dirt road. They're very clean and come with trash cans at each sight, which was nice. We were the only tent campers so it was enjoyable, but I don't know if I would have had the same experience if there were a lot of campers. I think that's a very important and left out detail about this location for the people who enjoy a more private environment. I'm still very happy with my stay, and the staff is absolutely WONDERFUL. They're all so kind and went out of their way to provide us with information when we had questions they didn't know the answer to, everyone who works there is a delight. 25$ 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.
Summersville Lake offers 60 miles of shoreline at an elevation of 1,652 feet, with camping options scattered throughout the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping season from May to September. The lake's clear waters maintain visibility up to 20-25 feet, making it popular for both fishing and water recreation activities.
Water access adventures: Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers excellent lake access where "the lake is amazing, clear and has so many visual gems that I highly suggest a visit," according to Carissa V. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and paddling directly from the campground.
Hiking exploration: Babcock State Park Campground provides "gorgeous area, beautiful trails" with "over 20 miles of trails total," as noted by Brittany M. and Dave V. The trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging mountain terrain with elevation changes.
Riverside camping: Fishing enthusiasts appreciate New River Campground where "you can fish right from your site" and the spots are "right on the river" with some sites being "darn near in the river," according to Jim C. and Thomas H. Anglers catch bass, catfish, and panfish directly from campsite shorelines.
Clean facilities: Campers at Chestnut Creek Campground appreciate the "bathhouse with good hot water and water pressure" and that it's "very well kept, nice owner," according to Lisa K. and jetlennit. The campground maintains regular cleaning schedules for all facilities.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers value that Gauley Tailwaters Campground is "simple, free, next to the dam" with "CLEAN bathrooms, water hookups, tables, fire rings, and grills," as Josh M. and Ruby W. report. This saves $25-50 per night compared to paid campgrounds in the area.
Friendly management: Multiple campers note the personal attention from owners, with one visitor at Ray's Campground reporting "friendly owner" and that they "even met the owner" who was "nice to talk to," demonstrating the personalized camping experience available at smaller campgrounds.
Weather considerations: Summer storms can appear quickly. One camper at Rays Place Campground noted they "had a great couple days with rain at times" but were still able to enjoy hiking nearby trails. Rain gear and proper tent setup are essential during summer months.
Train noise: Campgrounds near the river often have railroad tracks nearby. At New River Campground, "the railroad is right across the river, so pretty nice to watch but at night it can be a little loud if you need silence to sleep," according to Tiffany D.
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. One camper reported "Verizon service is terrible" while "AT&T is flawless" at their campsite. Another noted "I had great cell service" with their provider. Consider your connectivity needs when selecting a campground.
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas at Mountain Lake Campground where "our 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," as Katie J. mentioned. This allows parents to relax while keeping an eye on children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families enjoy the natural animal sightings with one camper noting, "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" Children can learn about local wildlife through observation at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Interactive farm elements: Arrowhead Bike Farm offers unique family experiences with "GOAT PENS" where the goats "are very loving" according to Aspen H. Kids enjoy feeding and interacting with farm animals between other activities.
Site selection awareness: RVers should check site conditions before booking. At Rifrafters Campground, visitors recommend to "find the good spots" as "up front is a regular campground but we are in the back, secluded and peaceful. Site 34." Some campgrounds have significant quality differences between sites.
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. One RVer noted "most sites are not level at all" while another mentioned "my camper isn't very big so I put my passenger side wheels just on the edge of the gravel patio... and I was nearly level." Bring additional leveling blocks.
Power considerations: RVers experienced occasional electrical issues with one noting "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." Consider bringing a surge protector and having generator backup during peak summer usage periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Summersville Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly 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 dog-friendly camping near Summersville Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Summersville Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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