2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Several RV parks provide options for motorhomes and trailers near Summersville Lake. Battle Run Campground offers electric hookups with 30-amp service but no water or sewer connections at individual sites. Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse maintains 70 RV sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups, operating year-round with shower facilities available April through October. Summer Wind RV Park in Meadow Bridge features full hookup sites including 50-amp electrical service, operating seasonally from May through mid-October. Rifrafters Campground provides 40 sites with full hookups, including both 30-amp and 50-amp options. "RV sites are limited, but they're very nice. I wish they had water, and sewer would be an added bonus," noted one camper about their experience at a nearby park.
Mountain access requires careful navigation, as several campgrounds feature sloped gravel pads that can challenge larger motorhomes. According to one visitor, "The RV spots are closer together. Some spots have beautiful views of the lake or forest." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with T-Mobile reporting speeds of 56 Mbps download near Battle Run, while AT&T measured 26 Mbps. Most parks welcome pets, though Battle Run is an exception with a no-pets policy. Several campgrounds offer amenities like dump stations, trash service, and firewood sales. Seasonal availability affects certain locations, with Battle Run operating from May 1 through Columbus Day. During peak seasons, particularly around summer holidays and fall foliage viewing, advance reservations are strongly recommended as lakeside sites fill quickly.
"Army camp is nestled by the new river and has plenty of views of the mountains. None of us had cell phone reception, so if you’re looking for a tech free weekend then this is your spot."
"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."
"quiet! Recharge here! Full hook ups, dog friendly, very level gravel site with a stunning view of the pastures."
"We wanted to be near New River Gorge National Park and the interstate. Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. "
from $30 - $35 / night
"Very well lit with very modern water and electric hook ups. All slips have a fire pit, bar-b-que grill and picnic tables. Pavilions have great lighting and dimmers for a softer light. "
from $20 - $35 / night
"These are full hook up sites, very affordable and great proximity to the mid and lower areas of New River Gorge National Park. It’s definitely a no frills location."
"There has been a lot of nice upgrades to the grounds and facilities ad well as things to do at pipestem since my last review a few years ago. "
"We camped at Pipestem in a 37' travel trailer. We love this campground. Quiet, well spaced, nice roads for biking."
from $55 - $65 / 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!"
"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"
Available next weekend
from $40 - $56 / night
"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)."
"Very comfortable and quiet campground. Camp hosts (owners?) and staff are very friendly and helpful. Close to local towns for services."
from $15 - $50 / night
"Spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Amazingly helpful staff. Plus there is a bar!! What else could you ask for! We will definitely be staying here again."
"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)."
from $10 - $85 / night
"There is five drive-in sites and more walk-in sites on the edge of the camp. The drive-in sites filled and vacated several times throughout the weekend."
"In the New River Gorge National Park, you will not find the sprawling campgrounds found in many other national parks."
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutGreat campground, very nice, clean bath house. Park is easy to find
TravelerThis review is for the primitive boondockers like myself. It's a very established campground, full amenities, restaurant, gift shop, the works. I thought we would find a primitive campground with much more privacy based on the details and reviews of the grounds. The primitive camping spots are all in view of each other down a long stretch of dirt road. They're very clean and come with trash cans at each sight, which was nice. We were the only tent campers so it was enjoyable, but I don't know if I would have had the same experience if there were a lot of campers. I think that's a very important and left out detail about this location for the people who enjoy a more private environment. I'm still very happy with my stay, and the staff is absolutely WONDERFUL. They're all so kind and went out of their way to provide us with information when we had questions they didn't know the answer to, everyone who works there is a delight. 25$ 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.
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.
GuideNice place to camp very relaxing.
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.
Summersville Lake, at 2,800 acres with 60 miles of shoreline, offers dispersed camping options within the surrounding hills and valleys. The lake reaches depths of 327 feet with underwater remnants of the town of Gad still present. Tent campers can find free primitive sites at Army Camp, while RV campers have multiple hookup options at private facilities near the water.
River fishing access: Army Camp Campground provides shoreline fishing along the New River. "Plenty of room to hammock down by there. We were lucky and got one of the last spots, there's only 11. Fire rings with grill, and bench at each site," notes Rhys R. about the riverside setup at Army Camp.
Lighthouse viewing: Summersville Lake Retreat offers access to the only lighthouse in West Virginia. "The lighthouse who's moved here by the last owners and designed interiorly by local students, there is a person on staff and the area is password-controlled," explains Tracy B. about this unique Summersville Lake Retreat feature.
Mountain biking trails: Access multiple bike trails directly from Arrowhead Bike Farm. "Very nice place to camp. Spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Amazingly helpful staff. Plus there is a bar!!" says Tyler H. about the convenience of Arrowhead Bike Farm.
Historical exploration: Visit Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, located 5 minutes from Battle Run Campground. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free! Good amount of spiders and ants but didn't notice any mosquitoes in mid May," shares Rachel S. about the surrounding area.
Free waterfront camping: Army Camp offers no-cost sites near the river. "It's hard to beat a free campsite right on the river. Got lucky to find a site here after trying both Grandview Sandbar and Glade's Creek on the other side of the road," states Tucker B.
Rural pastoral views: Summer Wind RV Park provides elevated vistas overlooking farmland. "Amazingly beautiful! Relaxing! Quiet! Recharge here! Full hook ups, dog friendly, very level gravel site with a stunning view of the pastures," Kelly N. describes the setting at Summer Wind RV Park.
Wildlife sightings: Early risers often spot deer in the valley below Summer Wind. "Sit & watch deer in the valley most mornings. No on-site management, you have to txt for reservations," Randy G. reports about morning routines.
Farm animals on-site: Arrowhead Bike Farm includes resident goats as a unique feature. "They have an assortment of accessible bike trails, bike shop, AMAZING FOOD, spectacular local beers, GOAT PENS, camping, a pump track, and lots of cool things to do," Aspen H. explains about this multi-purpose facility.
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds use non-standard booking methods. "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. But there was plenty of room and everything worked out fine," shares Whistle P. about Rifrafters Campground.
Narrow access roads: Several campgrounds have challenging entry points. "It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper when a big grater and the park ranger came by," notes Kristi D.
Limited availability: Popular sites fill quickly, especially free locations. "Stayed here for a few nights with 3 other people. The road getting back to the site is a little sketch but worth the trip in. Just remember you have to make that trip all the way back out if you forget anything at the store," warns Corda B.
No drinking water: Many primitive sites require bringing your own water. "No drinking water, so bring your own. No hookups. The river is nearby, but none of the sites are on the river," Jean C. explains about Army Camp's facilities.
Playground access: Rifrafters offers play equipment for children. "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy. We would stay here again, especially for a weekend to see the area," Melissa O. mentions about family amenities at Rifrafters.
Water activities: Pipestem RV Park provides multiple water recreation options. "We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," Molly F. shares about Pipestem RV Park family activities.
Food options: Some campgrounds include on-site dining. "Their tacos are to die for and the staff is super friendly. I stay here every time I go to the New, almost entirely for the tacos," Corey M. mentions about Arrowhead Bike Farm.
Pet policies: Rules regarding animals vary significantly between facilities. "One clear benefit of the S/S…it doesn't possess or retain flavors…you get only what put in it," explains Dave V., noting that unlike some other campgrounds, Battle Run prohibits pets completely.
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to pad construction when selecting sites. "If you want easy level spots row c is best (which is where 50 amps are). Easy off and on the interstate and we fit fine driving 40' towing," advises Never Sitting S. about staying at Summer Wind RV Park.
Hookup varieties: Electricity options vary widely between campgrounds. "Mix of wonderful water and electric sites with ok full hookups. Beautiful river spots. The owner was wonderful. No laundry, showers or wifi. The price was $40 a night full hookups," John R. reports about Elk River Camp.
Door positioning: Consider your RV layout when booking. "We had a great time here. A very clean, peaceful, and enjoyable campground. The staff were amazing and will definitely be back soon! Our site worked out but if your entry door is at the back of the camper you could have troubles," Todd C. cautions about Summersville Lake Retreat.
Site spacing: Many RV parks Summersville Lake have variable site proximity. "The fact that they had reliable WiFi throughout the park was a huge bonus for a remote worker. The staff was friendly, helpful, and the restroom facilities were quite nice. They even delivered firewood right to my site!" shares Tucker B. about Rifrafters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Summersville Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Summersville Lake is Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with a 4.5-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Summersville Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 128 RV camping locations near Summersville Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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