Best Tent Camping near Summersville Lake

This campground is mainly for RVs, tent camping here is not the best. 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. It is also a super popular campground so reserve ahead of time to make sure you’re guaranteed a spot at one of the 110 campsites. They also have seven walk-in primitive camping sites that are nice but still fill up quickly on weekends. They have a bath house with flush toilets, water spigots, laundry, and a dumping station. Because this is on the lake you can dock your boat at their own docks right off of your site- which is also convenient.

While the lake does allow power boating, kayaks and paddle boarding are still very popular as this is an immense 2790-acre lake. It is one of the clearest lakes in the east, so scuba diving is also very popular here. Rock climbing is also a great use of these cliffs that surround the lake as well as cliff jumping, this is at your own risk as there are large rocks/boulders in the water below. However, you will notice most locals know where the best swimming and jumping are. Overall, great place to come and explore.

Battle Run Campground at Summersville Lake, WV (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/battle-run/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73075 ) offers a unique camping experience. Of the 114 campsites available, a large percentage are waterfront, which is what most that camp here desire. In fact, most campers will have their powerboats moored at their site. Claims of the acreage of Summersville Lake vary between 2700-3000 acres, but most agree on around 60 miles of shoreline, making this the largest lake in WV. Summerville Lake is man-made, built in the early 1960's…but it is clean, clear and deep!

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.

For obvious reasons, this is boater heaven…and Battle Run Campground is always packed. Want to go…reserve your site 6 months in advance or better. There are also 7 walk-in tent sites along the shoreline. Just know, there is little privacy. Also take note: No Pets! Scuba divers love this lake, as it goes as deep as 327 feet…and there are the remnants of the town Gad at the Lake's bottom that once called this area home.

Battle Run Campground basically looks like the outline of an oak leaf, with a series of half loops lined with camp sites. While sites are electric, water is centrally located as is the two showerhouse/restroom facilities. Basketball and volleyball courts are in the center of the campground, as is a horseshoe pit…and kids activity area. The campground beach and boat ramp are located down the road.

Several marina's in the area offer various boat rentals and boat ramp fees. Battle Run Boat Ramp Day Use fees are minimal at a few bucks. Local dive shops also have scuba rentals.

Summerville Lake Dam feeds the Gauley River, so if whitewater rafting is your thing, you've come to the right spot. Spring and Fall releases brings the wildest rides, but the Gauley has Class V rapids all year. Having done the Gauley at both Spring and Fall, both are fast and fun!

If you are looking for quiet, wooded solitude…its right around the corner. So if you camp at Battle Run, don't despair…Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park (https://wvstateparks.com/park/carnifex-ferry-battlefield-state-park/)) is about 5 minutes away, where the trails offer that solitude and great views…surrounded by history. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield was a pivotal Civil War victory for the Union, turning the Confederate Army from the Virginias. Cool stuff! Numerous other trails dot this area too.

Definitely visit the Custard Stand on your way too and from Rt.19…you'll thank me later.

This Army Corps of Engineers campground provides a larger number of RV and tent sites with electic near a lake. There are also a few walk-in tent sites that offer wooded seclusion. I was here in April, so this was not yet open and the lake level was still low (the Gauley Tailwaters campground offered a primitive alternative.

Sites are grassy with gravel, generally level parking pads, some shade, a large playground. Boat ramp available. Popular spot, so make reservations early. 

The New River Gorge National Park is nearby with a number of hiking, fishing, and rafting opportunities, but there is plenty to keep you occupied here.