Camping near Summersville Lake

Summersville Lake in West Virginia has good camping options for all types of campers. Bear Mountain Campground works well for families with kids since it's close to the water and has kid-friendly facilities. New River National Park gives a different, more basic camping experience near the New River Gorge. Both areas are great for hiking trails, fishing spots, and getting out on the water. Spring and fall camping here is really nice with comfortable temperatures and colorful scenery. The campgrounds get crowded in summer months, so you'll want to reserve your site early. You'll find varying levels of facilities depending on which campground you choose, from simple setups to places with water hookups and restrooms. Some campgrounds around the lake close during certain seasons, so it's smart to call ahead and check what's open before you plan your trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Summersville Lake (118)

    1. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins

    16 Reviews
    Summersville Lake, WV
    2 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "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."

    2. Battle Run

    15 Reviews
    Keslers Cross Lanes, WV
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (304) 872-3459

    $24 - $40 / night

    "This campground is situated on gorgeous Summersville Lake!"

    "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."

    3. Rifrafters Campground

    29 Reviews
    Fayetteville, WV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 574-1065

    $15 - $44 / 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."

    "Some really great beer places close by as well. Nice a shady too. I’d like to go back and do some exploring around the area. Just be careful with what gps app you use."

    4. Chestnut Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lansing, WV
    14 miles
    Website

    $10 - $11 / night

    "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."

    5. Babcock State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Winona, WV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 438-3004

    $33 / night

    "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!"

    6. Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse

    8 Reviews
    Summersville Lake, WV
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 872-5975

    $40 - $56 / 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!"

    "Dave and Kim are great people, have a beautiful and well cared for campground very close to the Gauley River."

    7. Gauley Tailwaters Campground — Gauley River National Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Summersville Lake, WV
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "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."

    "I stayed in 3 of the free campgrounds around & this one was my favorite. There was a sink w running water in the bathrooms down by the dam."

    8. Rays Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hico, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 658-4386

    $9 - $34 / night

    "And about 30 mins south of summersville lake!"

    "Easy to find, sites are tucked into the woods with a lot of space, good shower rooms. We enjoyed it!"

    9. Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek

    9 Reviews
    Lansing, WV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 379-8738

    $7 - $69 / night

    "This spot was a short drive away from awesome rock climbing in the New River Gorge."

    "The white water rafting was incredible and the staff all around was FANTASTIC. The only downside would be the campsites (tent camping) being very close to one another."

    10. New River Campground

    14 Reviews
    Gauley Bridge, WV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 632-9821

    $30 - $40 / 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 118 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Summersville Lake

544 Reviews of 118 Summersville Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Summersville Lake

Camping near Summersville Lake, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: The area around Summersville Lake is perfect for hiking. Many campers enjoy the trails in the nearby New River Gorge National Park. One reviewer of Rifrafters Campground mentioned, "Rifrafters is a wonderful family-run campground that was the perfect location for us to explore New River Gorge NP and the surrounding area."
  • Water Activities: Summersville Lake is great for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. A visitor at Battle Run shared, "We parked our RV out on one of the campground fingers and had water on 3 sides of us. Swimming was available just adjacent to our side."
  • Sightseeing: Don't miss the historic sites and natural beauty in the region. A camper at Babcock State Park Campground noted, "The old Grist Mill area is definitely worth a visit to see an operational 19th-century grist mill."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Little Beaver State Park Campground stated, "The shower house has hot water and is very clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff who enhance the camping experience. A visitor at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins mentioned, "The staff was pretty nice and helpful. We even met the owner."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One reviewer of Chestnut Creek Campground said, "The sites were spacious and fairly isolated. Nice amount of woods around each site."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Grandview Sandbar Campground noted, "Pit toilets were relatively clean, but the dumpster in the parking lot was overflowing with trash."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for some rough roads leading to campgrounds. A visitor to Glade Creek Campground mentioned, "The roads are riddled with potholes. Careful in low-rise cars."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer at New River Campground shared, "The view from our full hookup campsite is hands down amazing!!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Babcock State Park Campground said, "There was a playground, group picnic area, tennis courts, and a plethora of other lodging options."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities for the kids. A camper at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins mentioned, "The beach was nice, we definitely enjoyed it."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids during outings. A visitor at Rifrafters Campground noted, "The campground was very peaceful and shaded."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Battle Run mentioned, "All sites seem to have 20/30/50 amp electrical options."
  • Reserve Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak season. A camper at New River Campground advised, "Make reservations early."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Chestnut Creek Campground said, "It’s very close to the park as well as Fayetteville in case you need any supplies."

Camping near Summersville Lake, West Virginia, has something for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Summersville Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Summersville Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Summersville Lake and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Summersville Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Summersville Lake is Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Summersville Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Summersville Lake.

What parks are near Summersville Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Summersville Lake that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.