Summersville, West Virginia sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the Appalachian Mountains, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and cooler nights around 60°F. The region receives about 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests that surround multiple campgrounds. Camping options near Summersville Lake range from primitive tent sites to fully-equipped yurt accommodations, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from April through October due to the region's variable weather patterns.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: 30 minutes away: The New River Gorge offers class III-V rapids for experienced paddlers. At ACE Adventure Resort, "the surrounding mountains and valleys are absolutely beautiful. The New River Gorge Bridge is not too far and I highly recommend going there to see it."
Lakeside swimming: 15-minute drive: Summersville Lake features clear water with 60 miles of shoreline. "The camp store was a bit of a letdown, a lot of knick-knacks, and not many actual camping supplies. The beach was nice, we definitely enjoyed it," notes a visitor to Mountain Lake Campground.
Hiking trails: Various lengths: The Endless Wall Trail (2.4 mile loop) follows the New River Gorge with spectacular views. A camper at Rifrafters Campground shared: "We stopped here for one night as a stop for our trip home to NY from SC... This was our first trip with this camper and it was such a help after a day of driving in the rain."
Scenic photography: Year-round: Capture iconic shots at Babcock State Park's gristmill, where "three remaining gristmills from around the state were dismantled and rebuilt into one at the present location over 30 years ago."
What campers like
Secluded yurt camping: Private forest settings: For yurt camping in Summersville, West Virginia, Ray's Campground offers unique accommodations. "This is my favorite developed campground in the new river / gauley river area. Known by kayakers and rock climbers. It also has rustic cabin bunkhouses that are also reasonably priced."
Modern bathroom facilities: Recently renovated: Many campers appreciate the improved amenities. "The bathhouse was great and newly remodeled. Had a band and food trucks," mentioned a tent camper at The Outpost at New River Gorge.
Natural swimming options: No entry fees: Free river and lake access points provide alternatives to crowded beaches. "This is a tent camper's favorite spot. The tent area I stay in is very spacious and often you can't see any neighbors unless traveling to the shower house. If you need amenities like a shower but like a private, primitive, woodsy feel this is the place."
Quiet evenings: Limited light pollution: The remote location provides excellent stargazing opportunities. A visitor to Babcock State Park noted, "We camped at site 21, which was the middle of a loop and it was spacious and flat. It had another site next to it but it was further apart than other sites."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Limited availability: Most campgrounds close from November through mid-April. "The campground is very large with multiple nice playgrounds for children, hiking trails, frisbee golf, miniature golf, a beach lake access and other things I'm sure I'm not aware of."
Variable site conditions: Prepare for terrain: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring leveling blocks. A camper at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins observed: "Sites are big, easily accessible, clean, and not too close to your neighbors. Decent showerhouses with hot water!"
Limited services: Bring supplies: Grocery options are limited within 20 minutes of most campgrounds. "The facilities were clean and well maintained. Babcock State Park has access to trails, a scenic drive, grist mill, and souvenir store. WIFI is slow but there is a WiFi lounge at park store. No food store or restaurants nearby."
Weather considerations: Prepare for changes: Summersville experiences rapid weather shifts, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. "Most sites are not level at all, there is one single bath house for each level making some sites very far from a bathroom/shower."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request specific sites: Several campgrounds offer sites adjacent to play areas. At Adventures on the Gorge, "We took our family of 4 (kids ages 7 and 9) and had a blast. Something for all ages. People were all nice. RV sites are limited, but they're very nice."
Water activities: Life jackets required: Children under 12 must wear approved flotation devices on lakes and rivers. "The kids absolutely loved it all. The pool, views, food were all amazing. Again another old growth canopy for camping shade and friendly skunks visit every night."
Yurt camping with children: Space considerations: Standard yurts sleep 4-6 people, with some configurations better for families. One parent shared: "Our first time camping with our four year old little boy! We only stayed two nights, but we had a great time. Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus!"
Wildlife encounters: Educational opportunities: The area has abundant deer, birds, and small mammals visible from campsites. "Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn! They had a mini golf course, a small pool, a jumping pad, and an ice cream shop in the general store. Very quiet at night."
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Plan routes carefully: Several campgrounds have steep, narrow access roads. "We watched many RVs/trailers come and go. For the business the campground is doing I would expect better bath houses."
Hookup limitations: Water and electric common: Full hookups are limited in the Summersville area. "RV sites are not private but we had great neighbors and a great weekend. Bathhouses were very clean, firewood was delivered which made things easy. Be prepared to dry camp as there are no water hookups."
Leveling requirements: Bring adequate blocks: Many sites require significant leveling due to mountain terrain. "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out. It should be paved, no exceptions for that hill."
Seasonal considerations for large rigs: Spring mud can complicate access for heavy vehicles at some locations. "Limited large rig sites and roadways are very narrow."
