Burnsville Lake, a picturesque US Army Corps of Engineers park that boasts one of the central attractions in West Virginia, is a wonderful destination for refreshing and memorable getaways and RV vacations. Little wonder why the park attracts well over half a million visitors every year. Located southeast of Burnsville, along County Road 5/11, this lake park can be easily accessed by vacations and visitors coming in their cars, trailers, or RVs.
With lots of fun things to do, this COE park is a paradise for recreation lovers. Boating and other water-based recreation are prime activities for campers and visitors. The numerous fish species in the park also attract anglers and fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels. Hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders are also not left out of the fun. Wildlife watchers and game hunters take advantage of the wildlife management area to pursue their interests. Picnic lovers and swimmers also enjoy themselves to the fullest using the park’s modern amenities. Adventurous campers also visit Cedar Creek State Park and Holly River State Park for more exciting opportunities.
Tent and RV camping options are on offer at the park’s campgrounds, which are available by reservation and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Located southeast of Burnsville, along County Road 5/11, Burnsville Lake is an easily accessible COE park by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. Driving to the park is easy, and so is getting around the park as there are no driving restrictions. Vacationers who require RV equipment can get south of the park at Sutton.
Parking spaces are available for vacationers and visitors at the campgrounds and day use areas at Burnsville Lake to park RVs, trailers and cars. Overnight parking facilities are also available.
There are no direct public transportation services to Burnsville Lake.
Bulltown Campground is located near the headwaters of Burnsville Lake and features pet-friendly campsites open between April and November, but available by reservation between May and September. The campground sits beside the side of a Civil War battle, showcasing the historic significance of the area.
With 204 campsites available, this campground offers amenities such as showers, playgrounds, toilets, dump station, and a boat ramp. One hundred thirty-three campsites in the campground are equipped with full RV hookups, while the remaining campsites are electric only.
The RV length limit at this COE campground is 90 feet.
Riffle Run Campground features pet-friendly campsites open between April and November and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is a cool spot for hunting, boating, fishing and picnicking.
With 54 campsites available, this campground offers amenities such as showers, playgrounds, toilets, dump station, and potable water. 48 campsites in the campground are equipped with full RV hookups, while the remaining are primitive campsites.
The RV length limit at this COE campground is 40 feet.
Burnsville Lake is a haven for RV campers and visitors that enjoy boating adventures. Thanks to the availability of boat launch ramps at three different points by the lake – Riffle Run Day Use Area, Bulltown Camping Areas, and Bulltown Day Use Area - boating enthusiasts have the opportunity to kickstart their adventure anywhere they choose. Also, there is a marina at the park that offers supplies and boating services for campers with and without their watercraft.
Fishing is an exciting activity at Burnsville Lake and is one of the popular activities that visitors and vacationers enjoy at the park. This is because the lake is home to numerous fish species, giving anglers a wide variety of choices and opportunities to catch as many fish as possible.
Anglers of all skill levels find something within the park’s waters. You’ll find game fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, walleye, sunfish, and crappie. Catfish, trout, and muskellunge are also available. You'll require a West Virginia fishing license if you plan on angling.
There are several trails at Burnsville Lake available for campers and visitors to enjoy and explore. The trail system in the park adds up to 88 miles and offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Because of these diverse opportunities, this US Army COE park is a popular destination among trail users.
As campers hike the park’s trails, the extensive picturesque sceneries in the park come into full view. Also, cyclists are able to ride along the main roads in the park as well as around the campground areas.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then your visit to Burnsville Lake will be one to remember. Not only does the park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but it also presents campers and vacationers who fancy hunting the chance to go after game species within the park.
Some of the common wild game include turkey, white-tailed deer, squirrel, bear, and rabbits. An added incentive for hunters at this park is the Burnsville Wildlife Management Area that is open to vacations and visitors at Burnsville Lake.
Your trip to Burnsville Lake is not complete until you visit any of the picnic shelters present within the park and enjoy meals with family and/or friends. The six picnic shelters in the park are equipped with charcoal grills and potable water and some have electricity.
Flush toilets and playgrounds are available near all the picnic shelters, offering exciting recreational opportunities. Besides, there are lovely picnic spots distributed around the park for campers and visitors to enjoy meals alone.
Opportunities to swim are open to all who visit Burnsville Lake. Not only is there is a swimming beach at the park, but the beach is equipped with facilities and amenities such as change booths, restrooms, as well as outside showers for use by swimmers and visitors.
Because no lifeguards are provided at the beach, all who wish to take a dip in the water are advised to exercise caution and practice safe swimming. On the other hand, campers may just sit by the beach, relax, and just take in the sun.
