Summersville Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Hosting the second-largest rock-fill dam in the eastern US, Summersville Lake is a scenic location known for its magnificent cliffs and quiet coves set along 60 miles of shoreline. It offers a paradise for RV vacations and recreational getaways. Located about three miles northwest of Mt. Nebo, West Virginia, off US Highway 129, this US Army COE park is easy to access by RVs, trailers, and cars.
Recreational opportunities at the park include boating, kayaking, and paddling; fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, and smallmouth bass; hunting for game and viewing wildlife within the management area in the park. Hiking trails, as well as bicycling paths and mountain biking opportunities, are also present. A swimming beach with spots for picnics is offered on the shore of the lake. Additional recreation opportunities are available at Babcock State Park and Carnifex Ferry State Park. An equally amazing place to visit is Gauley River National Recreation Area.
RV and tent camping options are available at Summersville Lake for vacationers’ use. Amenities within the campground include showers, flush toilets, potable water, dump station, and laundry facilities. Electric hookups are also available.
RV Rentals in Summersville Lake
Transportation
Driving
Located just off US Highway 19, south of Summersville, West Virginia, Summersville Lake is an easy-to-access US Army COE park that vacationers and visitors can drive to in their RVs, trailers, or any other motorized vehicle without hassle. Roads are generally broad and well-maintained. You shouldn't have much trouble with your journey to the park, since there are no low bridges you need to watch out for.
RV and trailer equipment are available at the nearby Babcock State Park.
Parking
Parking spaces are available for vacationers and visitors at and around Summersville Lake for RVs, trailers and cars at the campground and recreation areas. Overnight parking facilities are also available.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public transportation services to Summersville Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Summersville Lake
Campsites in Summersville Lake
Reservations camping
Battle Run Campground
Battle Run Campground is a pet-friendly campground that accommodates tents and RVs at Summersville Lake. The campground is open between May and October, but available by reservation between mid-May and September. Located on the shore of the lake, this campground offers opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing.
Featuring 110 campsites for RVs/trailers, and seven tent-only campsites, vacationers will be able to make use of amenities such as showers, flush toilets, potable water, dump station, and laundry facilities at this campground. Electric hookups are available within the RV campsites.
The RV length limit at the campground is 90 feet.
Seasonal activities in Summersville Lake
In-Season
Boating
Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are always popular activities in Summersville Lake COE. There are three areas in the park- Battle Run, Salmon Run, and Long Point - where launch ramps are available for these vessels so that vacationers can kickstart their boating pursuits. RV campers can choose which of the areas to begin their adventure.
Additionally, a winter boat launch access is offered at the Damsite Picnic Area and Salmon Run. There is no boat speed restriction on the lake. However, safe boating is encouraged.
Fishing
Summersville Lake provides amazing angling opportunities for RV campers and visitors who fancy fishing while on vacation. This is due to the fact there are abundant rainbow trout, largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, and smallmouth bass within the park’s waters.
In addition to these fish species, trout is also periodically stocked in the tailwaters of the dam by the State of West Virginia. Fishing regulations in effect within the park are those laid out by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.
Trails
Hikers and bikers enjoy wonderful experiences at Summersville Lake COE due to the opportunities that are available along the park’s trails and roads, as well as the campground areas.
RV campers and visitors can hike on trails located at Battle Run, Salmon Run and Long Point areas in the park. Moreover, vacationers can ride their bicycles on the main roads within the park, thereby exploring the full extent of the park. Meanwhile, mountain bikers are not left out of the adventures too.
Off-Season
Hunting
Hunting opportunities abound at Summersville Lake for those who possess the required licenses and enjoy the thrill. Thanks to the presence of game within the park, as well the wildlife management area jointly overseen by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and the US Army Corps of Engineers, visitors can pursue their hunting interests at the park and not have to worry about how their activities will affect wildlife present within the area. Game species include black bear, deer, grouse, and turkey.
Swimming
There is a swimming beach available at Summersville Lake, where guests and campers at the park can enjoy refreshing swims. This beach is located at the Battle Run Area and features several amenities for use by campers.
If you don’t fancy a swim, you could just sit by the beach and enjoy the scenic view of the lake, or tan in the summer sun. Because lifeguards are not provided, you are encouraged to swim with caution and be safe. Alcohol and pets are not allowed at the beach.
Picnicking
Picnics are wonderful at Summersville Lake. Whether you choose to take your meal at the Dam Site Picnic Area or the Battle Run Beach, you’re in for a memorable time, thanks to the picnic shelters that are made available.
These picnic shelters are accompanied by amenities such as potable water and flush toilets. If you don’t want to use the picnic shelter, then you can make use of any of the picnic tables provided at the recreation areas in the park.
