Summersville Lake Shelters

Campground · West Virginia · 4 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Summersville Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access

4
Bookable sites
up to 50
People per site
4
Accessible sites
1,738 ft
Elevation

Overview

Summersville Lake Shelters are conveniently located just south of Summersville, West Virginia, on the shores of the largest lake in the state.

Superb water quality and sheer sandstone cliffs make Summersville Lake a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Recreation

The 2700-acre lake provides excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and scuba diving.

Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, and catfish. Trout are stocked below the dam in spring and fall.

Visitors also enjoy the great hiking, biking, hunting and picnicking opportunities on the lands surrounding the lake.

Whitewater rafting is available year-round on the world class Gauley River. The Summersville Lake area also offers technical rock climbing.

Facilities

This day-use area has four large group picnic shelters, offering an ideal retreat for parties or family functions. Amenities include flush toilets and drinking water.

Natural Features

Scenic Summersville Lake is known for its striking cliffs and quiet coves along 60 beautiful miles of shoreline. Dense forests of maple, oak, hickory, beech and birch trees cover the region.

Wildlife, including black bear, deer, grouse and turkey, is abundant in the area.

Nearby Attractions

The historic Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a 10-minute drive from the campground. The park offers a museum, three Gauley River overlooks and hiking trails.

Summersville Lake Marina and Sarge's Dive Shop are 11 miles away, offering kayak and pontoon boat rentals. The town of Summersville, another five miles north, has several grocery stores, restaurants and service stations.

The facts

  • 4 bookable sites
  • 4 sites for day use only
  • 4 accessible sites
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: BATTLE RUN RECREATION AREA, DAMSITE PICNIC AREA

Site types

  • 4 Group Shelter Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

4 campsites at Summersville Lake Shelters

Check-in 9:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
PS4BATTLE RUN RECREATION AREAGroup Shelter Nonelectric———50♿
PS1DAMSITE PICNIC AREAGroup Shelter Nonelectric———50♿
PS2DAMSITE PICNIC AREAGroup Shelter Nonelectric———50♿
PS3DAMSITE PICNIC AREAGroup Shelter Nonelectric———50♿

Getting there

From Summersville. West Virginia, take Highway 19 south for 5 miles to the campground.

38.22111, -80.89389 · 38°13'16.0"N 80°53'38.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 81°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F414452657278818076655445
Low °F212329384857615953413226
Precip in3.53.14.34.25.35.25.84.23.83.33.33.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Summersville Lake Shelters

Can you reserve a site at Summersville Lake Shelters?
Yes, Summersville Lake Shelters is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Summersville Lake Shelters have?
4 sites.

Camping near Summersville Lake Shelters

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.