Summersville Lake State Park - United States
Discover the RVezy RV rental marketplace
About Summersville Lake State Park
RV quick facts for Summersville Lake State Park
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full hookups | Not available inside the state park; full and partial hookups are offered at the nearby Army Corps-run Battle Run Campground on Summersville Lake. |
| Dump station | Dump station available at Battle Run Campground on Summersville Lake (Army Corps of Engineers). |
| Max RV length | Battle Run Campground accommodates RVs up to about 40 ft on most sites; state park itself is day-use. |
| Reservation window | Army Corps campsites at Battle Run book through Recreation.gov, typically up to six months in advance. |
| Cell service | Spotty around the lake and climbing areas; stronger near Summersville and along US 19. |
| Road restrictions | Main approach on US Route 19 and WV Route 129 is RV-friendly; shoreline access roads are narrow and steep in places. |
| Generator hours | Generator use follows standard Army Corps quiet hours at Battle Run, typically 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. |
| Nearby primitive camping | The National Park Service offers primitive camping at Gauley Tailwaters, located just below Summersville Dam, reached via Route 129 from Route 19 at Mt. Nebo. |
Featured RV rentals for Summersville Lake State Park
Delivery only
Best time to visit Summersville Lake State Park
Late May through early September is the prime window for RV travel, with warm days ideal for swimming, paddling, and climbing at the lake. September and early October bring the famous Gauley River dam releases, drawing whitewater paddlers and raft crews from across the country, so campgrounds fill quickly. Spring shoulder season offers mild weather and fewer crowds, though some facilities operate on limited schedules. Winter visitation is light, with cold temperatures and most lakeside amenities closed.
Lake facilities and swim areas closed; day-use only.
Lake facilities and swim areas closed; day-use only.
Lake campgrounds typically still closed; shoulder season hiking and climbing.
Lake filling; Battle Run Campground generally opens mid to late spring.
Mild; good paddling and climbing conditions.
Peak season begins; reserve hookup sites well ahead.
Warmest month; busy on weekends.
Warm lake temps ideal for swimming and diving.
Gauley Season dam releases draw large whitewater crowds.
Fall colors peak mid-month; lake levels drop for winter pool.
Battle Run Campground typically closes by late October or early November.
Campgrounds closed, day-use only.
Things to do at Summersville Lake State Park
- Rock Climbing at Summersville Lake Cliffs StrenuousRV parking available
Summersville Lake is one of the premier sandstone sport-climbing destinations in the eastern United States, with routes rising directly from the water. Access Fund Climber Stewards work with land managers and local climbing organizations to promote conservation at popular climbing areas in the region.
- Swimming and Beach Time at Long Point EasyRV parking available
The park's shoreline and designated swim areas offer clear, deep water that has earned the lake comparisons to a Caribbean cove. Sandy pockets and shaded picnic spots make it a family-friendly day-use stop for RV travelers.
- Scuba Diving ModerateRV parking available
Summersville Lake is the most popular scuba diving destination in West Virginia thanks to exceptional water clarity. Dive operators based near the lake run guided outings and certification courses in summer.
- Boating and Paddling EasyRV parking available
Motorboats, pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards all share the 2,700-acre reservoir and its many quiet coves. Public boat ramps are located around the lake, with marina services available seasonally.
- Gauley River Whitewater Rafting StrenuousRV parking available
The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous whitewater boating rivers in the east. Fall dam-release weekends, known as Gauley Season, draw commercial outfitters and private paddlers from around the world. nps.gov/gari/
- Fishing
Summersville Lake is stocked for smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, and other warm and cool water species. Shoreline access is available from day-use areas, and boat anglers can reach deeper structure along the cliffs.
- Summersville Dam Overlook EasyRV parking available
Pull-off viewpoints near Summersville Dam offer sweeping looks at the lake and the Gauley River tailwaters below. Access is via WV Route 129 off US Route 19 toward Summersville Dam, with RV-friendly parking at the overlook.
- Gauley Tailwaters Day Hike and Picnic EasyRV parking available
A short walk along the river below the dam showcases massive sandstone boulders and prime trout water. The National Park Service offers primitive camping at Gauley Tailwaters just below Summersville Dam, and day visitors are welcome at the river access. nps.gov/gari/planyourvisit/camping.htm
RV delivery to 20 campgrounds
Skip the pickup. Skip the towing. Get an RV delivered and set up at your campsite so you can arrive, unpack, and start your trip stress-free.
Choose your perfect RV
Browse RVs that offer delivery to your site and book the one that fits your budget and adventure style.
Lock in your campsite
Reserve your campsite with the hookups and amenities you need. We’ll help you find RVs that meet site requirements.
Arrive and relax
Your host delivers and sets up the RV before you get there. Just show up and start enjoying your trip.
Find the perfect RV for these nearby campgrounds
RV Rentals Summersville Lake State Park
Summersville Lake State Park, WV, United States
How to get to Summersville Lake State Park
The park sits just off US Route 19 near Summersville, West Virginia, about 60 miles southeast of Charleston (roughly a 1 hour 15 minute drive) and about 35 miles north of Beckley. The main access to the Gauley River and dam area is off US Route 19 south of Summersville and north of Fayetteville, West Virginia, turning onto WV Route 129 toward Summersville Dam. RV drivers should note steep grades and winding secondary roads near the lake access points and climbing areas; stick to US 19 and WV 129 for the easiest big-rig routing. The nearest major airport for fly-and-rent trips is Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, with Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) in Beckley as a smaller alternative.
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
RVezy rentals
- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
- Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability