Reservations, Fees & Passes
Campground Fee:
$34 per night - Standard Electric
$24 per night - Tent Only, Non-Electric
Day Use Fee:
The shelter located within Battle Run Recreation area, directly on the beach, is not available to reserve in advance.
Not available to reserve in advance -Battle Run Recreation Area
$5.00 per vehicle for Battle Run and Salmon Run Recreation Areas. Long Point Recreation Area has a $5.00 Boat Launching Fee.
Shelter Fees:
$70.00 - Damsite Picnic Area Shelters
Summersville Dam was authorized by Section 4 of Flood Control Act of 1938. The primary project purposes are flood risk management, fish and wildlife enhancement, water quality, recreation, and low flow augmentation. The dam was completed in 1966 and serves a drainage area of 803 square miles. The dam is on the Gauley River near the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, WV, and controls a drainage area of 803 square miles. The lake is impounded by a rock-fill dam with a central impervious core, 390 ft. tall and 1,780 ft. wide, with an uncontrolled saddle spillway. Outlet works are located in the right abutment of the dam through a circular tunnel which splits into three conduits. Summersville is the second largest rock-fill dam in the eastern United States.
During summer, the lake is raised to elevation 1,652 feet above sea level which provides 2,790 surface acres of water for recreation. During late fall and winter it is lowered to elevation 1,575 to provide maximum space for storage of floodwaters. Water is released from the lake through a tunnel controlled at the lower end by three 9-foot diameter valves. Under normal conditions water goes through the hydropower plant that was completed in 2001.
There are nine recreation areas including a campground with 117 sites and a marina with 473 slips.
Historical Information
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History has local newspaper articles about the construction of Summersville Dam. Also included is a video of the dedication ceremony by President Johnson.
Volunteer Opportunities
A large part of Summersville Lake's success is due to the professionalism and hospitality provided by the volunteer staff.
Online volunteer applications, including a current list of opportunities, are available at volunteeer.gov
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor Center
There is no visitor center at the project.
Boating
Boat ramps are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run, and Long Point. Kayak Launch Ramp is available at Battle Run and Salmon Run Recreation Areas." Annual pass is $40 and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Winter boat launch access is provided at the Damsite Picnic Area and Salmon Run. A $5.00 Day Use Fee for boat launching. Frequent boat launchers may purchase an Annual Day Use Pass at the Summersville Lake Project Office or at Battle Run Campground. America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (along with Golden Age and Golden Access Passport Cards) provide Free Day Use.
Camping
Camping at Summersville Lake is restricted to designated camping areas only. Shoreline and random camping is prohibited. Reservations six months ahead of day you come in.
Battle Run Campground is a Class A Corps operated campground with 117 campsites (110 with 30 amp electric, 7 walk-in tent sites), 3 shower houses with washers and dryers. Pets are prohibited. Campground is open May 1 until Columbus Day. All campsites at Battle Run are reservable from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. Reservations can be made by dialing 1-1-877-444-6777 or on the web at Recreation.gov. Reservations may be made six months ahead of your arrival date. Before Memorial Day Weekend and after Labor Day the campground is operated on a "first come first serve" basis.
Day-use
Picnic shelters are located at the Dam Site Picnic Area and Battle Run Beach. Shelters are available on a first come - first served basis EXCEPT WHEN RESERVED IN ADVANCE (a fee is required for reserving a shelter). Picnic shelters may be reserved by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777 or on the Internet at Recreation.gov. Shelters reservations can be made a year in advance. There are also picnic tables at all recreation areas on the Summersville Lake project.
Fishing
This deep clear lake provides excellent opportunities for walleye, perch, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass.
The State of West Virginia periodically stocks trout in the tail waters below the dam. West Virginia fishing licenses are required. West Virginia DNR fishing regulations are located at wvdnr.gov/fishing/
Hunting
Nearly 6,000 acres are leased to the WVDNR for Wildlife Management.
Wildlife management is a shared responsibility –the Department of Natural Resources and the Corps manage the fish and wildlife programs by habitat improvement, nesting site development, and food-plot programs for the benefit of many fish and wildlife species.
Marinas
Summersville Lake Marina is located at the Long Point Area. The marina number is (304) 872-1331.
Swimming
A 1,000' swimming beach is located in the Battle Run Area. Lifeguards are not provided. Swim at your own risk. Pets and alcohol prohibited at the beach. $5.00 Day Use Fee per vehicle. Swimming is prohibited on boat ramps. Cliff diving/jumping is prohibited. Always swim with a buddy and Always wear a life jacket.
Trails
Bicycles are permitted on main roads and campground areas. Mountain biking is allowed on all trails. Under West Virginia law, all riders under the age of 15 years MUST wear a helmet
Horseback riding is not available at Summersville Lake. The nearest location for this activity is at Babcock State Park.
Hiking trails are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run and Long Point.
Universally Accessible Facilities
- Project Office
- Dam Site Picnic Area
- Salmon Run Recreation Area
- Long Point Recreation Area
Rules & Regulations
General Policies
A full list of Federal regulations that apply to all US Army Corps of Engineers properties can be found in Title 36 of the United States Code (USC). Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects.
Firearms
Possession of firearms in a federal facility, including locks, dams, power plants, ranger stations, buildings, switchyards, recreation facilities, warehouses, and offices is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes the storage or transporting of a personally owned firearm in controlled access parking areas or Government vehicles, heavy equipment, boats and vessels under the operational control of the District regardless of its location. Exceptions for Federal employees are only allowed for Federal law enforcement officers or where possession of a firearm is specifically authorized by law.
Fireworks
Fireworks, along with explosives, firearms and other weapons are prohibited on Government Property. Detailed information can be found in Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects, Section 327.13.
Contact
Summersville Lake
2981 Summersville Lake Road
Summersville, WV 26651
pa2@usace.army.mil
304-872-3412
Twenty-four hour recording with lake and stream information is available from the lake office phone menu.