Summit Lake Campground
4.6111 reviewsFrom Richwood, WV, take US Rt. 39/55 for 6.3 miles to the Summit Lake campground sign. Turn left onto County Rt. 39/5 and go 2.2 miles to campground.
Summit Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $10 per night.
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About this campground
Nestled deep in the West Virginia wilderness, this 33-unit campground offers an authentic escape into nature's embrace. Just 10 miles from the charming town of Richwood, you'll discover a wooded sanctuary where paved access roads lead to semi-primitive camping spots, each offering its own slice of forest solitude. The crown jewel? Direct access to a pristine 43-acre cold water fishing lake that beckons anglers and nature lovers alike. As one enchanted visitor, Lisa Lovely, puts it: 'If you like rustic camping, fishing and hiking you will love it here' – and she couldn't be more right.
Summit Lake Campground caters to a range of campers, offering tent sites, mixed camping sites, and limited RV accessibility.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints this mountain retreat with dramatically different brushstrokes throughout the year. Autumn transforms the landscape into a breathtaking canvas of gold, crimson, and amber – so spectacular that visitor Gena Bragg couldn't help but exclaim, 'Check out the colors on all the trees!' Spring and summer bring mild mountain temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, while winter occasionally blankets the campground in snow, creating a peaceful wonderland that may require temporary closures. Each season offers its own unique charm and reasons to visit.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 3,228 feet above sea level, this mountain campground offers more than just camping – it's a natural air conditioning system. The elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, while providing spectacular vistas that stretch across the Appalachian landscape. Up here, the air feels crisper, the stars shine brighter, and the everyday world seems delightfully distant.
Natural Features and SceneryThis forest sanctuary delivers an immersive wilderness experience where towering trees create a natural cathedral around your campsite. Summit Lake sparkles at the heart of it all, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding forest canopy and offering glimpses of local wildlife coming to drink at dawn and dusk. Previous visitors rave about the exceptional stargazing opportunities – with minimal light pollution, the night sky transforms into a glittering tapestry. The surrounding forest trails provide 'a pleasant way to explore' the diverse ecosystem, where each path promises new discoveries and peaceful moments of connection with nature.
Geological RegionTucked within the vast expanse of Monongahela National Forest, this campground showcases the rugged beauty of Appalachian geology. The centerpiece 43-acre cold water lake serves as a natural mirror to the surrounding wooded peaks, its crystal-clear waters fed by mountain springs. This semi-primitive setting preserves the authentic character of West Virginia's highlands, where ancient forests blanket rolling mountains and create a landscape that feels untouched by time. The pleasant forest terrain offers both gentle walks and more challenging hikes, all while maintaining that coveted sense of wilderness solitude.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no additional accessibility features are explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeVaries by site. Some sites can accommodate larger RVs, while others are better suited for tents.
Sites PrivacyMixed levels of privacy. Some reviewers noted sites as 'cramped' and close together, while others appreciated the quiet environment.
Total Campsites33 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites vary in size, allowing for different equipment, including tents and large RVs.
Best CampsitesSite 21 is highlighted for accommodating larger RVs and tent camping, as per user review by SWVA_Traveler.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-out time is 2:00 PM
- no specific check-in time is mentioned.
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Single site limit is one wheeled camping unit only, defined as motorhome or travel trailer
- no more than 8 people
- no more than 2 vehicles.
Groups
No specific group camping areas mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout33 sites with 2 loops are available. Sites include picnic tables and metal fire/cook rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April 2 through November 30, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are possible, as sites are first-come-first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come-first-serve. User reviews indicate that approximately 20 sites in one loop were mostly vacant during the first weekend of October.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policies apply since sites are first-come-first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Summit Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and boating, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
The campground features an unmaintained foot trail around the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely hikes with views of the surrounding forest and the lake.Fishing
The lake provides opportunities for fishing trout, bass, and panfish. One user noted, 'Summit Lake provides good, stocked trout fishing in the spring.'Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the lake, although no details about designated areas or safety measures are provided.Boating
Non-motorized and motorized boating (electric motors only) are allowed on the 43-acre Summit Lake. A dock and landing are available for launching boats.Wildlife viewing
The campground's location within a national forest offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing. One user noted, 'There is an abundance of wild critters including bears.'Winter Activities
The campground is closed during winter, but the lake remains accessible and may offer limited recreational opportunities for winter activities.Water Sports
Limited to non-motorized activities like kayaking and canoeing, as well as swimming.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each site has a metal fire/cook ring. "Bring your own firewood" as noted in user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include the presence of bears. "This campground is in the national forest where there is an abundance of wild critters including bears" (Eddi Tucker). Proper food storage is critical to avoid bear encounters.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Dump stations and water fills are available in Richwood at Four Seasons Outfitter and Adventure Sports. Additional dump stations are available in Marlinton. Cranberry Campground has its own donation-based dump station.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril through November.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities. Campers are required to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Summit Lake, a 43-acre cold water fishing lake.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of potable water, cramped sites, and absence of showers. "No potable water is available," "All the sites are cramped together," and "No showers" (Multiple user reviews).
Campground Map
From Richwood, WV, take US Rt. 39/55 for 6.3 miles to the Summit Lake campground sign. Turn left onto County Rt. 39/5 and go 2.2 miles to campground.
Driving directionsFrom Richwood travel east on State Route 39/55 approximately 8 miles to Forest Road 77, then 2 miles to Summit Lake Recreation Area. Alternatively, take US Rt. 39/55 for 6.3 miles to the Summit Lake campground sign. Turn left onto County Rt. 39/5 and go 2.2 miles to campground.
Paved access roads leading to the campground are available. The campground is conveniently situated near State Routes 39 and 55 but far enough off the main road for good wildlife viewing and quiet. However, access might be seasonal as the lake opens when roads are snow-free.Nearby places
Richwood, WV - approximately 10 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies and camping essentials, including dump stations and water fill, are available in Richwood at Four Seasons Outfitter and Adventure Sports, and in Marlinton.
Camper Reviews
4.6
11 reviews
Summit Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Summit Lake Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its peaceful setting, cleanliness, and proximity to the lake. Some concerns were noted about the privacy of campsites and the lack of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
- Clean and well-maintained facilities, including vault toilets.
- Affordable camping fee of $10/night.
- Proximity to Summit Lake for fishing and boating.
- Quiet and relaxing environment.
-...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Lack of showers and potable water.
- Sites described as 'cramped' by some users.
- Gravel tent pads at campsites not ideal for some campers.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own potable water and firewood, as neither is readily available on-site.
- Be bear-aware and practice proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife.
- Sites are first-come,...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
- Spring: Popular for trout fishing as the lake is stocked.
- Summer: Ideal for boating, fishing, and hiking. Campground is busier during this time.
- Fall: Quiet and scenic with vibrant autumn...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Perfect. Our favorite place to camp.'
- 'The campground is great. There is a picnic table and metal fire/cook ring in every spot.'
- 'Bathrooms were clean and smelled good.'
- 'No electric or...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 21: Described as accommodating both tents and large RVs. Clean and well-maintained.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features beyond the mention of wheelchair-accessible vault toilets.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed if leashed. One user warned about the presence of bears, emphasizing the importance of securing food and pet supplies.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025