Bicycles are permitted on main roads and campground areas. Contact a Park Attendant or Ranger for the location of areas conducive to off-road bicycling. Under West Virginia law, all riders under the age of 15 years MUST wear a protective helmet.

Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run, Long Point Area and Picnic Area. There is a $3.00 Day Use fee for boat launching. Frequent boat launchers may purchase an Annual Day Use Pass. Golden Age and Golden Access passports may be used for a 50% discount at all Federally operated areas where a fee is charged.

Camping at Summersville Lake is restricted to developed camping areas only – there is not random camping. Battle Run Campground is a class A Corps operated campground which has day use facilities, a boat launching ramp, access to fishing, showers, trailer waste disposal facilities, playground, universally accessible restrooms, parking, swimming and picnic areas. Battle Run Campground is now part of the National Recreation Servation System. Reservations can be made by dialing 1-877-444-NRRS or on the web at ReserveUSA.com. For more information during recreation season call the campground at (304) 872-3459.

Long Point Area includes a nearby airport, marina, boat launching ramp, fishing access, and universally accessible restrooms. Mountain Lake Campground is located in this area also. This campground is privately operated.

Project Manager (304) 872-3412. Call (304) 872-5809 for a 24 hour recording providing updated lake and stream information.

Summersville Lake is conveniently located close to US 19. From US 19 take Route 129 W to the dam, office and lake. See Map.

The State of West Virginia periodically stocks trout in the tail waters below the dam. West Virginia fishing licenses are required. Fish and 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. West Virginia DNR fishing regulations can be found here.

The Summersville Lake Project was built under the supervision of the Army Corps of Engineers between 1960 and 1966 at a cost of nearly $48 million. By the end of 1974 it had paid for itself by prevented flood damages in the Gauley and Kanawha River areas estimated at almost $67 million. The dam is on Gauley River near the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, West Virginia, and controls a drainage area of 803 square miles. It is one of the Corps most scenic dams. A rock-fill type, Summersville is the second largest dam of this type in the eastern United States and required 12 million cubic yards of earth and rock. The dam is 390 feet high (about as tall as a 40-story building) and 2,280 feet long. 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 1,555-foot long long, 29-foot diameter tunnel controlled at the lower end by three 9-foot diameter valves.

Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Project Office, Dam site and picnic area, Battle Run Area, and Long Point Area.

Foot trails (Hiking) are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run, and Long Point.

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. That information is available by clicking here.

Horseback riding is not available at Summersville Lake. The nearest location for this activity is at Babcock State Park.

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.

Summersville Lake Marina is located at the Long Point Area. The marina number is (304) 872-1331. Additional information can be found at Summersville Lake Marina & Sarge's Dive Shop. There is a $3.00 Day Use fee for boat launching.

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 ReserveUSA.com. Shelters reservations can be made a year in advance. There are also picnic tables at all recreation areas on the Summersville Lake project.

A swimming beach is located at the Battle Run Area. Lifeguards are not provided. Swim at your own risk. Swimming is prohibited on launch ramps.

A Visitor Center is located at the Information office.