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 the Riffle Run Day Use Area, Bulltown Day Use Area and Bulltown Camping Area.

Riffle Run Campground offers 60 sites: 5 three-point hookups (water, sewage, and electric), 49 with electrical hookups, and 6 primitive / tent sites. Shower / restroom facilities, a playground, sewage dump-stations, and fresh water fill-up stations are also located within the campground. Riffle Run campground is on a first come-first serve basis--NO RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED. Bulltown Campground has 204 sites: 196 with electrical hook-ups. Restroom / shower facilities, playgrounds, dump-stations, fresh water fill-up stations, an interpretive shelter that may be reserved by campers for special occasions, and a boat launch ramp are located within the campground. The campsites vary from waterfront to wood lot. To make a reservation at Bulltown Campground, call toll-free 1-877-444-6777 or visit on the internet at www.recreation.gov during peak season.  Bulltown Campground sites during the non-peak season are on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Project Manager, (304)853-2371.  Call (304)853-2398 for a recorded message providing updated information on lake and tailwater conditions, precipitation, launch ramps, fishing, hunting, campground, and special statements.  Bulltown Campground (304)452-8006.  Bulltown Campground Reservations (877)444-6777.  Riffle Run Campground (304)853-2583.  Burnsville Marina (304)853-2822.

Burnsville Dam is located in Braxton County on the Little Kanawha River 124 miles above its confluence with the Ohio River and approximately 3 miles above the town of Burnsville, WV. From I-79 take Exit 79. Follow Route 5 to the dam and project office.

Game fish occurring are largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, sunfish, walleye, Saugeye, Sauger, crappie, muskellunge, channel catfish, flathead catfish, long-nosed gar, and carp. Trout are also stocked in the tailwaters during the spring. West Virginia fishing licenses are required.

The dam is earthen fill with an impervious clay core. There is also a concrete section which includes the spillway and outlet works. The summer pool elevation is maintained from April though September. Lowering of the summer pool, to provide additional floodwater storage, begins October 1st and continues until winter pool elevation is reached. This lower elevation is maintained through March. The outlet works include five sluice gates and three low flow gates which are all hydraulically operated. These gates are used to maintain lake elevations, to control downstream river levels, and to provide good water quality downstream. Although the primary purpose of the dam is flood control, Burnsville Lake offers many recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, picnicking, hiking, camping, and much more. Golden Age Passports, Golden Access Passports, America the Beautiful Senior Passes, and America the Beautiful Access Passes may be used for a 50% discount at all Federally operated areas where a fee is charged. Restrooms are located at the Project Office, Falls Mill Scenic Area, Falls Mill Fisherman Area, Bulltown Historic Area, Bulltown Camping Area, Bulltown Day Use Area, Riffle Run Day Use Area, and the Riffle Run Camping Area.

Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Project Office, Falls Mill Scenic Area, Falls Mill Fisherman Area, Bulltown Historic Area, Bulltown Camping Area, Bulltown Day Use Area, the Dam, Riffle Run Day Use Area, and the Riffle Run Camping Area.

Several trails are located at Burnsville Lake. A trail system map can be obtained at the project office, campground entrance stations, or from Park Rangers.

The Bulltown Historic Area includes a visitor’s center, structures dating back to mid to late 1800’s, and a Civil War battlefield. Tours of the area may be arranged through the staff at the visitor center or you can take a self-guided tour using various interpretive plaques placed throughout the area. On October 13, 1863, the Battle of Bulltown occurred near the Union trenches. This skirmish lasted only 12 hours. The Confederate forces were led by Colonel William L. Jackson (a native of Lewis County, Virginia-now West Virginia-and first cousin of 'Stonewall

Private (non-commercial) horseback riding is permitted at the Burnsville Lake Wildlife Management Area on the established trail system, however horses are not permitted in camping and day use areas.  Contact Burnard Gibson at French Creek DNR for specific regulations and details at 304-924-6211.

Wild game mostly occuring are white-tailed deer, turkey, and squirrel including some rabbit and bear.

Burnsville Lake marina located at the Riffle Run Day Use Area directly behind the dam. The dock area, which is privately owned, provides visitors with docking facilities, boat rentals, snack bar, and an array of fishing supplies.

Picnic shelters are located at the Bulltown Day Use Area and the Riffle Run Day Use Area. All 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 the National Recreation Reservation Service toll-free at 1-877-444-6777 or visit on the internet at www.recreation.gov . Shelter #1 and Shelter #2 are located downstream below Burnsville Dam, Shelter #3 and Shelter #4 are located just behind the dam in the Left Fork Picnic Area, and Shelter #5 and Shelter #6 are located in the Bulltown Day Use Area.  There are also picnic tables at all recreation areas on the Burnsville Lake project.

A swimming beach with restrooms, change booths, and outside showers is located at the Bulltown Day Use Area. No lifeguards are provided. Swim at your own risk.

The Bulltown Historic Area includes a visitor’s center with exhibits of artifacts showing the lifestyles of people from the mid to late 1800s. Programs and tours of the area are available upon request by contacting the project office. There is also a visitor center located at the project office. Maps and brochures may be picked up at this location. Visit the NEW Bulltown Historic Area Homepage at http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/projects/lakes/bus/bulltown