HUNTINGTON DISTRICT

Access for Disabled

Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at:

• Project Office
• Dam Site Picnic Area
• Battle Run Recreaion Area
• Salmon Run Recreation Area
• Long Point Recreation Area

Resource Manager (304) 872-3412.

Call (304) 872-5809 for a 24 hour recording with lake and stream information.

Facts

• 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 dollars 
• 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 dollars
• The dam is on Gauley River near the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, WV, and controls a drainage area of 803 square miles
• Summersville is the second largest rock-fill dam in the eastern United States. Do you know what dam is the largest? For the answer click here
• The dam is 390 feet high (about as tall as a 40-story building), 2,280 feet long and is made up of 12 million cubic yards of earth and rock
• 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
• $55 million hydroelectric powerplant completed in 2001. Additional information about the plant available here.

Historical Info

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

Bicycling

• 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

• Boat ramps are located at Battle Run, Salmon Run, and Long Point
• Winter boat launch access is provided at the Damsite Picnic Area and Salmon Run
• $3.00 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) may be used for a 50% discount

Camping at Summersville Lake is restricted to developed camping areas only. Shoreline and random camping is prohibited.

• Battle Run Campground 
  • Class A Corps operated campground
  • 117 campsites (110 with 30 amp electric, 7 walk-in tent sites)
  • 2 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 1-877-444-NRRS or on the web at www.recreation.gov
  • Before Memorial Day Weekend and after Labor Day the campground is operated on a "first come first serve" basis
  • Battle Run Campground in Google Maps

 Mountain Lake Campground

Privately operated facility, is located at the north end of the lake near the marina in the Long Point Area

http://www.mountainlakecampground.com/

Offers cabin rentals near the lake

Fishing

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 http://www.wvdnr.gov/fishing/fishing.shtm

Hiking

Foot trails (Hiking) are located at:

Battle Run

Salmon Run

Long Point

Horseback Riding

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

Hunting

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.

Marina

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.

Picnicking

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.

Swimming