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
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
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 and is made up of 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
55 million dollar hydroelectric powerplant completed in 2001
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.
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.
A large part of SummersvilleLake's success is due to the professionalism and hospitality provided by the volunteer staff. Volunteers serve a wide range of functions, including
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