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

Contact

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.
• 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, 29-foot diameter tunnel controlled at the lower end by three 9-foot diameter valves. Under normal conditions water goes through the hydropower plant.
• $55 million hydroelectric powerplant completed in 2001.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

A large part of Summersville Lake's success is due to the professionalism and hospitality provided by the volunteer staff. Volunteers serve a wide range of functions, including

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 Map

See policy on the use of Assistive Mobility Devices within the Battle Run Campground as posted on the main page of this website under the Recreation button, or by contacting the lake office or campground for more information.

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

A 1,000' swimming beach is located in the Battle Run Area.

Lifeguards are not provided. Swim at your own risk

Pets and alcohol prohibited at the beach

$1.00 per person, not to exceed $4.00 per car (up to 8 people) for Adults and children over 12

Swimming is prohibited on boat ramps

Cliff diving/jumping is prohibited.