Summit Lake Campground

Star4.59
39 reviews
From Richwood, WV, take US Rt. 39/55 for 6.3 miles to the Summit Lake campground sign. Turn left onto County Rt. 39/5 and go 2.2 miles to campground.
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,228 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Monongahela National Forest site

Official Website
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Summit Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $10 per night.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 39 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikinglake

"User reviews for Summit Lake Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its peaceful setting, cleanliness, and proximity to the lake. Some concerns were noted about the privacy of campsites and the lack of amenities."

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Campground Map

From Richwood, WV, take US Rt. 39/55 for 6.3 miles to the Summit Lake campground sign. Turn left onto County Rt. 39/5 and go 2.2 miles to campground.

Summit Lake Campground

From Richwood, WV, take US Rt. 39/55 for 6.3 miles to the Summit Lake campground sign. Turn left onto County Rt. 39/5 and go 2.2 miles to campground.

Driving directionsFrom Richwood travel east on State Route 39/55 approximately 8 miles to Forest Road 77, then 2 miles to Summit Lake Recreation Area. Alternatively, take US Rt. 39/55 for 6.3 miles to the Summit Lake campground sign. Turn left onto County Rt. 39/5 and go 2.2 miles to campground.
Paved access roads leading to the campground are available. The campground is conveniently situated near State Routes 39 and 55 but far enough off the main road for good wildlife viewing and quiet. However, access might be seasonal as the lake opens when roads are snow-free.
Nearby places
Richwood, WV - approximately 10 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies and camping essentials, including dump stations and water fill, are available in Richwood at Four Seasons Outfitter and Adventure Sports, and in Marlinton.

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake Campground

Mother Nature paints this mountain retreat with dramatically different brushstrokes throughout the year. Autumn transforms the landscape into a breathtaking canvas of gold, crimson, and amber – so spectacular that visitor Gena Bragg couldn't help but exclaim, 'Check out the colors on all the trees!' Spring and summer bring mild mountain temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, while winter occasionally blankets the campground in snow, creating a peaceful wonderland that may require temporary closures. Each season offers its own unique charm and reasons to visit.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is ideal for boating, fishing and hiking; campground busier in peak months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall foliage described as 'wonderful' and scenery is a highlighted seasonal draw.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Popular for trout fishing when lake is stocked; pleasant spring boating and hiking weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed seasonally from Nov 30 to Apr 2; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April through November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from April 2 through November 30, weather dependent.

About Summit Lake Campground

Nestled deep in the West Virginia wilderness, this 33-unit campground offers an authentic escape into nature's embrace. Just 10 miles from the charming town of Richwood, you'll discover a wooded sanctuary where paved access roads lead to semi-primitive camping spots, each offering its own slice of forest solitude. The crown jewel? Direct access to a pristine 43-acre cold water fishing lake that beckons anglers and nature lovers alike. As one enchanted visitor, Lisa Lovely, puts it: 'If you like rustic camping, fishing and hiking you will love it here' – and she couldn't be more right.
Summit Lake Campground caters to a range of campers, offering tent sites, mixed camping sites, and limited RV accessibility.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-out time is 2:00 PM
  • no specific check-in time is mentioned.
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Summit Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and boating, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingThe campground features an unmaintained foot trail around the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely hikes with views of the surrounding forest and the lake.
FishingThe lake provides opportunities for fishing trout, bass, and panfish. One user noted, 'Summit Lake provides good, stocked trout fishing in the spring.'
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in the lake, although no details about designated areas or safety measures are provided.
BoatingNon-motorized and motorized boating (electric motors only) are allowed on the 43-acre Summit Lake. A dock and landing are available for launching boats.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's location within a national forest offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing. One user noted, 'There is an abundance of wild critters including bears.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include the presence of bears. "This campground is in the national forest where there is an abundance of wild critters including bears" (Eddi Tucker). Proper food storage is critical to avoid bear encounters.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Summit Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
39 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Summit Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Summit Lake Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its peaceful setting, cleanliness, and proximity to the lake. Some concerns were noted about the privacy of campsites and the lack of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained facilities, including vault toilets. - Affordable camping fee of $10/night. - Proximity to Summit Lake for fishing and boating. - Quiet and relaxing environment. -...
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Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of showers and potable water. - Sites described as 'cramped' by some users. - Gravel tent pads at campsites not ideal for some campers.
Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own potable water and firewood, as neither is readily available on-site. - Be bear-aware and practice proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife. - Sites are first-come,...
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Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Spring: Popular for trout fishing as the lake is stocked. - Summer: Ideal for boating, fishing, and hiking. Campground is busier during this time. - Fall: Quiet and scenic with vibrant autumn...
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Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Perfect. Our favorite place to camp.' - 'The campground is great. There is a picnic table and metal fire/cook ring in every spot.' - 'Bathrooms were clean and smelled good.' - 'No electric or...
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Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 21: Described as accommodating both tents and large RVs. Clean and well-maintained.
Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features beyond the mention of wheelchair-accessible vault toilets.
Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed if leashed. One user warned about the presence of bears, emphasizing the importance of securing food and pet supplies.
Based on 39 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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