Summersville Lake State Park is known as “The Little Bahamas of the East”—with 20-45 feet of crystal-clear visibility and dramatic sandstone cliffs! New campgrounds opened May 2025 with 65+ sites across three locations.
“Little Bahamas of the East”
| Water Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 💎 Visibility | 20-45 feet in summer! |
| 🤿 Scuba Diving | Excellent clarity |
| 🪨 Rock Formations | Dramatic sandstone cliffs |
⚠️ Cliff Jumping: While the cliffs are dramatic, cliff jumping above 6ft is technically illegal and banned by Army Corps of Engineers. Fines possible. Injuries have occurred!
NEW 2025 Campgrounds!
| Campground | Details |
|---|---|
| 👁️ Overlook | 38 RV sites, bathhouse, playground |
| 🦌 Deer Run | 9 premium secluded RV sites |
| ⛺ Joe Branch | 18 primitive + 5 camper van sites |
| 📅 Grand Opening | May 10, 2025! |
FAQ
Why is the water so clear?
Summersville Lake sits on clean sandstone bedrock with minimal sediment runoff, giving it exceptional Caribbean-like clarity.
💎 WV’s Caribbean Experience
Reserve at WV State Parks.
Location & Getting There
Summersville Lake State Park is located in West Virginia. The park’s coordinates are 38.2456, -80.8558. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: West Virginia
- Coordinates: 38.2456, -80.8558
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
West Virginia parks nestle in the Appalachian Mountains with rugged scenery. Activities include hiking along canyon rims, rock climbing, whitewater rafting world-class rapids, fishing for trout, camping in deep forest, mountain biking, and exploring coal mining heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Fall is spectacular with vivid Appalachian foliage. Summer is peak for whitewater and swimming. Spring brings wildflowers and trout fishing. Winter offers snow-covered landscapes.
Visitor Tips
West Virginia state parks are free to enter. The system offers resort-quality lodges and restaurants inside parks. Reservations through wvstateparks.com. Cell service is limited in mountain parks.
Explore More West Virginia State Parks
Summersville Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in West Virginia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in West Virginia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a short drive away, while Pineville Lake State Park lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Summersville Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs and cats (the only pets permitted) are welcome in West Virginia state parks and forests, including campgrounds and trails, if leashed, restrained, vaccinated and in good health.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed and restrained at all times; in lodging public areas a sturdy leash no longer than 10 ft is required
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Select pet-friendly cabins, cottages and lodge rooms at 16 state parks and 4 state forests (e.g. Babcock, Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort, Twin Falls Resort); lodge rooms $25 first night + $10 each additional night per pet (capped at $75 per visit), cabins $50 first night + $5 each additional night per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- Lodging pet fees: lodge rooms $25 first night + $10/additional night per pet (max $75/visit); cabins $50 first night + $5/additional night per pet
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs and cats permitted; maximum two pets in pet-friendly lodging; rabies certification required for lodging stays
Are dogs allowed at Summersville Lake State Park?
Dogs and cats (the only pets permitted) are welcome in West Virginia state parks and forests, including campgrounds and trails, if leashed, restrained, vaccinated and in good health. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via wvstateparks.com. More: West Virginia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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