We stayed at Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse in early summer 2026, our New River Gorge basecamp on the Oshkosh or Bust road trip.
A lighthouse, a view and a bluegrass soundtrack
We needed a base for the New River Gorge, and Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse kept coming up. It’s about half an hour north of the gorge, right off US 19, and it’s been voted Best Campground in West Virginia several years running. Oh, and it has a lighthouse. In the mountains. We had to see that for ourselves.
This was a short stop for us. We came in, ate at home and chilled, and the next day we headed out to explore the gorge. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly base for the New River Gorge, here’s what it’s like.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Mount Nebo, WV, just south of Summersville, off US 19 at Route 129
- 📅 When we stayed: Early summer 2026
- 🚐 Site: Gravel pull-through, a bit uneven
- 🔌 Hookups: Full (water, sewer, 20/30/50-amp electric)
- 🏞️ View: Amazing, right from our site
- 🐕 Pets: Very dog-friendly, with a huge fenced dog park
- 🗼 Amenities: Lighthouse, dog park, gift shop, playground, hammock area, boat and kayak rentals
- 🧺 Laundry: None on site
- 💵 Cost: $82.64 per night
- ✅ Best for: New River Gorge explorers, families, dog owners
Getting There
The campground is easy to find once you’re on US 19. It’s at the traffic light at Route 129, about five miles south of Summersville. Getting to US 19 is the part to plan. Our navigation tried to route us down a road with a low-bridge warning, and our detour turned into a long stretch of one-lane backroads. Use RV-safe routing, and stick to the main highways if you’re towing.
And if you can, arrive before the afternoon storms. We started unhitching just as it started pouring.
Arrival and Check-In
The staff we met were friendly. The entrance is gated with a passcode, and the campground says hosts are on site around the clock. The gift shop by the entrance handles check-in and sells ice, drinks, firewood and camping basics.
Campsites and Setup
We had a gravel pull-through with full hookups. The site was relatively uneven, but our leveling ramps took care of it, so pack yours. The pull-through sites are the campground’s premium sites, with room for slide-outs and awnings, a picnic table, a fire pit and your own trash can.
The best part was the view. We had an amazing view right from our pull-through. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to pull up a chair and stay put, which is exactly what we did on our first evening.
Life at the Campground
The campground had a lively, family feel while we were there. There seemed to be a few family reunions going on, and one family was playing bluegrass on their own instruments. We couldn’t have asked for a better soundtrack.
The campground was clean. We didn’t use the bathhouse, so we can’t speak to the showers.
The Lighthouse
Yes, there’s a lighthouse, and it’s cool. It’s 104 feet tall, and you can climb 122 steps to a 360-degree deck overlooking Summersville Lake. The backstory is the best part. The tower started out as a section of a wind turbine. During construction, it rolled down a hillside, and it was no longer usable for wind power. So the owners turned it into a lighthouse.
We didn’t climb it this time, but it’s worth a look even from the ground. If you do want to climb, there’s a small fee, and tours run through the gift shop.
Dog-Friendly Perks
Dog walking here was nice, and the dog park is HUGE. It’s fully fenced at about 15,000 square feet, with separate areas for big and small dogs, water for the pups and shaded seating for the humans. If you travel with a dog, this alone is a reason to stay.
Groceries, Gas and Supplies
You’re not far from anything here. There’s a Dollar General and a travel plaza with gas across the highway, and Food Lion and Walmart are about 10 minutes north in Summersville. There’s no laundry on site, but there’s a laundromat in Summersville.
The campground overlooks Summersville Lake but doesn’t have direct lake access. The closest access is a short drive away, and the campground rents boats, pontoons, kayaks and paddleboards.
Exploring From the Campground
Summersville Lake Retreat works well as a base for the New River Gorge. From here, we hiked the Endless Wall Trail, drove the old Fayette Station Road down to the bottom of the gorge and ended the day with burgers and ice cream at Fat Eddie’s, just down the road by the Summersville Dam. All of it is in our New River Gorge trip post.
Who This Campground Is Perfect For (and Who It’s Not)
Perfect if you:
- Want a base for the New River Gorge
- Travel with a dog (that dog park!)
- Love a lively, family-friendly campground
- Want a view from your site
Probably not ideal if you:
- Want perfectly level, paved sites
- Need laundry on site
- Want lakefront access right from your campsite
- Are looking for a budget stay
Would We Stay Again?
Probably. There was a lot going on, but it all worked together. Between the view, the dog park, and the bluegrass, it made a fun base for our New River Gorge stop.
More campground reviews: Cummins Ferry RV Park · Rivers Edge Campground · Lake Thunderbird State Park
Bookmark this page if you’re planning a trip to the New River Gorge.
Have you stayed at Summersville Lake Retreat or another campground near the New River Gorge? Share your tips in the comments below!
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