Summit Lake Campground

Overview

A 33-unit semi-primitive, wooded campground with paved access roads and parking spurs, located approximately 10 miles from Richwood, WV, adjacent to a popular 43-acre cold water fishing lake. Although the campground closes in winter, the lake is accessible year-round. Summit Lake was constructed in 956 as a reservoir for the town of Richwood, WV. It is fed by the two forks of Coats Run, a tributary of the North Fork of the Cherry River. The area has a rich history dating back to Native Americans, the lumber boom of the early 1900s and its current era of land preservation and use.

Recreation

Fishing for stocked trout is the most popular activity at Summit Lake in addtion to canoeing and kayaking. When conditions allow, hardy anglers ice fish the lake. A 1.8 mile trail around the lake offers shoreline access to the lake as well as wildlife viewing opportunities. The Cranberry Wilderness, the Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek, and the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center are all within a short drive or day bike ride.

Facilities

Summit lake campground is comprised of two loops. The first loop has sites 1-9 and a spring fed water faucet water source, trash cage, and double vault toilets. The second loop has sites 10 -33, has a hand pump for water, two double vault toilets, trash cage, and both loops offer easy access to the Summit Lake loop trail. At each campsite you will find paved spur, picnic tables, lantern post, and fire ring. Cell phone coverage is very spotty but may at times be obtained in the middle of the upper camping loop. Please Plan Ahead.

Natural Features

Summit Lake is a 43-acre cold water lake and is only a short hike or drive away from the campground. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocks the lake with trout in the spring and fall. There is also a naturally reproducing poplulation of largemouth bass and panfish. Near the lake you may see a bald eagle come in for some fishing or a black bear making his way along the outer edge of the lake. At 3,392 you will find Aspen trees and a variety of birds.

Nearby Attractions

Richwood is just a short 10-mile drive from the Campground. There you will find locally owned, full of unique personality dining at local restaurants. Richwood also currently offers a dollar general with grocery market.