Summersville Lake State Park — Attraction in Summersville

Overlanders and Vanlifers looking for a park to recharge, resupply and get a good shower this isnt it. Plenty of free areas around that are way better for us.

If you need alternatives in the area contact me through other socials. Same name and logo and Ill help you out.

Sadly out of all the state parks Ive been to in Wv (as of this review I have 3 left to complete the whole list) this has been the worst one for me thus far. My perspective is definitely different as I do alot of overlanding and use a roof top tent.

The park itself is nice, Almost Heaven Swing, trails, facilities (for the most part) are great.

Whats not great is since Im in a RTT, I need a fairly level area to park. They dont offer that unless you spend big money for an RV spot. The "overnight parking" they offer is $40/night.... its literally just a parking lot that is graded so poorly. I had to level the rear of my truck UP 4 inches. I ran out of leveling blocks and was still at a slope.

The restroom they offer is nice and clean but only offer an outdoor shower with it, or you have to drive to the front of the park to use private ones. Which is difficult if youre already set up qith a RTT and have to tear down.

The lot is shared with day use climbers and trail hikers so you cant really open up an awning on the side or chill comfortably. I had traffic coming back there at every hour of the night. I truly would have had the same experience in a walmart parking lot minus the rest rooms.

I truly hope they have plans to add actual sites for us in the future. But until then the...

I have to give this new State Park 3 stars for a few reasons.

First they are still doing construction at the main entrance and up to the parking lot and it’s very confusing with all the construction people working and a good size hill on the gravel road up to the parking lot.

Once you get parked it’s all gravel and a very moderate trail for someone who is in good health. It is NOT handicapped acceptable for anyone who uses a cane, walker, wheelchair or has difficulty walking.

Since I am disabled with difficulty walking, I had to stay behind in the car (as there was no where to sit outside) while my husband ventured off to look at this park. I wanted him to go and check it out and while he did come back with some nice pictures, he said the trail was difficult.

So, I guess we will not be back to this State Park unless they make it...

Map location on Google is wrong and I’ll submit a correction. We guessed that it would be located up the road to the right (south)that leads to Pirate Cove and we were right. The “Almost Heaven” swing is at the top of a cleared area and 12 picnic tables up there off to the side in shade, just above the parking area. Much work going on bulldozing what looks like more parking and trails. You can follow a new gravel trail down to the older trail that leads down to the rock climbing area in Pirate Cove (follow the light blue blazes then the navy trail flags) or take the right fork and go up to the bluff overlooking the cove. It’s looking great and will be getting better soon…they are working on it! (No...