Summersville Lake State Park Joe Branch Campground
The campground is open for the season. Reservations are available through the West Virginia State Parks reservation system. Check-in is at 1 p.m. and check-out is at noon.
Heat Advisory issued July 3 at 1:34AM EDT until July 4 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 104. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Virginia and central, northeast, northern, southeast, and southern West Virginia. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
About
Joe Branch Campground is the most rustic of three campgrounds at Summersville Lake State Park, nestled among mountain laurels along scenic Joe Branch Creek. The campground features 15 primitive tent sites and five designated camper van spots, making it ideal for campers seeking a close-to-nature experience rather than modern amenities. A shared bathhouse with four restrooms, an outdoor dishwashing sink, and an outdoor shower serve the campground. Summersville Lake State Park opened in May 2025 as West Virginia's first new state park addition in more than 30 years. The 177-acre park sits on the northern shore of Summersville Lake, the state's largest body of water. The lake offers excellent fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, and catfish, with trout stocked below the dam in spring and fall. Beyond camping, visitors can explore the Mountaineer Mile trail unveiled at the park's opening, and the historic Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is just a 10-minute drive away. Whitewater rafting on the world-class Gauley River is available year-round for adventure seekers.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Summersvillelakesp@wv.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (681) 355-0328 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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