Battle Run Campground

We came here hoping to enjoy a nice waterfront campsite for a few days. Unfortunately, as we arrived the week before they were due to close for the year, all but two of the campground loops were closed which meant our choice of sites was severely limited. Also, they draw down the water in lake for the winter so what would have been a nice view of the lake was marred by low water and muddy banks.

I'm still giving this park a 4 star rating though because despite the "not as good as it could have been" view we really enjoyed our stay here. Even in its low state the lake was great for kayaking, the few hike/bike trails are fun, and it's only a short drive to the famed New River Gorge Bridge.

We were planning to stay at the free campground a few miles back but little did we know we were arriving at the start of Gauley season so the water in the lake went down a bit each day (they release the water for the rafting). We lucked out and got an amazing spot right on the lake with an almost 360 water view. The park was busy on the weekends and about 1/3 full during the week. We stayed in September 2017 and would stay again, for as long as the park allows. Water and electric at the site, nice dump station. Great cell service (AT&T and verizon) and nice interior roads. Some trees need trimmed and they have pull thrus that are more parallel parking, not exactly big rig friendly.

Our bad on this one. Didn't read the recreation.gov restrictions, and we travel with two very well behaved German Shepherds. That said, turned away at the gate due to a "NO PETS" restriction. Can't fault the campground, but be advised should you be considering it for a stay. Looks like a nice place...

We absolutely love Battle Run Campground! We have stayed here every summer from 4 to 14 days for the last 18 years. We have stayed different months from late May to September, whenever we can get reservations. This summer we had site 89 for 14 days and brought our boat, a 25 foot Scarab which we tied up to the shore. My National Park Senior Pass got us a 50% discount for the two weeks. The water is clean. Most years very clear. Good lake for snorkel and scuba. The sites are fairly level with gravel, fire rings and picnic table. You only have electric hook ups but there is a dump station and water at the entrance. There are 3 bath houses with nice showers and flush toilets. The only beach has coarse sand which they rake every morning. There is a bathhouse at the beach. The shoreline is rocky and lots of vegetation and most people do a "redneck taught club" tie off to bouys or anchor off. This is Army Corps of Engineers and has a rule of no pets which I am starting to see people violate. One of the reasons I like this campground is no dogs. I don't think summer is summer without a stay at this lake.

Campground just opened up to all campers. This is a very popular campground on Summersville Lake (Gauley River) with lots of families and boats. Our site was over 7” out of level which was disappointing. The reservoir looks clean and the area is pretty. Too many people for my taste.

We’re giving Battle Run Campground in WV a five star review for the following FIVE reasons:

1. The GORGEOUS lakeside setting! Our site was not directly on the water but we could still see the lake and enjoy the beautiful setting. (There are many lakefront sites but you have to book early to snag those!)

2. Lake access for swimming and boating. My girls and I love to swim and this is one of the nicest lakes in the Eastern United States. No lie! The water is clean, clear and not cold (in August). There is a nice beach area with change rooms and picnic tables. There is a fee for day use but free if you are staying at the campground.

3. Clean bathrooms with HOT water and showers! There’s also a laundry.

4. Big playground, volleyball and basketball courts.

5. Level sites with electricity, picnic tables and fire rings. Many of the sites have trees.

Some things to note: None of the sites have water, there is a strict no pets policy, a two-night minimum and this campground is busy! (We did find everyone to be friendly, helpful - especially when I was backing in to our site - and courteous.) You can reserve sites six months in advance.

Great cell phone coverage with Verizon and Sprint.

Battle Run is now our favorite campground. We stayed in a wonderful spot that bordered the lake. We could walk right down to it and jump in with our paddle board and tubes. The bathhouse is clean and the shower water was hot. There were a bunch of kids for my kids to play with. There is a playground, basketball court, volleyball court and the roads are perfect for riding your bike. Our lot was level and large enough for our 32' fifth wheel and full size truck. I have zero complaints.