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    Home » Travel » Park + Trail Guides » West Virginia

    Summit Lake (Richwood, West Virginia)

    Published: Jun 2, 2021 · Updated: Apr 13, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Looking for a camping getaway with great scenery and few people? Summit Lake in the Monongahela National Forest, near Richwood, West Virginia, is a great option!

    By: Elizabeth Johnson
    Lake and forest viewed from kayak
    Summit Lake

    As I lie in bed in the mornings, listening to the birds sing me a wake-up song through my open window, I can’t help but get excited for camping season to finally be here again!

    Wildflower, lake and hill landscape
    Wildflowers at Summit Lake

    I love parts of all seasons, but there is something special about being able to go somewhere surrounded by nature and live primarily outside in it.

    Last year we were able to appreciate being outside and enjoying the little things to a much greater degree than we ever have.

    Campfire at night

    Because so many people started to enjoy the outdoors last year, it was hard to find a camping spot.

    We are not great at planning ahead, so most of the time what we do is last-minute. Because of this we found our new favorite spot: Summit Lake!

    Monongahela National Forest sign
    Summit Lake, Part of the Monongahela National Forest

    Summit Lake is located in Monongahela National Forest, about 10 miles from Richwood, West Virginia. Check out the description on the forestry service’s website.

    Want to visit other hiking and camping spots in West Virginia? Check out our guides to Kanawha State Forest, Pinnacle Rock State Park, Gray Flats South trail in Beckley, or the Endless Wall and Long Point trails in New River Gorge!

    We felt very safe camping here. Due to the ongoing worldwide problem this was important to us.

    Summit Lake Campground

    There are 33 units in the campground, and it is open from April through November.

    There are no hook-ups and no water, sewer, or electricity.

    We usually only have about five days off in a row, so that’s not a problem for us. We have a small camper that has enough water/waste storage for us.

    Camper parked at camp site
    Camp Site at Summit Lake

    There are vault toilets and a hand pump for water.

    Yes, a hand pump!

    You feel like you have accomplished a great feat of strength when you’ve managed to pump your 6-gallon container full of water and made it back to camp!

    Check out our guides to the best camping kitchen gear as well as camping gear for couples! With a camp Dutch oven and a Lodge 12″ carbon steel skillet, there are a ton of camping recipes you can make.

    Because of the lack of amenities, the campground at Summit Lake was never full.

    Hopefully, this summer will prove to be the same!

    Bench facing lake and hillside
    The View at Summit Lake

    There was no camp host, so no need to interact with anyone. Payment is on the honor system. Grab a paper, fill it out with your payment, and insert it into the “iron ranger” (a metal post with a slit in it).

    And did I mention there is a LAKE!

    Lake reflection of forested hill

    Recreation Options

    I got an awesome anniversary gift last year: a paddle board. So this was a beyond perfect spot for us.

    Woman on paddleboard in middle of lake
    Paddle Boarding on Summit Lake

    The lake isn’t large, but it’s great for a relaxing paddle.

    There are no swimming spots but plenty of water to splash and cool off with.

    Person paddling on board in middle of lake
    Couple smiling with lake behind them

    If fishing is your thing, it seems like people really like it there.

    Man and dogs at edge of lake

    There is a great trail that circles the entire lake and makes for a great run or walk.

    Dogs on leashes walking on path next to lake
    Trail through forest
    Woodland Trail Near Summit Lake

    We kept fondly referring to this camping spot as our summer lake home and can’t wait to get back there this year!

    Close-up of wildflowers
    elizabeth + garrett

    About Elizabeth + Garrett Johnson

    Hi! We are Garrett & Elizabeth from Beckley, WV. To pay the bills we are a firefighter and a nurse. We are also full-time volunteers. We also love backpacking, trail running, camping and hiking. We have 2 dogs who almost always drag us along on the trails. Follow Elizabeth at @smutko.girl.

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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