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Access Site WV

Summersville Lake

Gauley River

Source: west_virginia_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Keslers Cross Lanes, WV
County: Nicholas County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 38.22543087, -80.91055730
63GQ+5Q Keslers Cross Lanes, WV, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Gauley River below Summersville DAM, WV Same River 1.4 mi away
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Gauley River below Rich Creek at Jodie, WV Same River 13.2 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Gauley River
8 runs
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
IV-V Put-in at this location 7 Summersville Dam to Woods Ferry
12.0 mi 36 ft/mi
III-IV(V) Downstream from here (7.4 mi to put-in) 9 Woods Ferry to Swiss
14.0 mi 26 ft/mi
II-III(IV) Upstream from here (11.0 mi from take-out) 6. Curtin Bridge to confluence with Persinger Creek
12.0 mi 20 ft/mi
I-II Upstream from here (19.1 mi from take-out) 5. Camden-on-Gauley to Curtin Bridge
9.9 mi 15 ft/mi
I-II(III) Upstream from here (23.5 mi from take-out) 4. Donaldson to Camden-on-Gauley
10.9 mi 15 ft/mi
I-II Upstream from here (29.7 mi from take-out) 3. Bolair to Donaldson
6.8 mi 10 ft/mi
I-II Upstream from here (35.7 mi from take-out) 2. Confluence with Turkey Fork to Bolair
7.3 mi 10 ft/mi
II-III Upstream from here (40.3 mi from take-out) 1. Confluence with South Fork to confluence with Turkey Fork
9.6 mi 55 ft/mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Summersville Lake boat ramp at Keslers Cross Lanes provides convenient access to West Virginia's largest lake, a 2,700-acre reservoir known for its exceptional water quality and dramatic 70-foot sandstone cliffs. Located in the southwest section of the lake off Summersville Lake Boat Docks Road, this is a two-lane concrete ramp with docking facilities and paved parking. The site is situated about 5 miles south of Summersville via Highway 19, making it easily accessible from the town.

This access point is ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters looking to explore the scenic lake or access the nearby Gauley River. The lake's 60 miles of shoreline offer excellent paddling opportunities, and the clear water supports various recreation activities including fishing and swimming. If you're interested in whitewater paddling, the free-flowing Gauley River gorge is nearby and accessible through the Gauley River National Recreation Area.

For trip planning, note that parking fees apply (typically $5 for daily parking). Summersville Lake Shelters campground nearby offers reservable camping facilities for those planning an extended visit. For current information on amenities, fees, or facility conditions, contact the facility at 304-872-3412.
Federal Facility Information
304-872-3412 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Summersville Lake Shelters are conveniently located just south of Summersville, West Virginia, on the shores of the largest lake in the state.

Superb water quality and sheer sandstone cliffs make Summersville Lake a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.Recreation
The 2700-acre lake provides excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and scuba diving.

Anglers will find large and...

Overview
Summersville Lake Shelters are conveniently located just south of Summersville, West Virginia, on the shores of the largest lake in the state.

Superb water quality and sheer sandstone cliffs make Summersville Lake a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.Recreation
The 2700-acre lake provides excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and scuba diving.

Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, and catfish. Trout are stocked below the dam in spring and fall.

Visitors also enjoy the great hiking, biking, hunting and picnicking opportunities on the lands surrounding the lake.

Whitewater rafting is available year-round on the world class Gauley River. The Summersville Lake area also offers technical rock climbing.Facilities
This day-use area has four large group picnic shelters, offering an ideal retreat for parties or family functions. Amenities include flush toilets and drinking water.Natural Features
Scenic Summersville Lake is known for its striking cliffs and quiet coves along 60 beautiful miles of shoreline. Dense forests of maple, oak, hickory, beech and birch trees cover the region.

Wildlife, including black bear, deer, grouse and turkey, is abundant in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The historic Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a 10-minute drive from the campground. The park offers a museum, three Gauley River overlooks and hiking trails.

Summersville Lake Marina and Sarge's Dive Shop are 11 miles away, offering kayak and pontoon boat rentals. The town of Summersville, another five miles north, has several grocery stores, restaurants and service stations.

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Nearby Campgrounds (1 within 10 miles)
Long Point Campground
On-site
Reserve
Nearby Recreation Areas
Gauley River National Recreation Area Located within
Summersville Lake Located within