THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the freedom of exploring Summersville Lake’s vast waters with Lake Licker’s fully equipped pontoon boat rentals. Perfect for families and adventurers alike, enjoy a safe, fun day cruising West Virginia’s largest lake.
Discover the freedom of exploring Summersville Lake’s vast waters with Lake Licker’s fully equipped pontoon boat rentals. Perfect for families and adventurers alike, enjoy a safe, fun day cruising West Virginia’s largest lake.
Book with Summersville Lake Retreat
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Summersville Lake Retreat · Mount Nebo, West Virginia
Located on the serene shores of Summersville Lake in Mount Nebo, West Virginia, Lake Licker offers an immersive day on the water that captures the natural beauty of the state’s largest lake. Spanning over 2,700 acres, Summersville Lake is renowned for its clear blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and dense Appalachian forests, making it an ideal destination for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore a unique inland aquatic playground.
Lake Licker’s pontoon boat rentals allow visitors to experience Summersville Lake with freedom and comfort. Each rental includes all the essentials for a safe, enjoyable day: a one-day boater safety certification, life jackets for everyone onboard, and a fully equipped pontoon boat featuring a power bimini top for shade, a radio for your preferred soundtrack, plenty of cupholders and storage compartments, and a handy table. This level of convenience means you can focus on fishing, swimming, or cruising the lake’s famous rock formations, including the towering Summersville Dam and the rugged cliffs that frame the water.
What sets Lake Licker apart is its local expertise and welcoming approach. The staff provide hands-on instruction on boat and trailer operation, offer detailed lake maps, and guide you toward must-see spots, from hidden coves to prime wildlife viewing areas. Whether you're a first-time captain or a seasoned boater, the company’s focus on safety and fun ensures everyone in your group feels confident and cared for.
Summersville Lake itself is a standout attraction in West Virginia’s outdoor recreation scene. Besides boating, the lake is a hub for kayaking, fishing, and cliff diving, all surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest’s biodiversity. The lake’s unique karst geology creates crystal-clear waters and underwater caves, drawing nature lovers and adventurers. The nearby Summersville Dam, completed in 1966, not only controls flooding but creates spectacular scenery with its concrete arch structure towering over the lake.
With a maximum group size of 10 people per boat and a pet-friendly policy, Lake Licker is perfect for families or groups of friends. Note that rentals require a tow vehicle with a Class II 2" receiver hitch and a valid driver’s license for the boat operator, who must be at least 25 years old. You’ll start with a full tank of gas, paying only for what you use, making for straightforward, budget-friendly boating.
Adding to your day, Lake Licker offers the option to rent a floating Oasis Waterpad, a spacious inflatable platform perfect for sunbathing, swimming breaks, or even launching a friendly game on the water.
With its blend of natural beauty, safety-first instruction, and well-equipped pontoons, Lake Licker presents an authentic West Virginia boating experience that’s accessible and unforgettable. Book your day escape and discover the expansive waters and hidden wonders of Summersville Lake like never before.
easy.
6–8 hours.
Basic physical fitness for boating and swimming; moderate stamina for swimming or walking nearby trails.
No, Lake Licker provides a 10-minute safety class on arrival that grants a temporary 24-hour captains license for WV waters.
Yes, the boats are dog-friendly, but you are limited to two dogs per boat for safety and comfort.
No, these pontoon boats do not have towing capabilities for tubes, floats, or skis.
The boat operator must be at least 25 years old and provide a valid driver’s license.
Yes, every person counts towards the 10-person maximum capacity regardless of age.
Most renters use between 4 to 6 gallons of gas during a full-day rental.
Completed in 1966, Summersville Dam created the lake for flood control and recreation, shaping the region’s outdoor culture.
Lake Licker promotes responsible boating to protect water quality and aquatic habitats in Summersville Lake.
Summersville Lake Retreat operates pontoon boat rentals on Summersville Lake from Mount Nebo, West Virginia. The company offers full-day, eight-hour pontoon rentals designed for families and dog owners seeking a relaxed lake experience. Each rental includes hands-on training, lake maps highlighting scenic spots, and required safety gear to support a safe day on the water. Boats feature a power bimini top, ample storage, and an onboard radio for convenience and comfort. One specific offering, the Hillbilly Holler Hopper, is a 2022 16-foot pontoon boat equipped to carry family groups and pets. Other named rentals—Slow and Steady, Lake Licker, and Gad Dam Boat—provide similar eight-hour experiences with the same safety and convenience features. Summersville Lake Retreat emphasizes accessible, self-guided lake exploration: guests receive instruction before departure and can use provided maps to find coves, beaches, and scenic viewpoints on Summersville Lake. Safety equipment and training are included with every rental, reflecting a focus on responsible boating. Located near Mount Nebo, the business serves visitors to Summersville Lake looking for a full-day boating option. The rental packages are structured to support relaxed, family-oriented outings and are explicitly dog-friendly, allowing pet owners to bring their dogs on board. For travelers seeking a straightforward, safety-focused pontoon rental during a day at Summersville Lake, Summersville Lake Retreat provides the necessary equipment, local maps, and brief training needed to enjoy a full day on the water. Reservations cover single eight-hour rental periods and include in-person training, lake maps, and required safety gear before launch for guests.
Book with Summersville Lake Retreat