Sutton Lake

Sutton Lake offers multiple boat launch options across its 40 miles of shoreline in the wooded hills of central West Virginia. The primary concrete launch ramp is located at Bee Run Recreation Area adjacent to Sutton Lake Marina, with additional ramps available at the day-use area behind Sutton Dam, Bakers Run Campground, and Gerald R. Freeman Campground. This variety of access points makes it convenient for kayakers, canoeists, and boaters to launch from different locations around the lake.

The site is easily accessible from I-79 (Exit 62 toward Sutton/Gassaway). For the dam area launches, take SR-4 approximately 2 miles into Sutton, turn right at the stop sign across the Elk River, and turn left toward the dam. Nearby camping options include Gerald Freeman Campground and Bee Run Campground, both reservable through Recreation.gov, as well as Bakers Run Campground.

In addition to lake paddling and boating, note that a small boat ramp below Sutton Dam provides access to the Elk River for those interested in downstream paddling. The area supports fishing, swimming, and hiking activities. For specific information about ramp conditions, hours, or amenities, contact the project office at 304-765-2816.

Overview
Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters overlook Sutton Lake and the Elk River in central West Virginia, 70 miles north of Charleston and 60 miles south of Clarksburg. The area provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing and hiking.Recreation
Sutton Lake's five recreation areas offer many recreation opportunities for visitors. Three campground have sites...

Overview
Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters overlook Sutton Lake and the Elk River in central West Virginia, 70 miles north of Charleston and 60 miles south of Clarksburg. The area provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing and hiking.Recreation
Sutton Lake's five recreation areas offer many recreation opportunities for visitors. Three campground have sites available for reservation or on a first come, first serve basis. Boat may be launched in all of the lakeside recreation areas. Below Sutton Dam, there is a small boat ramp accessing the Elk River. All three Day Use Areas have fishing platforms. Kids love the playgrounds.

Anglers find plentiful bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish in the lake. Below the dam, the Elk River is well-known for its muskie and walleye fishing, and trout are stocked in the Tailwaters.

Fire roads and hunting trails in the surrounding lands provide great hiking and biking opportunities around Sutton Lake and at the nearby Elk River Wildlife Management Area.Facilities
Sutton Lake Day Use Areas offers five picnic shelters, each with six to eight picnic tables and a large charcoal grill. Shelters 1 and 2 are in the Downstream Area, overlooking the Elk River. Both shelters have water and electric hook-ups and Shelter 1 is accessible. There is a playground, fishing pier, small boat access, horseshoe pits and corn hole in the area. Other facilities include a large parking area and accessible flush toilets. Shelters 3 and 4 overlook Sutton Lake from the Bee Run Day Use Area. Water and electric hookups are available at each shelter. Amenities include a playground, a large beach, and the Sutton Lake Marina. Area facilities include flush toilets and ample parking. Shelter 4 is ADA accessible, although there is not direct ADA access to the restroom facilities.
Natural Features
Sutton Dam is an impressive 210' tall and 1178' wide concrete dam, backing up Sutton Lake, which covers 1440 acres as it winds 14 miles up the Elk River. Many quiet coves can be found along its 40 miles of shoreline. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills wooded with mixed stands of oak, hickory, poplar and cherry trees.
Wildlife, including deer, bears, turkeys, squirrels, ruffed grouse, Canada geese and other waterfowl are abundant in the area.

Nearby Attractions
Sutton Lake Marina is nearby in the Bee Run Area. It is a private concession with a snack bar, boat and slip rentals and more. Camping is available at Gerald Freeman, Bakers Run and Bee Run Campgrounds.

The Elk River Wildlife Management Area contains nearly 18,000 acres of public hunting lands. The terrain is diverse and divided into the Elk River and Holly River sections. The Elk River section consists primarily of steep hills, ridges and benches, where the Holly River section is on the north side of the lake and consists of forested hills and open farmlands.

Read More Read Less