The U.S Army Corps of Engineers Kanawha River - Marmet Pool project dam and locks provide a nine-foot navigable channel on the Kanawha River with the pool extending 15 miles to the London Dam. The dam and locks are located on the river between Belle, West Virginia on the east shore, and Marmet, West Virginia, on the west shore. The locks at Marmet Pool were opened in 1933, and the dam was completed in 1934. These locks are the busiest in the Ohio River System for commercial traffic, mostly to support the chemical and coal-producing industries in the region. The twin locks are each 56 feet wide by 360 feet long with miter gates. The dam provides flood control and is a gated dam with a top length of 557 feet with a damning height of 26 feet.
There are three recreation areas associated with the lock and dams. The Corps-managed Lock Site Recreation Area boasts a fishing dock and group picnic shelter. An abutment area has a fishing dock, group picnic shelter, and playground, and there is a fishing pier situated at the Hydro Pier site. Fishing, boating, and picnicking along the lands associated with the Kanawha River - Marmet Pool are all popular activities.
There is no overnight camping on the Corps of Engineers properties. However, Kanawha state forest campground is just over a 30-minute drive from the Marmet Pool COE sites, and the Gauley River National Recreation Area is about 1 hour and 20 minutes to the east. These two parks provide additional recreational opportunities to visitors in the area with overnight camping for RVs at the Kanawha State Park. Visiting the region and need an RV to camp and explore the Marmet Pool area? Check out the following link West Virginia RV Rentals.
The Kanawha River Locks has a recreational area where you can observe the dam, operation of the locks, and utilize a fishing dock, located on the east side of the river, at Belle, West Virginia, just off Highway 60. The recreation area has paved parking lots at the lock site and the recreation area. However, space for larger RVs and tow vehicles is limited and dependent on how many visitors are using the area. You may opt to park your RV or trailer at an overnight campsite in Kanawha State Park before visiting the dam and lock site at the Marmet Pool.
You can access overnight camping sites at Kanawha State Park by traveling north on Route 60 to Kanawha City and crossing over to the west bank of the river. The bridge is paved and has no overhead clearance limitations. Once on the west side of the river, take S. Park Road, Route 38, to the park. Campsites at this location are rated to accommodate RVs up to 70 feet in length. However, the park features tight turns, is heavily forested, and has steep inclines, making navigating with a larger RV or trailer difficult, and the park and campground are more convenient for smaller RVs up to 26 feet in length.
More recreational opportunities are available at Gauley River National Recreation Area to the east, which can be reached by taking Route 60, south, and then east to the park. This park has gravel roads that are susceptible to weather conditions.
Kanawha State Forest Campground has electric and water hookups, and overnight RV camping for visits to the Kanawha River - Marmet Pool region. Sites are reservable online or by phoning the state forest office, and sites are listed as accommodating RVs up to 70 feet in length. However, the campground is heavily treed with tight turns, and campsites are situated on steep terrain in some spots, making them hard to access for large units with slide outs. They may be more appropriate for RVs such as tent trailers, and smaller units 26 feet and under.
During the peak season, weekend stays have a minimum stay of two nights and a maximum stay of 14 nights. In total, there are 46 sites at the campground, 25 of which have electric and water hookups, and each campsite has a picnic table and fireplace. Amenities include shower houses with flush toilets and laundry facilities.
The Kanawha State campground has natural terrain with wildlife, forests, rivers, a stocked fishing pond, and 25 miles of hiking trails, suitable for a variety of fitness levels and abilities. The campground observes quiet time between 10 PM and 7 AM, when campers are required to turn off generators. Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
At the Marmet Pool, you can use a fishing boat to fish on the river and use the lock system to navigate between pools, launch a car-top watercraft, or fish from the shoreline or a fishing dock. There are three facilities to accommodate shore fishing at the lock and dam areas, a fishing pier is located at the Hydro Pier, and fishing docks are situated at the Abutment area and Lock and Dam Recreation Area.
A variety of species can be found in the river, including several types of bass, as well as bluegill, longear sunfish, pumpkinseed, dorm, sauger, walleye, catfish, suckers, longnose gar, American Eel and carp.
Picnic at the Corps site on the east shore north of Belle, West Virginia to watch the operation of the lock, or at the community park on the west shore, to enjoy the dam and river views. Group picnic shelters are available on site, which can be reserved for organizations, family reunions, or other gatherings and events. Individual picnic sites are also available, pack a meal and head out for a day by the river, and enjoy the natural area and fascinating lock system.
If you own firearms and want to improve your aim with some target shooting, you can get in some practice at the shooting range located at Kanawha State Forest. The shooting range is open daily, and there is no charge for visitors to use the range. This facility features shooting stalls with paper targets. No firearms are available on-site, so you'll have to transport your own. Ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses, and observe safe firearms practices to ensure a safe time for yourself and other visitors.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures, less biting insects, and spectacular fall colors to the Kanawha River - Marmet Pool region. Enjoy a stroll along informal nature trails by the river, from recreation areas, or for more serious hiking ventures to the nearby national recreation area or state park.
Kanway State Park has 25 miles of hiking trails. Some trails are easy and accessible for ADA patrons, while more challenging trails include steep ascents and fabulous views. The Gauley River National Recreation Area features the Gauley River Trail, a unique hike with two abandoned railroad tunnels, a railroad bridge converted for foot traffic, and 20 miles of trail that run through forests and along steep river gorges!
Bird and wildlife watching along the river from a boat, at the recreation areas, or along trails in the region during the offseason will allow you to discover migrating birds not found during the summer months, and increase the likelihood of spotting shy, reclusive critters when fewer people are about. The Kanawha State Forest and Gauley River National Recreation Area harbor more wildlife to discover. Local field guides for the area are available on the West Virginia Department of natural resources website, which will help you identify your finds.
Are you an experienced white water rafter? Then Gauley River National Recreation Area may be the place for you. In the fall, water released from the Summersville Dam increases the downstream water levels, making 100 highly technical rapid sites navigable for white water adventurers.
Most of the rapids are rated as Class V, requiring an experienced rafter and appropriate safety equipment and watercraft to traverse. Contact local outfitters for more information on guides and gear.
