Perfectly sited within a rugged terrain with steep hills and resplendent trees, R. D. Bailey Lake is a paradise for nature lovers, RV vacationers, and recreation enthusiasts. Located near Justice, on the Guyandotte River, off US Route 52 in West Virginia, this US Army Corps of Engineers park is easily accessible by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles via various major and minor roads.
Opportunities for fun abound at this lake park, ranging from boating on the lake to angling for bass, walleye and channel catfish, tiger muskie and panfish. Hiking and biking trails are also available for campers and visitors to use while exploring the park. Horseback riders also visit the wildlife management area for equestrian pursuits. A variety of game species are equally present within the park for hunting enthusiasts to go after. Moreover, there are three recreation/day-use areas equipped with picnic facilities that make picnicking a memorable activity. Nearby attractions include Chief Logan State Park and Panther State Forest.
Tent and RV campsites are available within the park’s campground. Full hookups and electric hookups for RVs and trailers are also present within the campground. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, dump station, and hot showers.
R. D. Bailey Lake is located near Justice, on the Guyandotte River, off US Route 52, West Virginia. The park can be accessed easily by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. There are no driving restrictions and RV/trailer rentals are available at Williamson and New River Gorge National River.
Parking spaces are available for vacationers and visitors at and around R. D. Bailey Lake for RVs, trailers and cars. Overnight parking facilities are also available.
There are no direct public transportation services to R. D. Bailey Lake.
Guyandotte Campground at R. D. Bailey Lake features 94 pet-friendly campsites that are open between May and October, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tent and RV camping options are available within the campground.
All the campsites are equipped with electric hookups for RVs and trailers, while five campsites have full hookup options (electric, water, and sewer hookups). Campground amenities include horseshoe pits, picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and hot showers. A dump station is present within the campground too.
The RV/trailer length limit is 60 feet.
Boating is a popular activity among visitors and campers at R. D. Bailey Lake, owing to the fact that the park is equipped with facilities for boat launching. At the Guyandotte Point Recreation Area in the park, the boat launch ramp is open to all who wish to explore the waters in their boats and watercraft. A parking area is also available for campers and visitors by the launch ramp. A winter launch ramp is also available.
Excellent fishing opportunities are open to visitors and campers who enjoy angling for diverse fish species. Within the lake, anglers find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Other commonly caught fish at the park include tiger muskie and panfish. All these fish species have been in the lake since it was formed in 1980. You’ll need a West Virginia fishing license to angle at this park. Popular fishing spots include Guyandotte Point Recreation Area, Big Branch Day Use Area, and Below Dam Fisherman's Access. In addition, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources stocks the lake with trout.
Hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities are available at R. D. Bailey Lake for campers and visitors that fancy such activities. There are two hiking trails in the park – Justice Hiking Trail, and Salt River Ridge Top Trail. The Justice trail offers hikers the chance to see the rive as well as the resplendent trees and wildflowers that decorate the park.
Lovers of cycling make use of the park’s roads, designated cycling trails as well as the campground areas for their riding adventures. Horseback riders, on the other hand, use the R.D. Bailey Lake Wildlife Management Area for their equestrian pursuits.
Hunting enthusiasts enjoy the opportunity to harvest game such as rabbits, squirrels, turkey and grouse at R. D. Bailey Lake. What makes the activity even more interesting is the abundance of hickory, oak, and beech on the steep mountains as well as the deep ravines in the park, all of which challenge even the most skilled game hunters. Archery-only hunting opportunities are also available at the wildlife management area at the park for game such as white-tailed deer.
R. D. Bailey Lake is equipped with picnic shelters and facilities that encourage all who visit the park to enjoy a picnic at any of the available recreation areas. All the picnic shelters are equipped with flush toilets, a playground, potable water, and large open spaces for sports activities. The unique situation of the three recreation areas by the shore also makes fishing a popular activity among picnickers. If you fancy a meal by yourself, you’ll also find nice picnic spots available for individual meals.
The Visitor Center at R. D. Bailey Lake is definitely worth a visit when camping at the park or just enjoying a day trip. Located 365 feet above the lake, this Visitor Center offers panoramic views of the lake, dam and the surrounding forest, giving nature observers plenty of things to see and take photographs of. What’s more, the observation deck available at the Visitor Center has viewing telescopes for you to bring the view close to home. Exhibits are also on display at the Visitor Center.
