Sutton Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Featuring a beautiful lake that winds along the Elk River with numerous shoreline coves, Sutton Lake is a great place to visit for RV camping holidays packed with recreational activities. Cars, RVs, and trailers can access this US Army Corps of Engineers park, located east of Sutton town in West Virginia.
With its 40 miles of shoreline, this park is a favorite destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts because of the exciting experiences that they enjoy while pursuing their interests. Moreover, hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities abound at the park. Elk River Management Area, located near the park, offers plenty of wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities for campers who love the activity. Moreover, wildlife viewing is also enjoyed in the park. The picnic sites and shelters in the park are also good spots to enjoy outdoor meals with family and friends. Nearby attractions include Holly River State Park and Kumbrabow State Forest. A visit to Monongahela National Forest is also one to consider while at Sutton Lake.
Tent and RV camping options are available at Sutton Lake. The campsites in the park’s campgrounds have amenities such as hot showers, water fountains, dump stations, boat ramps, and playgrounds. Some campsites have electric and water hookups for RVs and trailers.
RV Rentals in Sutton Lake
Transportation
Driving
Sutton Lake, located east of Sutton town, West Virginia, is easy to access by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. This lake park sits within a mountainous terrain, so driving to the park requires caution. RVs and trailers can be rented at Sutton.
Parking
Parking spaces are available for vacationers and visitors at and around Sutton Lake. Overnight parking facilities are also available.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public transportation services to Sutton Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Sutton Lake
Campsites in Sutton Lake
Reservations camping
Gerald R. Freeman Campground
Gerald R. Freeman Campground sits within the headwaters of Sutton Lake and consists of pet-friendly campsites that are available by reservation and on a first-come, first-served basis. Peak season is from May to September. Amenities available in this campground include hot showers, water fountains, dump stations, boat ramps, and playgrounds.
This campground has 159 campsites, 34 of which are equipped with full hookup options for RVs and trailers. 111 campsites have electric hookups, while 40 campsites have water hookups. RV/trailer length limit at this campground is 65 feet.
First-come first-served
Bakers Run Campground
Bakers Run Campground at Sutton Lake and consists of pet-friendly campsites open between April and November which can be occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities available in this campground include picnic tables, fire grills, dump stations, boat ramps, and playgrounds.
This campground has 130 campsites, 28 of which are equipped with electric hookups. The RV length limit at this campground is 35 feet.
Bee Run Campground
Bee Run Campground at Sutton Lake and consists of pet-friendly campsites open between April and December and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities available in this campground include picnic tables, fire grills, dump stations, boat ramps, and playgrounds. Toilets are also available in the campground.
This campground has 12 campsites, all without hookups. The RV length limit at this campground is 35 feet.
Seasonal activities in Sutton Lake
In-Season
Boating
Launch ramps are available at Sutton Lake for boating enthusiasts who visit the park to explore the park’s waters in their vessels and watercraft. These launch ramps are located at the Gerald R. and Bakers Run campgrounds as well as the Bee Run and South Abutment day-use areas. Two marinas are available at the park that provide boating supplies and rentals. So, you do not need to worry if you didn’t come along with your vessels to the park.
Fishing
Anglers who visit Sutton Lake enjoy excellent fishing opportunities on the lake. Fish species such as crappie, catfish, bass, and sunfish occur in abundant quantities in the park’s waters and can be caught by anglers of all skill levels. Below the dam, the Elk River is stocked with walleye, trout, and muskie for campers and visitors to catch. To enhance the fishing experience at the park, a fishing pier is available and the structure is ADA compliant. A West Virginia fishing license is required at this park.
Trails
There are good opportunities to enjoy the use of fire roads and hunter trails that are present within Sutton Lake. The trails available in the park offer hikers the chance to gain access to plenty of remote areas around the park. Trails also lead to the Elk River Wildlife Management Area. In addition to the hiking trails in the park, campers can ride bicycles on the main roads as well as the campground areas. Off-road bicycling opportunities are also available in certain areas.
Off-Season
Wildlife
At this COE park, about 16 square miles of project lands are leased to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, offering plenty of opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts at the park to view various fauna species and also hunt for game species. The Elk River Management Area is yet another wonderful destination for those that wish to watch different animals within their natural setting. Some of the game animals within the park and its surrounding areas are turkey, deer, Canadian geese, waterfowl, and squirrel.
Picnicking
Lots of spots to enjoy family meals are provided at Sutton Lake, making picnicking a popular activity at the park. All the recreation areas within the park feature picnic sites and there are picnic shelters also available in the day-use areas. These picnic shelters can be reserved and also gotten on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to the picnicking opportunities available, swimming beaches are also provided at two of the day-use areas. There are no lifeguards on duty at the beaches.
Horseback Riding
Equestrians always fancy a visit to Sutton Lake for the horseback riding opportunities that the park offers. The non-recreation areas in the park are the areas that are open to horseback riding. Also, the areas that are managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources in the park have special regulations that guide horseback riding. You should bring your horse to the park if you can, because you’re guaranteed an exciting experience.
