West Virginia / Wyoming County

R.d. Bailey Lake Group Shelters

Closed — Closed for the season. Day-use shelters typically operate from late spring through fall. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

R.D. Bailey Lake Group Shelters provides three distinct day-use picnic facilities along a scenic 630-acre reservoir on the Guyandotte River in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern West Virginia. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake sits behind a 310-foot dam and offers views of tree-topped mountains covered in oak, hickory, and beech. Big Branch Shelter, located near the lake's headwaters, is the largest facility with space for 100 guests, electric hookups, two grills, horseshoe pits, basketball and volleyball courts, and the newest playground. Guyandotte Point Shelter sits a quarter-mile past Big Branch and features the only boat ramp among the three locations, making it ideal for boating groups, along with electric hookups and a large charcoal grill. The Visitor Center Shelter perches nearly 400 feet above the dam, offering spectacular overlook views and access to hiking trails and the Below Dam Fisherman's Access, though it lacks electric hookups. The lake is popular for boating and fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and channel catfish. The adjacent Visitor Center features exhibits, educational programs, dam tours, and an observation deck with viewing telescopes. All shelter areas include flush toilets, drinking water, playgrounds, and grassy areas for sports activities.

Directions

From Charleston: Take U.S. Route 119 south to Logan, then State Route 10 to State Route 80 to Gilbert. For Big Branch and Guyandotte Point: Turn left at the 3-way stop in Gilbert onto U.S. Route 52 South, travel approximately seven miles and turn left onto State Route 97. Travel approximately two miles and turn left onto Coal Mountain Road. For Visitor Center Shelter: Turn left at the 3-way stop onto U.S. Route 52, travel approximately five miles, take the second R.D. Bailey entrance to the left, and drive 1.1 miles to the Visitor Center Area.

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