R.d. Bailey Lake Group Shelters

About

R.D. Bailey Lake Group Shelters consist of three reservable day-use picnic facilities along the Guyandotte River in southern West Virginia, about three miles east of Justice. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, these shelters sit on a scenic 630-acre reservoir backed by the 310-foot R.D. Bailey Dam. The Appalachian mountain setting features abundant oak, hickory, and beech forests. Big Branch Shelter offers the most space, with tables seating up to 100 guests, parking for 50 vehicles, two grills, electric hookups, and the largest playground. Horseshoe pits plus basketball and volleyball courts provide additional recreation. Guyandotte Point Shelter is ideal for boaters as the only location with a boat ramp, and it also has electric hookups and a large charcoal grill. The Visitor Center Shelter provides spectacular views from nearly 400 feet above the dam but lacks electric hookups. The lake supports excellent fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and channel catfish. The visitor center offers exhibits, educational programs, and dam tours with an observation deck featuring viewing telescopes.

Directions

From Charleston: Take US Route 119 south to Logan, then State Route 10 through Man to State Route 80 in Gilbert. Turn left at the 3-way stop onto US Route 52 South. For Big Branch and Guyandotte Point, travel approximately 7 miles and turn left onto State Route 97, then approximately 2 miles to Coal Mountain Road. For the Visitor Center Shelter, travel approximately 5 miles on US 52 and take the second R.D. Bailey entrance to the left, then drive 1.1 miles to the Visitor Center Area.