Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters

Overview Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters overlook Sutton Lake and the Elk River in central West Virginia, 70 miles north of Charleston and 60 miles south of Clarksburg. The area provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. Natural Features: Sutton Dam is an impressive 210 tall and 1178 wide concrete dam, backing up Sutton Lake, which covers 1440 acres as it winds 14 miles up the Elk River. Many quiet coves can be found along its 40 miles of shoreline. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills wooded with mixed stands of oak, hickory, poplar and cherry trees. Wildlife, including deer, bears, turkeys, squirrels, ruffed grouse, Canada geese and other waterfowl are abundant in the area. Recreation: Anglers find plentiful bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish in the lake. Below the dam, the Elk River is well-known for its muskie and walleye fishing, and trout are stocked in the Down Stream area. Fire roads and hunting trails in the surrounding lands provide great hiking and biking opportunities around Sutton Lake and at the nearby Elk River Wildlife Management Area. Facilities: These day-use areas offers five picnic shelters, each with six to eight picnic tables and a large charcoal grill. Shelters 1 and 2 are in the Down Stream Area, overlooking the Elk River. Shelter 1 is accessible. Each is accessible and has water and electric hookups. A playground, large parking areas and accessible flush toilets are provided. Shelter 3 overlooks Sutton Lake in the South Abutment Day-Use Area, just upstream from the dam. Visitors in this area enjoy the lakeside fishing pier, small beach and boat ramp. Shelters 4 and 5 overlook Sutton Lake from the Bee Run Day-Use Area. Water and electric hookups are available at each shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, ample parking, a marina, playground and large beach. Nearby Attractions: Sutton Lake Marina is nearby in the Bee Run Area. It is a private concession with a snack bar, boat and slip rentals and more. Camping is available at Gerald Freeman, Bakers Run and Bee Run Campgrounds. The Elk River Wildlife Management Area contains nearly 18,000 acres of public hunting lands. The terrain is diverse and divided into the Elk River and Holly River sections. The Elk River section consists primarily of steep hills, ridges and benches, where the Holly River section is on the north side of the lake and consists of forested hills and open farmlands.