
GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND
156
Total Campsites
Campground
152
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
6
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND
Overview Gerald Freeman Camp is nestled in the headwaters of Sutton Lake in central West Virginia, 70 miles north of Charleston. The area provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. Recreation Anglers find plentiful bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish in the lake. The Elk River below Sutton Dam is well-known for its muskie and walleye fishing, and trout are stocked in the Downstream 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. A variety of campground activities are scheduled throughout the summer for children of all ages. Facilities Anglers find plentiful bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish in the lake. The Elk River below Sutton Dam is well-known for its muskie and walleye fishing, and trout are stocked in the Downstream 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. A variety of campground activities are scheduled throughout the summer for children of all ages. Natural Features Sutton Lake 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, turkeys, squirrels, ruffed grouse, Canada geese and other waterfowl, is abundant in the area. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (304) 765-2267. Nearby Attractions 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, while the Holly River section is on the north side of the lake and consists of forested hills and open farmlands. Additional camping facilities are available on a first come, first served basis at Bakers Run Campground and Bee Run Primitive Campground.
- 156 total campsites listed.
- 152 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 6 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard electric (107).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND special
Gerald Freeman Campground occupies one of West Virginia's best-kept secrets — a tranquil stretch of woodland at the headwaters of Sutton Lake in the heart of the Mountain State. Roughly 70 miles north of Charleston and a world away from its pace, this 156-site campground offers a genuine escape into the forested hills of central Appalachia. The setting is classic West Virginia: rolling hardwood ridges, misty mornings over still water, and birdsong that fills the gaps between conversations. Sutton Lake, impounded by the Army Corps of Engineers on the Elk River, provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and pontoon boating, while the upper reaches near the campground stay quieter and more scenic than the main lake body. Anglers will find solid bass and crappie fishing, especially in spring. Sites are well-spaced among mature trees, with a mix of electric hookup and primitive options that suit both RV travelers and tent campers. The campground includes a boat ramp, swimming beach, and playground. Peak season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends fill reliably — reserving a week or more in advance is wise for summer visits. For a low-key Appalachian lake getaway that has not yet been discovered by the masses, Gerald Freeman delivers beautifully.
Campsite Inventory
156 sites to choose from
STANDARD ELECTRIC
107
Reservable
6
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
45
Reservable
0
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
6:00 PM
Check-out time
5:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
28, 32, 34, 35
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Electricity Hookup
20/30/50
Full Hookup
50
GRILLS
Yes
LANTERN POSTS
Lantern Posts
Location Rating
Prime
Max guests
12, 8
Max vehicle length (ft)
28, 30, 32, 34
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
304-765-7756 OR 304-765-2816
suttonlake@usace.army.mil
Getting There
From I-79, take exit 67. Turn right on WV-4 and go 1 mile. Turn left on WV-15 and travel 12 miles to the campground. Campground will be on your right. NOTE: GPS directions are not always accurate. Call for additional information.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND?
GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (107), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (45), MANAGEMENT (4).
Where is GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND located?
GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND is in West Virginia near SUTTON. Coordinates: 38.6800, -80.5469.
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