GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND campground
SUTTON, West Virginia

GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
156 campsites
Open in maps

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.
GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND photo 2
GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND photo 3

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

107total sites

107

Reservable

6

Accessible

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

45total sites

45

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

4total sites

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

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

304-765-7756 OR 304-765-2816

Email

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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