Gerald Freeman Campground

GERALD FREEMAN CAMPGROUND

Part of Sutton Lake

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.

Facilities

This large campground offers 156 campsites. 113 sites have electric hookups and 37 sites have full hookups. Boat ramps and a marina with a snack bar are located on-site. Younger visitors love the campground's playgrounds and basketball courts. Other facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, water fountains, and two trailer water / dump stations.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (304) 765-2267.

Important Notices

  • Alcohol is prohibited at Sutton Lake
  • There is a $5 charge for visitors (per vehicle). Visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

  • • No person(s) may camp at one or more campsites for more than 14 days in a 30 day consecutive period at “Sutton Lake”. This includes the reservation holder (primary occupant) and all other overnight occupants.

  • • Any person utilizing a Federal Pass for a discount on camping fees must present the discount pass upon request, be registered on the campsite, and occupy the site overnight for the entire duration of the reservation to receive the full discount. 

  • • You may only be registered as the primary occupant at one campsite upon check-in.  

  • • All trash and debris must be completely removed from the campsite upon departure.

  • • All motorized recreational vehicles, including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility terrain vehicles (UTV), mopeds, scooters, golf carts, hoverboards, etc., that are not licensed for use on all roadways are prohibited in the campgrounds.

  • • Please contact the Sutton Lake office about questions on power driven mobility aids. 

  • • The primary occupant is responsible for the adherence to camping rules and regulations by all other occupants, guests, and visitors on the campsite. 

Available Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
  • Hunting - Hunting
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Boating - Boating
  • Biking - Biking
  • Water Skiing - Water Skiing
  • Water Access - Water Access
  • Water Activities - Water Activities
  • Wilderness - Wilderness
  • Swimming - Swimming
  • Kayaking - Kayaking
  • Jet Skiing - Jet Skiing
  • Motor Boat - Motor Boat

Directions

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.

Contact Information

Phone: 304-765-7756 OR 304-765-2816

PO BOX 426
SUTTON, WV 26601-0426

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery