R.D. Bailey Lake Group Shelters
Choose from three day-use picnic shelters at R.D. Bailey Lake, a scenic reservoir with views of the surrounding tree-topped mountains.
Each shelter has a playground, flush toilets, drinking water and plenty of grassy space for sports. All three are near excellent shore fishing areas as well.
Big Branch Shelter
Big Branch is close to the headwaters of the lake. It has the most space of the three shelters, with substantial room for extra cars and enough tables to seat 100 guests. Horseshoe pits, basketball and volleyball courts, and the largest, newest playground can be found here. The site is equipped with two grills and electric hookups.
Guyandotte Point Day Use Shelter
Guyandotte Point sits at the lake's headwaters, just a quarter mile past the Big Branch Recreation Area. This is the best location for those who plan to go boating, as it's the only location with a boat ramp. Electric hookups and a large charcoal grill are onsite.
Visitor Center Day Use Shelter
The Visitor Center Shelter is nearly 400 feet above the dam, offering spectacular views of the glistening lake. The shelter is, as named, right by the Visitor Center, which is worth a visit. It's also at the trailhead of two popular hiking trails and the Below Dam Fisherman's Access. Horseshoe pits are by the shelter. No electric hookups are available.
Need to Know
- No off-road vehicles at the shelters
- No alcohol
- 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.
Natural Features
R. D. Bailey Lake Group Shelters are on the Guyandotte River in West Virginia, about three miles east of the town of Justice.
The R. D. Bailey Dam reaches 310 feet high, and the lake's surface area in summer is 630 acres. The region of the Appalachian Mountains boasts an abundance of oak, hickory and beech trees.
Nearby Attractions
Explore West Virginia's heritage at a living history pioneer farm in Twin Falls. Or traverse the beautiful Castle Rock Trail, great for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and ATVs.
Recreation
The lake is best known for boating and fishing for largemouth, smallmouth, striped bass and channel catfish.
Hunting enthusiasts can hunt small game such as rabbits and turkey in-season.
Head to the Visitor Center for interesting exhibits, educational programs and tours of the dam and intake structure. There's also an impressive observation deck with viewing telescopes.
Contact Information
Default
P.O. BOX DRAWER 70 JUSTICE WV 24851
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Big Branch
From Charleston: Take U.S. Route 119 south to Logan, then take state Route 10, then State Route 80 to Gilbert. Turn left at the 3-way stop in Gilbert onto U.S. Route 52 South and travel approximately seven miles and turn left onto State Route 97. Travel Approximately two miles and turn left onto Coal Mountain Road(6/2). Take the Second Left to get to Guyandotte Point.
Guyandotte Point
From Charleston: Take U.S. Route 119 south to Logan, then take state Route 10, then State Route 80 to Gilbert. Turn left at the 3-way stop in Gilbert onto U.S. Route 52 South and travel approximately seven miles and turn left onto State Route 97. Travel Approximately two miles and turn left onto Coal Mountain Road(6/2). Take the Second Left to get to Guyandotte Point.
Visitor Shelter
From Charleston to the Visitor Shelter: Take U.S. Route 119 south to Logan, then take State Route 10 passing through Man to State Route 80 in Gilbert. Turn left at the 3-way stop onto U.S. Route 52 and travel approximately five miles. Take the second R.D. Bailey entrance to the left, and drive 1.1 miles to the Visitor Center Area.
Available Campsites
- Site Shelter 2 Guyandotte Point , Loop RDB2, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Shelter 1 Big Branch Day Use Area, Loop RDB1, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Shelter 3 Visitor Center and Dam Overlook , Loop RDB3, Type Group Shelter Nonelectric
