Overview Choose from three day-use picnic shelters at R.D. Bailey Lake, a scenic reservoir with views of the surrounding tree-topped mountains. 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. Facilities 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.
Source: rec_gov · last verified 2026-05-19