Overview Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters overlook Sutton Lake and the Elk River in central West Virginia, 70 miles north of Charleston and 60 miles south of Clarksburg. The area provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. Recreation Sutton Lake's five recreation areas offer many recreation opportunities for visitors. Three campground have sites available for reservation or on a first come, first serve basis. Boat may be launched in all of the lakeside recreation areas. Below Sutton Dam, there is a small boat ramp accessing the Elk River. All three Day Use Areas have fishing platforms. Kids love the playgrounds. Anglers find plentiful bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish in the lake. Below the dam, the Elk River is well-known for its muskie and walleye fishing, and trout are stocked in the Tailwaters. 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. Facilities Sutton Lake Day Use Areas offers five picnic shelters, each with six to eight picnic tables and a large charcoal grill.
Source: rec_gov · last verified 2026-05-19