R.D. Bailey Lake

**Overview**
R.D. Bailey Lake is a scenic reservoir on the Guyandotte River in southern West Virginia, surrounded by forested mountains. The Big Branch Recreation Area provides public boat ramp access to the lake's waters, making it a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The facility is open to all who wish to explore the lake and waterways.

**Facilities & Amenities**
The Big Branch Day Use Area offers a boat ramp, picnic facilities, and basic amenities. Note that the nearby Guyandotte Point Day Use Shelter, located a quarter-mile up the road at the lake's headwaters, also has a dedicated boat ramp and may offer additional facilities including bath houses, showers, water, and electric hookups. No reservations are required at either location.

**Getting There**
From Charleston, take US Route 119 south to Logan, then State Route 10 and State Route 80 to Gilbert. Turn left onto US Route 52 South and travel approximately seven miles, then turn left onto State Road 80 toward Big Branch. For current conditions and specific amenities, contact the R.D. Bailey Lake Visitor Center, which overlooks the lake and can provide detailed recreation information.

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,...

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. 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.
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
Visitor Center Shelter
Big Branch Shelter
Guyandotte Point Shelter

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