Elisha D
September 27, 2026
The pavilion we rented was located in a perfect location over the Dam. Perfect for our baby shower.
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About Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters
Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters overlook Sutton Lake and the Elk River in central West Virginia, 70 mi north of Charleston and 60 mi south of Clarksburg. The area provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing and hiking.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Closed periods
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Currently open - May 1 to Oct 31
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Marina
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Reviews
20 reviews
Summary
The Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters provide a beautiful setting for events, with newly updated bathrooms enhancing the experience. However, there were issues with the reservation system, as some guests encountered confusion over shelter availability and cleanliness concerns, including debris and odor from trash bags. Overall, the location is appealing, but improvements in management and maintenance are needed for a better experience.
Based on guest feedback
3.5
Overall rating
Based on 20 reviews
5 stars
35.0% (7)
4 stars
10.0% (2)
3 stars
35.0% (7)
2 stars
10.0% (2)
1 star
10.0% (2)
Showing 20 reviews
Sort by: Newest First
June 7, 2026
Shelter worked fine for a birthday party.
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Joanie F
October 14, 2025
I was disappointed that I paid $90 for a shelter and arrived and some other people where their because no one put the reserved sign down they did leave but we had to wait but if the reserved sign would have been down we wouldn’t have had this issue
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Joanie F
October 14, 2025
I was disappointed that I paid $90 for a shelter and arrived and some other people where their because no one put the reserved sign down they did leave but we had to wait but if the reserved sign would have been down we wouldn’t have had this issue
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meirlyn a
June 16, 2025
I would have gave it a 5 star but the area under shelter had a lot of debris But the worse thing was they took some of the trash out of cans and didn’t change bags so when it got hot it smelled bad. Some of the bags looked like they had not been change for a month or more
Also you need to put the name of people who reserved the shelter. Had someone come and tried to get us to leave saying it was theirs
The area is a beautiful place and I love the new bathrooms.
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meirlyn a
June 16, 2025
I would have gave it a 5 star but the area under shelter had a lot of debris But the worse thing was they took some of the trash out of cans and didn’t change bags so when it got hot it smelled bad. Some of the bags looked like they had not been change for a month or more
Also you need to put the name of people who reserved the shelter. Had someone come and tried to get us to leave saying it was theirs
The area is a beautiful place and I love the new bathrooms.
Helpful
Alexandria L
October 1, 2023
It was great, like always. Someone left trash laying around but other than that it wasn't bad
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Alexandria L
October 1, 2023
It was great, like always. Someone left trash laying around but other than that it wasn't bad
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Alexis P
July 7, 2023
Kind of expensive for just a pavilion and it needs to be updated but I would recommend.
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Alexis P
July 7, 2023
Kind of expensive for just a pavilion and it needs to be updated but I would recommend.
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Location & Directions for Sutton Lake Picnic Shelters
P.O. Box 426, Sutton, WV 26601-0426 United States
Elevation: 293 ft
Getting There
Shelters 1, 2 and 3 are located at the Sutton Dam. From I-79, take Exit 62 toward Sutton/Gassaway. Turn left on SR-4, approximately 2 mi into Sutton. Turn right at the stop sign, cross the Elk River, and turn left to the dam.
Shelters 4 and 5 are...
Shelters 1, 2 and 3 are located at the Sutton Dam. From I-79, take Exit 62 toward Sutton/Gassaway. Turn left on SR-4, approximately 2 mi into Sutton. Turn right at the stop sign, cross the Elk River, and turn left to the dam.
Shelters 4 and 5 are located in the Bee Run Day-Use Area. From I-79, take Exit 67 toward Flatwoods. Turn right on SR-4. Go 1 mi to SR-15 and turn left. Continue a mile to Bee Run Day-Use Area and turn right.
NOTE: GPS directions are not always accurate.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via I-79, with the nearest exits at 62 and 67 leading to SR-4 and SR-15.
Near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The closest entrance is: Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Approximate drive: 55.9 mi · over 1 hr (96 min)
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Sutton, WV
Population: 797
Nearby city: Harrisonburg, VA
Approx. 99 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 840 ft
Sutton, WV
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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers