How much does camping cost at Gerald Freeman Campground?

Camping fees at Gerald Freeman Campground are $28 - $46/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gerald Freeman Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Gerald Freeman Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gerald Freeman Campground before I book?

Yes! Gerald Freeman Campground has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Gerald Freeman Campground?

Gerald Freeman Campground is open April 17 to November 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Gerald Freeman Campground?

Yes, Gerald Freeman Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Gerald Freeman Campground have?

Gerald Freeman Campground has 156 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gerald Freeman Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Gerald Freeman Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Gerald Freeman Campground?

Gerald Freeman Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Gerald Freeman Campground?

Popular activities at Gerald Freeman Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Gerald Freeman Campground

4.34

356 reviews

PO BOX 426, SUTTON, WV, 26601-0426, USA

Top 7% in WVSpring

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping West Virginia#3 Family-Friendly Campgrounds West Virginia#3 Group Camping West Virginia +8 more

Quick Facts

1,142 ft

Price

$28 - $46/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

156 campsites

Season

Open April 18 to Nov...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,142 ft

Price

$28 - $46/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

156 campsites

Season

Open April 18 to Nov...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Gerald Freeman Campground

$28.00 - $46.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ELECTRIC-111503: $34.00; FULL HOOK-UP-111410 : $46.00; PRIMITIVE: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

304-765-7756 OR 304-765-2816suttonlake@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 426, SUTTON, WV, 26601-0426, USA

Gerald Freeman Campground

PO BOX 426, SUTTON, WV, 26601-0426, USA

Nearby places

Charleston (70 miles).

Weather at Gerald Freeman Campground

Best Time to Camp at Gerald Freeman Campground

Best season: spring. Spring provides the nicest combination of mild weather and active lake and forest life—daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (cool mornings in the 40s), making hiking, fishing, and early-season boating especially pleasant. Wildflowers and songbirds are abundant, fishing often improves with spring runoff and higher water levels, and crowds are lighter than summer (busy holiday weekends aside). Mid- to late-May into June is when trails are green, the marina is active, and you Peak months: May, June, October, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in WV

Listed as best season; mild temps, active lake/forest life and highly positive spring reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to November 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 18 to November 29, 2025, for reservations. Closed out-of-season.

About Gerald Freeman Campground

Gerald Freeman Campground sits on Sutton Lake in the West Virginia foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This very large campground offers full hookups for RVs and tent sites, with access to lake recreation and forested trails. Reviewers praise the spacious, clean sites and the chance to unplug, though cell service is minimal and signage can be confusing.

This campground offers options for tent camping, RV camping, and full hookup sites. Seasonal activities and various site types, such as electric and non-electric, are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring provides the nicest combination of mild weather and active lake and forest life—daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (cool mornings in the 40s), making hiking, fishing, and early-season boating especially pleasant. Wildflowers and songbirds are abundant, fishing often improves with spring runoff and higher water levels, and crowds are lighter than summer (busy holiday weekends aside). Mid- to late-May into June is when trails are green, the marina is active, and you Peak months: May, June, October, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation1142 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the confluence where the Elk River transforms into Sutton Lake, surrounded by rolling hills covered in mixed hardwood forests of oak, hickory, poplar, and cherry. The terrain creates a natural amphitheater that captures morning fog and evening light. Sutton Lake stretches 14 miles through the valley, covering 1,440 acres. Wildlife sightings include deer at the forest edge, wild turkeys in the underbrush, and Canada geese on the water. The elevation sits at 1,142 feet.

Programs & ActivitiesA variety of campground activities are scheduled throughout the summer for children of all ages.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, via the app, or through the contact center.

AccessibilityFacilities such as accessible boat ramps, flush toilets, parking, picnic shelters, and playgrounds are available. However, reviews suggest room for improvement in signage clarity and overall accessibility.

Site SizeSpacious paved level sites.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels. One user mentioned, 'The camp spaces are too close together and you have no privacy or enough room,' while another appreciated the space: 'Lots of space between campers.

Total Campsites156 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the river for scenic views. Ensure you understand which facilities are operational before reserving.

Best CampsitesSite 34 in the Black Bear area gets praise for spaciousness and full hookups.

Need help booking Gerald Freeman Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

This large campground offers 158 campsites, out of which 113 have electric hookups, and 37 sites provide full hookups. Amenities include boat ramps, a marina with a snack bar, playgrounds, basketball courts, hot showers, flush toilets, water fountains, and two trailer water/dump stations. Reviewers have noted ample recreational spaces but also issues with site-specific maintenance and unclear signage for facilities. For example, one user commented, 'Beautiful campground, nice people, but fair warning there is no cell service there!!! Clean, beautiful and spacious!!! Reasonably priced.' Others appreciated spacious paved sites, while complaints included unclear signs and mismatched closures for certain facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Gerald Freeman Campground

The campground offers diverse recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, wildlife viewing, and playgrounds for children. A variety of summer activities are scheduled for children of all ages. However, reviewers noted issues with certain amenities, such as poorly maintained playground equipment and occasional overcrowding during fishing tournaments.

Fishing4.0/5

Sutton Lake: bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish; Elk River below dam known for muskie and walleye; ramps present.

Boating4.0/5

Boating is popular; boat ramps and rentals and broad water access on Sutton Lake.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Abundant deer, turkeys, ruffed grouse, Canada geese and other waterfowl reported.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Swimming3.5/5

Swimming areas are available on Sutton Lake for recreational swimming.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Rural lakeside location and minimal cell service favor dark-sky viewing, though not documented.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Gerald Freeman Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.3

356 reviews

Recommended

Gerald Freeman Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Gerald Freeman Campground are mixed, with users praising its natural beauty, spacious sites, and recreational activities. However, concerns about maintenance issues, unclear signage, and lack of cell service were common.

Review Summaries

Based on 356 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 356 reviews.

Site 34Loved
Site 34 was noted by a reviewer as spacious and offering full hook-ups.
Site 30Mentioned
Another user commented on Site 30 being closed unexpectedly, leading to confusion and the need to relocate.

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, diverse activities, and opportunities for unplugging from technology. 'Beautiful campground, nice people, but fair warning there is no...

Based on 356 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included unclear signage, maintenance issues such as mowing debris, lack of privacy at some sites, and insufficient communication about facility closures: 'The mowing crew threw debris...

Based on 356 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing a cell booster for communication, double-checking site closures and availability, and planning ahead for electrical or water hookups. One user advised, 'Make sure they're...

Based on 356 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak summer season, users appreciated the campground's activities and water access but noted overcrowding and issues with local bass tournaments. Spring and early fall had fewer crowds but...

Based on 356 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground, nice people, but fair warning there is no cell service there!!!' 2. 'Spacious paved level sites. Full hook-up in black bear area.' 3. 'The playgrounds are excellent.' 4....

Based on 356 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features like accessible boat ramps, campsites, parking, and playgrounds were available but sometimes affected by poor signage. A user noted, 'You need better signs at the front of the...

Based on 356 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is reportedly good for walking dogs, as noted by one reviewer: 'Lots of room for walking dogs.'

Based on 356 reviews

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Gerald Freeman Campground

$28.00 - $46.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ELECTRIC-111503: $34.00; FULL HOOK-UP-111410 : $46.00; PRIMITIVE: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

304-765-7756 OR 304-765-2816suttonlake@usace.army.mil

Go if

You want spacious sites with modern amenities on a West Virginia lake and don't need cell coverage.

Skip if

You rely on cell service or need clear directional signage throughout the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.0

(64)

Bakers Run Campground

Sutton Lake

Bakers Run Campground sits on the wooded shores of Sutton Lake in West Virginia, offering a quiet alternative to commercial campgrounds. The lakeside setting provides direct access to fishing, boating, and swimming, with a boat ramp nearby and a small beach area for families. Campers consistently praise the clean bathhouses and the attentive, friendly hosts.

Gerald Freeman Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Gerald Freeman Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Gerald Freeman Campground

Best Time to Camp at Gerald Freeman Campground

Planning Tips

About Gerald Freeman Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Gerald Freeman Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Gerald Freeman Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Gerald Freeman Campground

Best Time to Camp at Gerald Freeman Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Gerald Freeman Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Gerald Freeman Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns