How do I access R.D. Bailey Lake?

R.D. Bailey Lake is a public boat ramp in West Virginia. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at R.D. Bailey Lake?

R.D. Bailey Lake supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at R.D. Bailey Lake?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, dock, restrooms, ada accessible. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit R.D. Bailey Lake?

The best time to paddle at R.D. Bailey Lake is during spring and summer and fall. March through November

What are the water conditions at R.D. Bailey Lake?

Water conditions at R.D. Bailey Lake include mild current.

Is R.D. Bailey Lake good for beginners?

Yes, R.D. Bailey Lake is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingBeginner

Conditions

RiverMild Current

Amenities

Boat RampParkingDockRestroomsADA Accessible

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall

R.D. Bailey Lake

Simon, WV · Boat Ramp · Public

R.D. Bailey Lake is a public boat ramp on Guyandotte River near Simon, West Virginia. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, dock. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

River

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

About This Location

R.D. Bailey Lake offers river paddling on Guyandotte River in West Virginia. Located near Simon.

Located in West Virginia, R.D. Bailey Lake puts you on Guyandotte River with room to explore upstream or downstream from the launch.

Kayaking is the most popular activity here, with the water conditions supporting a range of skill levels. Canoeists can enjoy the calmer sections for a relaxed paddle.

Water conditions are generally mild current. March through November is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and dock and restrooms and ada accessible.

Getting here from Simon takes about 5 min, putting R.D. Bailey Lake within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.

Paddling Tips

•River levels change with rainfall — check the USGS gauge before you go.
•Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
•Know where your take-out is and how long the run takes before launching.
•Scout downstream from the launch before committing to your paddle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access R.D. Bailey Lake?: R.D. Bailey Lake is a public boat ramp in West Virginia. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at R.D. Bailey Lake?: R.D. Bailey Lake supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at R.D. Bailey Lake?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, dock, restrooms, ada accessible. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit R.D. Bailey Lake?: The best time to paddle at R.D. Bailey Lake is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at R.D. Bailey Lake?: Water conditions at R.D. Bailey Lake include mild current.
Is R.D. Bailey Lake good for beginners?: Yes, R.D. Bailey Lake is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 37.5956, -81.7797