Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area — Attraction in West Virginia

We periodically visit to paddle the canoe around and do some fishing, but visit less and less for a number of reasons; one is that the fishing isn't very good at any time of year, and from we've seen, it's due to high fishing pressure. When you do catch something, it's a small largemouth, bluegill, or maybe a yellow perch; all small fish and of the waters we typically fish throughout WV, MD, and PA, this lake is consistently the slowest fishing action we see.

Additionally, it can get very, VERY crowded on weekends, especially during warm weather. Boats are all electrical or human powered, ONLY, but when there are so many that you can cast and catch one in almost every direction, it's really just not fun. The shores can stack up super dense with anglers, campers, and occasionally drunken parties, too. Even when we started limiting our trips to colder, less pleasant weather, there is still a good chance of running into quite a lot of people if you are anywhere near the lake. Sometimes, the amount of trash and litter around the paved boat launch and shores can be pretty significant and quite a shame considering how lovely the area is.

We've never tried camping or hiking the area, and in consideration of what we've seen with regards to crowds from our paddling/fishing trips, we have no plans to. We know places with significantly more and consistent solitude for those activities that we prefer.

There is no doubt, though, that the setting and scenery are absolutely gorgeous. The road in is long and rough, but any vehicle can get through, and it is worth visiting, at least once, if...

Great place. We came for some bow hunting just before the start of rifle season and there was a good bit of snow on the ground already. I definitely would recommend checking this place out earlier in the year before coming in the snow so you can learn the terrain. Some important things to note:

The road coming into the camp area is about 6 miles of gravel road that is steep with ruts in places so I'd bring a car/truck with 4WD any time, but it's a must in the winter.

Each of the 4 campgrounds inside have one pit toilet which can be a decent walk depending on where you are. Bring toilet paper as there often isn't any in the stall, but be prepared to pee in the woods.

There is no access to electricity and no cell phone service anywhere. We had battery operated radios ($30 from most big box stores), which were very useful in the woods.

Water is available from Myer's Spring. You can park right next to it and walk 100 feet or so up to where it is tapped.

If you want a fire, bring wood or be prepared to collect your own.

Bring a canoe or kayak so you can access the other side of the lake.

If you need a store the closest ones are very small and about 30 minutes away in Shanghai and Tomahawk.

The other campers we met were all hunters too and most had been coming for years and were well equipped with guide tents and campers, which I recommend if you are coming for hunting. Our 4 season tent was fine, but a little chilly. Everyone was super nice and all loved the area. It's a peaceful place and a great escape from the bustle of daily life. I'll...

This is a wonderful place to find solitude. They have so many beautiful campsites to choose from. We set up camp in a cul-de-sac per-say, within walking distance from one of the Vault toilets available & a set of public trash cans (locked & chained in place). Each campsite has a fire pit ring. No Picnic tables in site tho.

The vault toilet I used was very clean, I don’t recall it being stocked with toilet paper tho. So make sure to bring your own!

Josh got to do some fishing at one of the boat landings but the lake is filled with Lilly Pads which made fishing somewhat of a challenge. Sleepy Creek has two boat landings.

We got to enjoy a few hikes and we came across some beautiful views, amazing landmarks, and a few memorials. We got to enjoy a wonderful natural spring that I recommend everyone to see. I wish I could remember the name of the trail or at least what the small sign said near the start of the trail but I do recall it saying “spring” on it.

It costs $10 per night to camp. CASH ONLY !!! You pay at the check-in board by taking an envelope, removing the registration card from envelope, placing your money in envelope and then putting envelope with payment into box on board. Then filling out the registration card and placing it in your windshield so that it is visible.

*We did see the park rangers during our three night stay. *Water fountain is NOT in working order. *Please remember to clean up behind yourself and leave no...