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Map showing campground location near Bowden, West Virginia
Camper submitted image from Bear Heaven CampgroundView 10 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Bowden, West Virginia

Bear Heaven Campground

7 ReviewsAdd Review

Within Monongahela National Forest, Bear Heaven Campground operates as a first-come, first-served destination managed by the US Forest Service. The campground sits at a fairly high altitude along a forest road that becomes impassable during winter months, when gates block access due to snow conditions.

About ten tent sites spread through the wooded terrain, each equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. The campground provides concrete vault toilets and trash service, though no running water or showers are available. A creek runs near the sites, and campers should bring water treatment methods if planning to use this source. Amber A. notes visitors should "bring treatment methods for the stream" since drinking water is not provided.

Rock formations and boulders adjacent to the campground create climbing and scrambling opportunities for families. Several hiking and mountain biking trails branch out from the area, with Bickle Knob fire tower accessible just a few miles up the mountain. The campground rarely fills to capacity, though its small size means arriving early improves site selection.

The location provides convenient access to Elkins, less than 30 minutes away for restaurant meals and supplies. Senior citizens can camp for under five dollars, with payment made at an honor-system box near the entrance. Spring visits coincide with mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms throughout the surrounding forest.

Reservation Info

Sites are non-reservable and operated on a first come, first served basis.

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Map & DirectionsBear Heaven Campground is located in West Virginia near Bowden

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Elkins go east on State Highway 33 for approximately 11 miles, turn left on Forest Road 91 at the top of Shaver's Mountain. Follow Forest Road 91 for approximately 3 miles. Bear Heaven Campground will be on the left.

Coordinates

38.930517 N
79.680284 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 6/6/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 6/6/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Bear Heaven Campground

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5 Stars

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1 Star

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the small, wooded campground offers spacious private sites in a peaceful setting. Basic vault toilets and fire pits are provided, but visitors should prepare for no running water or showers.

Reviewed Dec. 27, 2025

Not very dispersed, but lovely

One of the advantages of this particular campground is that it's not far from the town of Elkins, so you can go back into town if you don't feel like campsite cooking— lots of good restaurants and entertainment opportunities in Elkins. 

While this is truly primitive camping, you are not so primitive that you need to dig a hole to go to the bathroom— they do have porta-potty's. It's also noteworthy that this is likely not available year-round. The road becomes impassable in winter when there is a lot of snow, and they start maintaining it, often even blocking the road with gates during the winter. Understandable but unfortunate, since it is beautiful added is not always snowing even in winter, right?

The campground is not free but also not very expensive. I think the senior citizens price is under five dollars, or at least it was when I camped there a couple years ago(2023). The sites themselves are first-come first-served, the kind of camping ground where you simply go back up to the entranceway to fill out a form and state where you are and make the payment in a box. While the campground is at a fairly high altitude, most of the sites don't have expansive views, and I think only a couple of the sites even have an expansive view down below. But that's okay if you are into wooded views, because there's plenty of that all around, and even a small rock climbing area for you and your kids to scramble on the rocks.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Heaven Campground by Ric M., December 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Bear Heaven Campground by Ric M., December 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Bear Heaven Campground by Ric M., December 27, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2019

Primitive but beautiful

Spacious sites with fire pits. Vault toilet and trash. A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bear Heaven Campground by Ann P., July 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Heaven Campground by Ann P., July 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Heaven Campground by Ann P., July 25, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2019

20+ years later, still remember this spot!

I camped here 20+ years ago when I (a city girl) had just started camping and I still think about how awesome this place was. One day I'll definitely get back here. It was very secluded, quiet, and well-maintained. We had fun exploring around the campground climbing the boulders, and there were tons of trails nearby, plus overlooks with beautiful views. This place helped inspire my love of camping and being outdoors.

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2018

Enjoyable Campground

Bear Heaven is a really cool place. The camp ground isn’t that large, but if you can find a spot you will be sure to enjoy yourself. Right beside the camp ground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders. The area has several great hiking and mountains biking trails. Just a few miles up the mountain you can go to Bickles Knob firetower and get one of the best views in the state.

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

Quiet and clean Campground

Nice campground that is seldom full. About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis. Very nice area and primitive campsites to base your outdoor adventures from!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

Monongahela National Forest

Nice stream and views of rocky mountains, a perfect WV experience. It’s a very small campground so get here early. Sites are wooded and relatively private with basic facilities but no drinking water (bring treatment methods for the stream). It’s a nice base camp if you don’t mind driving to other trails nearby. Visit in spring with mountain laurel, rhododendrons, etc. are blooming in the nearby lands, it’s like nothing else! We didn’t see any bears in this bear heaven, but that’s probably a good thing.

Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Bear Heaven Campground in WV?

Bear Heaven Campground offers basic, primitive facilities for those seeking a more rustic camping experience. The campground features approximately ten tent sites, each equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. There's a clean concrete vault toilet for restroom needs, but no running water or showers are available. You'll need to bring your own drinking water or treatment methods for the nearby stream. Trash receptacles are provided. This small, secluded campground provides the essentials for a true wilderness experience while still maintaining basic comfort amenities.

Are there photos of Bear Heaven Campground to view before visiting?

While official photo galleries aren't mentioned in available information, Bear Heaven Campground offers visually striking features worth capturing. The campground is surrounded by scenic rocky mountains, unique boulder formations, and a pleasant stream—all photogenic elements that make this location distinctive. The wooded, relatively private sites, natural rock structures, and overall secluded setting create numerous photo opportunities. For current images, check the U.S. Forest Service website, camping directory platforms like The Dyrt, or contact the Monongahela National Forest office for official visual resources before your visit.

How do I get to Bear Heaven Campground in West Virginia?

Bear Heaven Campground is located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. The campground is situated near Elkins (within reasonable driving distance) and approximately half an hour from Davis. It's located a few minutes from the Bickel Knob fire tower, which can serve as a landmark. Due to its secluded nature, it's advisable to obtain detailed directions from the Monongahela National Forest office or use GPS coordinates for accurate navigation. The remote location contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, but plan your journey carefully as cell service may be limited in the mountainous terrain.

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