Cranberry River Sites NF Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Monongahela National Forest runs Forest Road 76 along roughly five miles of the Cranberry River, and the numbered drive-in and walk-in sites spaced along that corridor make up this established campground. Sites sit close to the water, and river access is a consistent draw. The road itself sees some traffic, though reviewers note it stays manageable enough that individual sites feel spread out even when several others are occupied nearby.

Fishing is a primary reason campers return here. The Cranberry River holds stocked trout, and a few tributary streams in the area carry wild trout populations. A long riverside trail connects the sites and extends into the surrounding wilderness, giving hikers and anglers easy movement along the water. Bears are active in the area, and at least one reviewer specifically flags the importance of hanging food at night. Cell service is limited, worth factoring into trip planning.

Sites include picnic tables, and the campground has drinking water, toilets, electric and water hookups, and a dump station, making it workable for RVs alongside tent campers. Reservations are available. Big Rock Campground sits just to the west, and Cranberry Campground is a few miles northeast for those comparing options in the corridor. As Mike F. puts it, he has "Backpacked and Camped here multiple times for both hiking and fishing." The campground suits anglers, hikers, and RV travelers who want hookups without giving up direct river access.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsCranberry River Sites NF Campground is located in West Virginia near Richwood

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Richwood travel one mile east on State Route 39/55, then 6 1/2 miles north on Forest Road 76. Campsites are numbered 6-19 and dispersed along Forest Road 76.

Coordinates

38.2956209 N
80.515855 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • 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
  • RV Sites
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Cranberry River Sites NF Campground

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 11, 2026

Another amazing place to camp in West Virginia

Cranberry River dispersed camping along Forest Road 76 offers quiet, scenic, riverside primitive campsites with excellent fishing and easy access to the surrounding wilderness. We stayed a couple of nights at Site 8 and had great river access with only a small amount of road traffic. There were campers at about five other sites during our stay, but it still felt peaceful and spread out. With inexpensive sites spaced along roughly five miles of road, this is a great area to camp. Roads like this in West Virginia are home to some of my favorite campsites, and we will definitely be back. 

Check out all the sites with GPS locations in our video. 

https://youtu.be/q6G3fhvmfoY

Site8
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cranberry River Sites NF Campground by Camp With Me , January 11, 2026
  • Review photo of Cranberry River Sites NF Campground by Camp With Me , January 11, 2026
  • Review photo of Cranberry River Sites NF Campground by Camp With Me , January 11, 2026
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2019

Beautiful Country

Backpacked and Camped here multiple times for both hiking and fishing. The main trail is graveled and very easily accessed. It runs along the Cranberry River with beautiful views all along the way. The River offers both stocked trout fishing along with wild trout tribs in a few places. You can pretty much camp where ever you’d like and there are also Adirondack style shelters in various spots along the trail. One thing to remember is always hang your food at night. Bears will come in and make themselves at home! Lol

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2019

The great escape

If your looking for a weekend getaway or a week long rest. Look no farther. The fishing here is the best around with beautiful waterfalls like big ruff and the ducks are so colorful like no other. Been going for 3 years now and always an awesome getaway. You won’t be disappointed

  • Review photo of Cranberry River Sites NF Campground by Jamie H., June 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Cranberry River Sites NF Campground by Jamie H., June 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Cranberry River Sites NF Campground by Jamie H., June 23, 2019
  • (18) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the Cranberry River Campground facilities and sites look like?

Cranberry River Sites NF Campground features rustic sites set along a graveled main trail that follows the picturesque Cranberry River. The sites are nestled in a beautiful natural setting with river views throughout the area. Facilities are minimal and primitive, in keeping with the wilderness experience. The campground's layout takes advantage of the natural landscape, with many sites offering direct river access. Be prepared for an authentic outdoor experience as this is not a highly developed campground with modern amenities. Contact the forest service for current facility information before your trip.

What fishing opportunities are available near Cranberry River Campground?

The Cranberry River is renowned for exceptional fishing opportunities, making it a premier destination for anglers. The river offers both stocked trout fishing in the main waterway and wild trout in several tributary streams. The easy access from the campground's graveled trail makes it convenient to find numerous fishing spots along the river. Beyond trout fishing, visitors can explore beautiful fishing locations near waterfalls like Big Ruff. The combination of accessible fishing areas and scenic surroundings makes this one of the best fishing destinations in the region, perfect for both casual and serious anglers.

Where are the best camping sites along the Cranberry River in West Virginia?

Cranberry River Sites NF Campground offers exceptional camping spots along a beautiful river path. The best sites are those positioned directly along the Cranberry River, providing easy water access and scenic views. The graveled main trail that runs alongside the river connects to multiple camping areas, making it convenient to find an ideal spot. Look for sites that offer both shade and river proximity for the perfect balance. These riverside locations are popular for both weekend getaways and longer stays, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended to secure the most desirable spots.