Best Campgrounds near Camden-on-Gauley, WV
The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Camden-on-Gauley, West Virginia, providing numerous campgrounds along rivers and mountain ridges. Cranberry Campground and Big Rock Campground offer primitive tent sites along the Cranberry River, while Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins provides more developed facilities with cabins and RV hookups near Summersville Lake. The region includes both established Forest Service campgrounds with basic amenities like vault toilets and hand pumps for water, as well as more remote primitive sites that cater to anglers and hikers exploring the Cranberry Wilderness.
Forest Service roads throughout the area vary significantly in quality, with many campgrounds accessed via gravel roads that may challenge larger RVs or trailers. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November, with limited winter access due to mountain conditions. Elevations range from riverside campsites to mountain ridge locations like Bishop Knob Campground, affecting temperatures even during summer months. Cell service is virtually nonexistent throughout much of the camping area, requiring advance planning and printed directions. A camper noted, "We rarely had GPS on the back roads and mountain area in WV so be sure to print directions just in case. Had service in Richwood though, which I recommend checking out if you need last minute camping supplies."
Fishing access ranks as the primary draw for many campgrounds in the region, particularly along the Cranberry River where campsites are positioned for trout fishing. Several visitors mentioned the appeal of riverside camping between established campgrounds. One visitor shared, "We moved to an empty 5-site campground right on the river between Big Rock and Cranberry campgrounds. Access to fishing is directly from your campsite, the water sounds so nice at night, and I love the river side exploring." Wildlife sightings, including black bears, are common enough that proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds. Campers seeking more amenities gravitate toward Summersville Lake areas, while those wanting solitude prefer the more remote forest campgrounds where generator noise and crowds are minimal.
