157 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Richwood, West Virginia, providing numerous camping areas ranging from primitive backcountry sites to developed facilities with amenities. Key campgrounds include Cranberry Campground, Summit Lake Campground, and Big Rock Campground, all positioned within 15 miles of Richwood. Tent camping dominates the landscape, though several campgrounds accommodate RVs, particularly at Cranberry Campground where spaces can handle larger rigs up to 40 feet. Most camping areas feature basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while a few locations offer electric hookups or shower facilities.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in the Richwood area, with most campgrounds operating from April through November. The Cranberry Campground and Summit Lake Campground close during winter months, while Bishop Knob remains open year-round. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis using self-registration systems, particularly at smaller campgrounds like Big Rock. Summer brings cool mountain temperatures, even in July, with camping areas positioned at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet. Cell phone reception is limited or non-existent throughout most camping areas near Richwood, requiring advance planning. According to one visitor, "This is bear country, so food should be stored off the ground or inside your car/truck. Bear-proof trash cans are provided."
The Cranberry River system provides the defining feature for many camping experiences near Richwood. Several visitors highlight fishing access as a primary attraction, with trout fishing particularly popular during spring and early summer when the river levels are optimal. Campers consistently mention the region's remoteness and tranquility as key benefits, with one reviewer noting that Cranberry Campground provides "a great camping spot for easy access to numerous trails in the Cranberry Wilderness and Cranberry Backcountry." The mixed-use campgrounds near Richwood provide direct access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives along the Highland Scenic Highway. Many developed campgrounds feature self-ventilating pit toilets that visitors describe as "surprisingly odor-free," though amenities remain basic throughout most of the region's camping areas.
"Cranberry River dispersed camping along Forest Road 76 offers quiet, scenic, riverside primitive campsites with excellent fishing and easy access to the surrounding wilderness."
"long path along river, very beautiful area"
"We took site 269 for the proximity to one of the little playgrounds and easy walk to bathrooms. We had a great time and it was easy to let our 3 year old play while we setup."
"I used to love Mtn Lake because of their secluded primitive camping where deer often visit and provided a quiet place away from the busy RV sites, however they gave into demand and now have overrun the"
"Summit Lake Campground is a quiet, clean campground in the Monongahela National Forest. I stayed one night and really enjoyed the fishing on the lake."
"Walking trails to the lake and what a lake! We shall return at some point when it doesn't snow between 80 degree weeks."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"The Cranberry Campground is a semi-primitive campground located next to the Cranberry River which gets high-use during the trout stocking season in the spring and summer."
"Cranberry Campground is located in West Virginia close to the town of Richwood on the Cranberry River. All the sites are rustic."
"It’s a great spot with flowers and plants planted around the site entrance, and the wooded area behind the site has been cleared out, giving it a more open and usable feel than many of the other sites."
"Whether it's weekend camping with friends/ family or some where to crash after a long day on the lake/ river you won't regret staying in beautiful West Virginia."
"The restroom & shower facilities were easily within walking distance. The facilities could use a deep clean but overall were fine."
from $24 - $40 / night
Check Availability"You check in in a fantastic little gift shop adjacent to the lighthouse The gift shop has everything from mugs to camping needs.. and a lovely selection of local wine (seasonally) The lighthouse who's"
"Dave and Kim are great people, have a beautiful and well cared for campground very close to the Gauley River."
from $40 - $56 / night
Check Availability"there are bathrooms and tap water, but no electrical or showers. you park right next to your tent. you can walk down to the gauley river. you may see many white water rafters here for this reason."
"You can hike trails to the river, even to a beautiful swimming spot just below the dam and camping sites!"
"Big Rock Campground is a small heavily-wooded campground, with five-spaces, located next to the Cranberry River in Nicholas County, WV. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole."
"The most photographed place in west Virginia is the grist mill. Awesome trails all around."
"Babcock State Park, located in the thriving megapolis of Clifton, West Virginia is postcard perfect!"
from $33 / night
Check Availability
GuideVery well maintained. Spots are a little close together and some are a bit exposed. The people were lovely though, and everything was pretty clean. It even had a laundry room in the shower house.
ScoutThis place has it all.. beers on tap and in the fridge, a restaurant with a great menu, the sites are spacious and even better if yiu bring your bike.
TravelerThere were at least 12 numbered sites. Free dispersed camping. 14 day limit. Most sites had sun so you could have solar. Some sites were very private tucked far off the gravel road. All sites were very spaced out. Very quiet.
TravelerI used the coordinates and it took me to a campground that charges $15 a day. They weren’t private being right on the gravel road. There were tables,pits and the shepherds hook in each one. There were some that were on the river. There were toilets. I didn’t use them so I can’t say anything more about them. Not much sun thru the dense trees for solar. I kept driving around the forest on FR227 and came upon a whole nother set of labeled dispersed campsites that were very private and have open areas for solar. They were numbered. There were at least 12 that I saw.
ScoutThe meadows are a wonderful little gem, although they can be a bit loud due to their proximity to the train tracks. However, when quiet, they offer a serene joy connected to nature, and are close to the river with beautiful mountain views. A good place for stargazing.
ScoutThis was our first time staying at riftrafters. Would recommend it to anyone visiting the new river george. The owners were friendly and helpful and campground was clean and well maintained. We stayed at site 32 and it was very peaceful.
TravelerMy husband and I were looking for cheap places to park with no reservations with a dog and ended up in the sandstone visitor center after hours, the sign there said “no rv access” NOT TRUE. yes, it is on a thin dead end and you can only access it by crossing over 4 railroad tracks at once, ITS WORTH IT. Firewood is available and bathrooms too with no running water or electric makes for a beautiful dark night under the stars filled with only the sounds of nature and the occasional CSX train. And yes it’s free, a park ranger came around once to patrol but aside from that it’s a first come first serve bring your things and take-em with you. Kroger is 20 minutes away, dollar general is 15, and gas is about 10 minutes. All worth it.
ScoutAbsolutely no service here cell or internet. We have a starlink so are connected if needed Stayed at the furthest site removed from anyone. Very beautiful.
TravelerBabcock SP is a nice out of the way park. Great base to explore New River Gorge with plenty of local history it could be a trip on its own.
Bathrooms were remodeled a few years ago and very clean, and they have laundry facilities.
Camping sites near Richwood, West Virginia stretch across the rugged Monongahela National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 3,000 feet. Temperatures remain cool even during summer months, with July evenings often dropping into the 50s. Most campgrounds in the area utilize self-registration systems and feature primitive amenities compared to more developed regions.
Fishing the Cranberry: Access prime trout fishing spots directly from camping areas along the Cranberry River system. "The fishing here is the best around with beautiful waterfalls like big ruff and the ducks are so colorful like no other," notes a camper at Cranberry River Sites.
Hiking wilderness trails: Explore over 20 miles of trails through the Cranberry Wilderness. According to a visitor at Bishop Knob Campground, "This mountain top ground, located between the Cranberry and Williams Rivers, has 60 sites located along a circle."
Waterfall exploration: Visit the Falls of Hills Creek for a challenging but rewarding experience. "The trail can be difficult, with dozens of steep stairs, but worth the effort to see the 45-foot middle falls and the 65-foot lower falls," reports a camper who stayed in the area.
Paddling opportunities: Take advantage of the lake systems when water levels permit. "While the lake does allow power boating, kayaks and paddle boarding are still very popular as this is an immense 2790-acre lake," notes a visitor about Summersville Lake.
Remote wilderness experience: Campers consistently praise the isolation and quiet of Richwood-area camping. "If your looking for a weekend getaway or a week long rest. Look no farther," writes a reviewer at Cranberry River Sites.
Diverse camping options: The area offers everything from established sites to primitive riverside spots. "There are also good tent camping sites along the Cranberry River and more sites in the Bishop Knob campground, plus free shelters for backpackers long the 16-mile Cranberry Wilderness Trail," mentions a visitor.
Abundant wildlife: The forest setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. "We heard and/or saw some wildlife/signs of wild life. No bears which is good I guess, we were careful not to attract them to our campsite," reports a camper at Big Rock Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Several camping areas near Richwood offer low-cost or free options. "Whenever we go and rock climb at New River Gorge on a budget, we stay at this free site. They have CLEAN bathrooms, water hookups, showers, tables, fire rings, and grills," shares a visitor at Gauley Tailwaters Campground.
Limited cell service: Communication options are restricted in most camping areas. "The upper sites you can get a faint ATT signal," notes a camper at Summit Lake Campground, one of the few locations with any connectivity.
Bear safety protocols: Food storage precautions are essential in this region. "You will hear hoot owls and an occasional team of hounds on the mountain hunting for raccoons. There are many black bears in the area that love to get into any cooler left out in the open," warns a camper.
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds can be challenging. "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out. It should be paved, no exceptions for that hill," reports one visitor about local access roads.
Supply planning: Richwood is the last reliable source for supplies. "Make sure you gas up and get any necessary supplies in Richwood because you won't find any services near this campground," advises a visitor to Big Rock Campground.
Water level variability: River conditions fluctuate significantly with rainfall. "The water was very low when I visited in September, so I didn't have to compete for a camping spot," mentions a camper, indicating how seasonal changes affect both water activities and campground occupancy.
Playground access: Choose family-friendly campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site," shares a visitor at Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins.
Swimming locations: Identify safe spots for children to cool off. "The lake swimming was fun (something I am not used to since I am from Florida). Lots of spiders around our site...but hey you are camping! Lots of deer, we even saw a mother with 2 fawn!" reports a family camper.
Activity planning: Pack games and activities for children when not hiking or fishing. "They had a mini golf course, a small pool, a jumping pad, and an ice cream shop in the general store. Very quiet at night," notes a parent who camped with a four-year-old.
Temperature preparation: Bring extra layers for children even in summer. "The temperature is always ten or so degrees cooler at the campground because you are in the mountains and at the basin next to the cool stream. Packing gear for the hot of the day and the cool of the night is essential even in July."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Sites are big, easily accessible, clean, and not too close to your neighbors," writes one RV camper, though others note: "most sites are not level at all."
Power limitations: RV campers should prepare for potential power issues. "A/C power was an issue. 1 camper had 30 amp breaker blow 2 days in a row and my 50 amp ran A.C. units fan but didn't cool all day," reports a camper at Babcock State Park Campground.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "There is a dump station for an extra $5 fee," notes a visitor about one campground's facilities, while others lack any sanitation facilities for RVs.
Length restrictions: Larger rigs may find limited suitable sites. "There is plenty of gravel parking pad for large RV/Campers at all the sites and are angled for trailer back-in," mentions a visitor, though not all camping areas near Richwood can accommodate large vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Richwood camping areas?
Richwood area campgrounds typically offer basic amenities focused on a natural camping experience. Big Rock Campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern poles at each site. Similarly, Lake Sherwood offers lakeside sites with nice facilities. Most campgrounds in the area feature toilets and water access, though full hookups are limited. The primitive sites along the Greenbrier River Trail offer minimal amenities, so campers should be prepared to bring their own water and supplies. Many campgrounds are situated near rivers or lakes, providing excellent fishing and recreational opportunities.
Where can I find camping in Richwood?
Richwood offers several excellent camping options in the surrounding area. Cranberry Campground is located close to town on the Cranberry River with 40-50 rustic sites that provide ample space between campers. Big Rock Campground is another option, featuring five heavily-wooded spaces along the Cranberry River. For those seeking additional options within driving distance, the region offers Summit Lake Campground and various primitive sites along the Greenbrier River Trail.
When is the best time of year to camp in Richwood?
Spring through early fall offers the best camping experience in Richwood. Cranberry Campground sees peak activity during trout stocking season in spring and summer, making it particularly popular with anglers. The area tends to be busiest from late May through September when temperatures are most moderate. For those seeking a quieter experience, consider visiting in early spring or fall when crowds thin out but weather remains generally pleasant. Babcock State Park Campground, within driving distance, is particularly beautiful in autumn when the foliage changes. Winter camping is possible but facilities may be limited and road conditions can be challenging.
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