Best Campgrounds near Richwood, WV
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.
