Established Camping
Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower
About
USDA Forest Service
At 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak. From this rugged alpine peak, you can view grassy openings and pastures or look down on forested ridges as far as the eye can see. The vegetation here has adapted to a harsh environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants hug the ground. Spruce Knob Tower - A stone and steel observation tower sits atop the Knob, providing visitors with a vantage point from which to enjoy a 360 degree view. The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles the knob and provides panoramic views. Interpretive signs along the gentle, graveled trail describe the high country vegetation, geology and animal life. Vault toilets, picnic tables, grills and vehicle parking complete the facilities available at the tower.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
TravelerHighest high
Beautiful spot to really get to see what you can't see down low, if you visit in the fall bring long sleeves because it is windy and quite a few degrees cooler then down below.
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ScoutGreat Campground!
I went on my first solo camping trip to Spruce Knob and had a wonderfully relaxing time. The camp sites were spacious enough and spread out well so I still had a certain level of privacy. Spruce Knob Lake was a great spot for Milky Way star gazing. On my way in, the road was a bit rough and smacked my exhaust loose, but the site manager was super friendly and had just what I needed to fix my car. He refused to take any money for it, either. I can't waitto go back!
LegendPeak Bagging Coolness!
Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak and on a clear day offers breathtaking 360 degree views from the Observation Tower. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053
Because of the thick conifer growth, long mountain views don't occur till nearly to the top and that only along the western roadway...but once you climb the observation tower...(as mentioned, on a clear day) you are rewarded with wonderful views of WV and VA mountains. Watching storm clouds or simple clouds roll in and envelope the Knob offers a wonderful experience.
I've taken the opportunity to camp on Spruce Knob on several occasions, once to the NE of the parking lot just into the pines, once a couple hundred yards down the Seneca Backcountry trail to the right and once directly south of the Tower in the pines. Each offered a differ experience. There is no cost, which is a huge plus!
In the pines, just below the summit, it is eerily quiet and muffled. I've never seen another camper when I've stayed, so the solitude is glorious.
If you want shelter and a picnic table for cooking/eating...they are available, but only along the parking lot. Pit latrines are nearly on the summit in the parking lot near the trailhead for the Observation Tower. So practice leave no trace when camping and hiking!! No water, so bring enough with you. There are waste receptacles but be wise and take trash with you.
There are two levels to the concrete Observation Tower...and best views are from the upper level. I've often though about cowboy camping on the second level after the last sightseer has left for the night, but haven't seen, heard or read if its forbidden or permitted...so I haven't...yet.
Obviously, on a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there no ambient light. It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife.
Note: utilize good camping practices and set camp on a previous location where there is an established fire ring. Again, use caution with campfires because of the wind.
If you desire a more established campground, Spruce Knob Lake Campground is not too far away...down the mountain.
Spruce Knob summit camping is a family highlight!
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Location
Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower is located in West Virginia
Directions
From the north: Take Whitmer Road (CO-29) south from US-33 (one mile west of Harman) to Whitmer for 8.3 miles. From Whitmer continue south on Whitmer Road for 10.3 miles and turn left on Forest Road 1 for 2.5 miles to the campground and lake. From the south: Turn left onto Forest Road 112 for approximately 11 miles to the lake. From the east: Take Briery Gap Road (CO-33/4 at Gateway General Store) 2 miles south of Riverton off US-33 for 2.5 miles to Forest Road 112 and follow the signs to Spruce Knob. Click here for map.
Coordinates
38.70716729 N
79.58935527 W