Swimming and fishing draw most visitors to Blue Bend Campground, where Anthony Creek runs alongside the sites and two sandy beach areas, locally called the "blue hole," give campers direct water access. A swinging footbridge crosses the creek, and hiking trails extend into the surrounding hills of Monongahela National Forest. The campground runs from April through November, with sites priced between $20 and $50 per night.
Cell service is effectively nonexistent here. That's worth knowing before you arrive, especially if you're planning a longer stay. The 21 rustic sites sit under forest cover, and the bath and shower house has earned consistent praise from reviewers for being well maintained. A picnic shelter and playground round out the on-site facilities, making it a workable setup for families. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet, with electric, water, and sewer hookups available.
Emily B. grew up visiting this campground and notes "great fishing" as one of its consistent draws, a sentiment echoed by multiple other reviewers. Anglers will find the creek accessible from several points along the loop. Nearby, Blue Meadow sits about a mile to the east for those who want a second option in the same drainage. The access road has a reputation for being rough, so lower-clearance vehicles should approach with care. Reservations are available and worth booking ahead if you're targeting a summer weekend.
Description
Overview
Blue Bend Recreation Area is a quaint wooded area filled with plenty of hiking, picnicking and camping opportunities. Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the rustic wood tables and shelters appeal to many day and overnight visitors. The recreation area, along Anthony Creek, has a selection of single family campsites and 2 picnic shelters. The large group picnic shelter accommodates 75 people and can be reserved in peak season.
Recreation
Swimming is nice and refreshing in Anthony Creek, and anglers can find trout here. The Blue Bend Recreation Area provides access to the BIg Draft WIlderness. A popular excursion into the wilderness is the 5-mile Blue Bend Loop Trail, which connects to the Anthony Creek Trail. Blue Bend Loop Trail offers 3 scenic overlooks.
Facilities
Flush toilets and showers are available in summer, and vault toilets can be used through the spring and fall seasons. Running water is also seasonal, but a hand pump is available through spring and fall. Each site is on a parking spur with a picnic table, campfire ring, trash bin and lantern post.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 1,860 feet, the campground is in a pleasant, wooded valley facing Round Mountain in the Monongahela National Forest. The forest comprises about a million acres of forest that attracts 1.3 million visitors each year. A variety of animals make their home here, including black bear, coyote, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, otter and mink.
Fee Info
Fees are reduced when water system is shut down in the fall each year in mid October and then raised again in teh spring when water systems are turned back on. Water system availabiliy is based on weahter conditions and varies between mid April and early May. Call ahead to check on status before planning your trip.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMonongahela National Forest Blue Bend Campground is located in West Virginia near White Sulphur Springs
Directions
From White Sulphur Springs, travel 8 miles north on State Route 92. Turn left (west) at Alvon, West Virginia, onto State Route 16. Travel 4 miles to the recreation area.
Address
MONONGAHELA
WV
Coordinates
37.9202778 N
80.2711111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
