Dispersed
Group
Tent Sites
Equestrian
Fires Allowed
Pets Unknown
Drinking Water
About Spruce Knob Lake
Spruce Knob Lake Campground is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful setting with easy access to boating on the lake and hiking through the mountainous region.
Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. A stone and steel observation tower is perched atop the peak, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the area.
Recreation
Sixty miles of picturesque hiking trails crisscross the region, and the campground provides direct access to the pleasant 1-mile Big Bend River Loop.
Trout fishing is available nearby at 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake, and in surrounding creeks. Facilities at the lake include a small boat ramp, parking area and vault toilets. A wooden pier along the shoreline provides barrier-free access to the lake.No swimming is allowed.
Facilities
The campground has accessible vault toilets and a solar-powered system for drinking water. No electric hookups are available. Firewood is for sale on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on a wooded ridge overlooking the lake. To the east is 4,863' Spruce Knob. The vegetation atop Spruce Knob has adapted to a harsh, exposed environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants cover the ground.
Due to its location, the campground may experience cold fogs and strong winds year-round.
Nearby Attractions
The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles Spruce Knob and provides panoramic views of the beautiful area.
ADA Access: N
Sites
42
Price
$13.00 - $28.00
Operator
National Forest
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Hike In
Boat In
Features
ADA Accessible
Alcohol Allowed
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Fires Allowed
Firewood Available
Picnic Table
Sanitary Dump
Showers
Toilets
Trash Available
Water Hookups
Contact
Location
Spruce Knob Lake is located in West Virginia
Directions
From Riverton, WV, take U.S. Route 33 south 2 miles to Briery Gap Road (County Road 33/4). Turn right onto Briery Gap Road. Go 2 miles to Forest Road 112, turn right and continue for 13.5 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 1. The campground is 1/2 mile on the right.
From Elkins, WV, take U.S. Route 33 to State Route 29, which is 1 mile west of Harman. Turn right onto SR 29, go south 18.6 miles and tum left onto Forest Road 1. Follow FR 1 for 2.5 miles.
12 Reviews of Spruce Knob Lake
Highest Peak in the Allegheny's
There is ample and varied hiking and camping in Monongahela National Forest…more than a lifetime's worth.
As we traveled, hiked and camped for a month (Aug 2016) we returned to a favorite location…Spruce Knob!
I have only drove through the actual campground further down Spruce Mountain, and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the small lake nearby…wishing I had my canoe to paddle around.
Last year we camped off the popular Huckleberry Trail, heading down off Spruce Knob. It was such a memorable time…that we made a point to swing by and spend at least one night. Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia at 4,863 ft, and the highest in the Allegheny Mountains.
The drive up winds up the mountain offering great views through the trees. On the peak there is a two-story observation tower that affords some wonderful views. The trees continue to grow, so you don't have 350 views…but you get 180 degrees. There is also a flat 1/2 mile trail loop that circles the peak so you can get those views you are looking for. A number of private picnic areas dot the summit to enjoy a meal…Only one shelter that houses two picnic tables, and one pit latrine there in the parking lot.
Note: there is no running water or available water at the summit. So have plenty of water with you.
This August we were surprised by the warm weather…and with it brought flies. Not any ordinary fly…huge blowflies. They weren't bad around the summit and parking lot area…but as we hiked down into the trees to set up camp. It seemed plague-like, the amount of swarming flies. So we went up to the picnic area to eat and then moved back down the trail to our camp. Last year, it was much cooler and did not experience the flies at all.
The location in the woods was perfect. A soft blanket of pine needles, quiet and ample tinder for a fire…sticks and pine cones galore. You can usually expect strong winds and cooler weather. The clouds roll in and out quickly, so if it rains…it moves on.
A large portion begin there backpacking journey here and hike down the Huckleberry Trail…just remember, if you park up top…you are going to have to hike it back up. If you are into peak-bagging or just looking for a great spot to take in the views…Spruce Knob is a must visit!
Beautiful and peaceful
Amazing location for a getaway. The trails around the park are great especially the Seneca Creek trail. Nice sites, great hiking, a little chilly at the higher elevation but very peaceful place.
