Red Creek Campground
Dave V.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2019

Far from the hectic pace!

Red Creek Campground is positioned a decent drive down gravel National Forest roads, so it does not see the amount of traffic that easier, closer campgrounds get.      https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/natureviewing/recarea/?recid=7003&actid=63

With a season of Mid-April through the beginning of December, be assured that weather is always a factor. Family has been thwarted at Thanksgiving by unpassable snow without a 4x4. Rain is almost certain, as the varied elevation nearly creates its own weather patterns.  So my first recommendation is to always add rain gear and cold weather garments for insurance.

We ordinarily visit during the month of August and being a "fly by the seat of my pants" type of roaming tent camper...I have arrived to see Red Creek Campground full...as these sites are non-reservable. 

Keep in mind, Red Creek Campground is "primitive"...no modern facilities, no showers, no electric...and the only running water accessible, is a small spring pipe (that I highly recommend filtering before use even though it does not post that).

Sites on the outer portion of the loop are fairly concealed from one another by trees and undergrowth...the inner loop sites are a little more exposed.  Gravel parking at sites and each site offers a picnic table a fire ring and lantern post. All sites are a short distance to the two individual unisex pit lantrines in the center of the campground.

With no ambient light, the night skies are amazing...though cloud cover always seem to plague my visits at night. Though one evening we drove down toward Bear Rocks and laid in an open field to stargaze one evening to enjoy a wonderful light show from shooting stars. We were so quiet, several deer passed between us within arms reach...a little disconcerting but we survived.

Trails are abundant and some leave directly from the campground deeper into the Wilderness Area. Choose footwear wisely, as the trails are strewn with sharp rocks (on certain trails), various stream and river crossings, shoe-swallowing mud bogs along with the regular ol' dirt trail.  Bring a trail map, water...and/or a water filter...and raingear.

Nearby Bear Rocks is a fun scamper for "kids" of all ages and the views eastward share WV and Virginia mountain ranges.

We were thrilled to visit when "Bird Banding" is taking place and enjoyed searching for migrating birds caught in the netting on the east side of the road opposite the campground.

For a peaceful, relaxing camping experience that offers great hiking, and some of the most amazing flora and fauna...its a family favorite!

Site2
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Creek Campground by Dave V., October 31, 2019