Recreation

Most of Monongahela National Forest is open year-round, closing only when access roads are snow-covered. But some developed campgrounds, picnic areas and both visitor centers routinely close from late fall through mid-spring. The following details the fall of 2025 closing dates.

Closing dates for recreation sites on the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District (304-478-2000) in the Elkins and Parsons areas:

• Bear Heaven Campground – Dec. 1
• Bickle Knob Observation Tower – Closes when roads are snow-covered.
• Horseshoe Recreation Area – Sept. 14
• Olson Observation Tower - Closes when roads are snow-covered.
• Stuart Recreation Area – Oct. 13

Closing dates for recreation sites on the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District (304-257-4488) in the Petersburg and Seneca Rocks areas:

• Big Bend Campground – Oct. 26
• Dolly Sods Picnic Area – Jan. 2
• Gatewood Group Campground – Dec. 1
• Jess Judy Group Campground – Oct. 26
• Red Creek Campground – Jan. 2
• Seneca Rocks Discovery Center – Oct. 27
• Seneca Rocks Picnic Area – Dec. 1
• Seneca Shadows Campground – Oct. 26
• Spruce Knob Lake – Closes when roads are snow-covered
• Spruce Knob Lake Campground – Oct. 13
• Spruce Knob Observation Tower – Area open year-round (except when roads are snow covered). Toilets close Dec. 2.

Closing dates for recreation sites on the Greenbrier Ranger District (304-456-3335) in the Bartow area:

• Gaudineer Knob Picnic Area – Closes when roads are snow covered. Toilets close Dec. 1.
• Island Campground – Dec. 1
• Lake Buffalo – Lake open year-round. Toilets close Dec. 1
• Laurel Fork Campground – Dec. 1
• Middle Mountain Cabins – Dec. 1
• Old House Run Picnic Area – Dec. 1

Closing dates for recreation sites on the Gauley Ranger District (304-846-2695) in the Richwood area:

• Big Rock Campground – Oct 31.
• Bishop Knob Campground – Sep. 2
• Cranberry Campground – Oct. 1
• Cranberry Mountain Nature Center – Oct. 15
• Cranberry River Developed Dispersed Campsites – Area closes when snow-covered. Toilets close Dec. 1.
• North Bend Picnic Area – Sep.  2
• Summit Lake – Lake open year-round. Toilets close Dec. 1
• Summit Lake Campground – Oct. 31
• Williams River Developed Dispersed Campsites (Sites #1 - #20 located downstream of Tea Creek Campground) – Area closes when snow-covered.  Toilets closed Dec. 1.
• Woodbine Picnic Area – Sep. 2

Closing dates for recreation sites on the Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District (304-799-4334) in the Marlinton area:

• Day Run Campground – Oct. 31
• Highland Scenic Highway – Road closes when snow-covered.
• Pocahontas Campground – Sep. 2
• Rimel Picnic Area – Oct. 31
• Tea Creek Campground – Oct. 31
• Williams River Developed Dispersed Campsites (Sites #21 to #30 located upstream of Tea Creek Campground) – Area closes when snow-covered. 

Closing dates for recreation sites on the Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District (304-536-2144) in the White Sulphur Springs area:

• Blue Bend Recreation Area – Oct. 31
• Lake Sherwood Recreation Area and Campground – Sept. 2 camping loops close; access to day boat launch is available year around

Roadside camping, also called dispersed camping, is available in many areas of the Forest year-round. For more information about recreation facilities, contact the District Office near the location you would like to visit. Contact information is listed at our offices page.