Cranberry River Sites

Area Status: Open

Fourteen primitive and separately numbered campsites dispersed along a 5-mile section of the lower Cranberry River. Toilets closed as of November 30.

Campsites are number 6-19 along the Cranberry River between Big Rock Campground and Cranberry Campground on Forest Road 76. Double sites available at sites 7 and 12.

 

 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Open, except when roads closed by snow. End toilet and trash service on 12/1.
Permit Info: Sites are not reservable. Sites are on a first come, first serve basis.
Usage: Medium
Restrictions:
  • Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
  • Check-out time is 2:00 p.m.
  • Dogs are permitted if on a leash at all times. Leash must be 6 ft. or shorter. Food storage order applies to pet food also.
  • Single site limit is one wheeled camping unit only, defined as motorhome or travel trailer; no more than 8 people; no more than 2 vehicles. Vehicle pulling camper or trailer is considered 1 of the 2 allowed vehicles. Tents must be contained within the campsite.
  • Vehicles must be parked on gravel or paved spur, not in the woods, grass or road. 
  • Discharging and draining gray water and black water (sewage) onto national forest lands is illegal and punishable by fines under 36 CFR 261.11(c) and 36 CFR 261.11 (d). Dump station and water fill are available in Richwood at Four Seasons Outfitter and Adventure Sports. Dump stations are also available in Marlinton. Cranberry Campground has its own dump station that is donation based.
  • Please see bulletin boards for more information.
Closest Towns: Richwood, WV
Water: None Available
Restroom: One accesible vault toilet across from site #7 and one near sites #15-19 at Aldridge Branch.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: More information on this campground is available through the Gauley Ranger District, 932 North Fork Cherry Rd., Richwood, WV 26261 (304)846-2695.

General Information

Directions:

From Richwood travel one mile east on State Route 39/55, then 6 1/2 miles north on Forest Road 76. Campsites are numbered 6-19 and dispersed along Forest Road 76.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Camping is only permitted in "numbered" sites along the river corridor.  Each site has a picnic table, lantern post, and trash can. No water or electric is available. There are two accessible vault toilets along this 5-mile corridor with one toilet located across from site #7 and one toilet located near sites #15-19 at Aldridge Branch. Sites vary in size but a few can accommodate larger campers.

There are no group sites available. The relative close proximity of sites #15-19 can accommodate larger groups, however each site must be paid for and occupancy limited to no more than eight people per site and either two vehicles or two camping units per site. A camping unit is a tent, trailer, or RV. Two vehicle limit includes tow vehicles.

There are three self-service pay stations to serve the river sites. These bulletin board and fee tube areas are located between sites 7 & 8, sites 10 & 11 and near the vault toilet beside site 15 at Aldridge Branch.

RV Camping

Camping is only permitted in "numbered" sites along the river corridor. Each site has a picnic table, lantern post, and trash can. No water or electric is available. There are two accessible vault toilets along this 5-mile corridor with one toilet located across from site #7 and one toilet located near sites #15-19 at Aldridge Branch. Sites vary in size but a few can accommodate larger campers.
 

There are no group sites available. The relative close proximity of sites #15-19 can accommodate larger groups, however each site must be paid for and occupancy limited to no more than eight people per site and either two vehicles or two camping units per site. A camping unit is a tent, trailer, or RV. Two vehicle limit includes tow vehicles.


There are three self-service pay stations to serve the river sites. These bulletin board and fee tube areas are located between sites 7 & 8, sites 10 & 11 and near the vault toilet beside site 15 at Aldridge Branch.

Dispersed Camping

Camping is only permitted in "numbered" sites along the river corridor.  Each site has a picnic table, lantern post, and trash can. No water or electric is available. There are two accessible vault toilets along this 5-mile corridor with one toilet located across from site #7 and one toilet located near sites #15-19 at Aldridge Branch. Sites vary in size but a few can accommodate larger campers.
 

There are no group sites available. The relative close proximity of sites #15-19 can accommodate larger groups, however each site must be paid for and occupancy limited to no more than eight people per site and either two vehicles or two camping units per site. A camping unit is a tent, trailer, or RV. Two vehicle limit includes tow vehicles.


There are three self-service pay stations to serve the river sites. These bulletin board and fee tube areas are located between sites 7 & 8, sites 10 & 11 and near the vault toilet beside site 15 at Aldridge Branch.
 

River and Stream Fishing

Trout fishing in the adjacent Cranberry River. A valid West Virginia State Fishing License is required, along with a National Forest stamp, a Conservation stamp, and a trout stamp. Please contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for more information on fishing and hunting licensing requirements. Check state fishing regulations for special Cranberry River Fishing Areas.

Day Hiking

Available in the adjacent Cranberry Backcountry

Backpacking

Available in the adjacent Cranberry Backcountry