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Williams River Sites
There are 30 separate, rustic campsites located along Williams River Road, designated as Forest Roads 86 and 216. Many of these sites are close to the river, and are very popular with anglers. These campsites, as well as Tea Creek and Day Run Campgrounds, are the only places camping is permitted along Williams River. Toilets are closed in winter.
Campsites are scattered along the Williams River Road, from the Three Forks area upstream to a point near the river's headwaters.
At a Glance
| Fees: | There are four bulletin boards and self-service stations located beside the toilets near Sites 5, 8, 11, and 20. |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Sites are not reservable. Sites are on a first come, first serve basis. |
| Open Season: | mid-March - end of November |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Six accessible vault toilets serve Sites #1-20 and are located near sites #5, 6, 8, 11, 14, and 20. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | More information on this campground for sites 21-30 is available through the Marlinton Ranger District, PO Box 210, Marlinton WV 24954 (304)799-4334. More information for sites 1-20 is available through the Gauley Ranger District, 932 North Fork Cherry Rd., Richwood, WV 26261 (304)846-2695. |
General Information
Directions:From Cowen, West Virginia, follow State Route 46 to the start of Williams River Road, designated as Forest Road 86. The first campsites are about 10 miles upstream from Cowen. Twenty-one campsites (administered by the Gauley Ranger District) are located along the river up to the Highland Scenic Highway bridge (State Route 150). Ten campsites (administered by the Marlinton Ranger District) are scattered along the Williams River Road upstream from State Route 150. Williams River Road becomes Forest Road 216, about 3 miles from State Route 150.
Activities
RV Camping
Campsites are suitable for tent or trailer camping. Each campsite has a parking spur, picnic table, fire ring with a grill, a waste receptacle and a lantern hanger. Several campsites also have a tent pad, although all sites are suitable for tent or trailer camping. Several vault (pit) toilets are provided along the Williams River Road.
| No. of Sites | 30 |
| Hookup - Water | None |
| Hookup - Sewer | None |
| Dump Stations | None |
| Hookups - Electric | None |
Dispersed Camping
Each campsite has a parking spur, picnic table, fire ring with a grill, a waste receptacle and a lantern hanger. Several campsites also have a tent pad, although all sites are suitable for tent or trailer camping. Several vault (pit) toilets are provided along the Williams River Road.
River and Stream Fishing
The Williams River is known for its great fishing. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocks catchable size trout in March, April, May and October. A state fishing license, National Forest stamp, a Conservation stamp, and trout stamp are required.
Day Hiking
These campsites are located close to the Tea Creek area and Cranberry Wilderness providing over 100 miles of hiking trails. Motorized off-road vehicles are prohibited on these trails.
Backpacking
These campsites are located close to the Tea Creek area and Cranberry Wilderness, providing over 100 miles of hiking trails. Motorized off-road vehicles are prohibited on these trails.