How much does camping cost at Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Raven Cliff Recreation Area range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Raven Cliff Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Raven Cliff Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Raven Cliff Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Raven Cliff Recreation Area has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

Raven Cliff Recreation Area is open April 02 to November 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

Raven Cliff Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Raven Cliff Recreation Area have?

Raven Cliff Recreation Area has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Raven Cliff Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

Raven Cliff Recreation Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Raven Cliff Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Raven Cliff Recreation Area

2 reviews

544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350

Featured in:Hiking Virginia

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,238 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Season opens April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,238 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Season opens April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Raven Cliff Recreation Area

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

S&P Single: $5.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$5.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

276-783-5196sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Raven Cliff Recreation Area

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Campground Map

544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350

Raven Cliff Recreation Area

544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350

Nearby places

Wytheville, VA: Approximately 16.5 miles southeast, travel time varies depending on road conditions.

Driving directionsFrom I-81: Take Wytheville exit 70 or 72 onto US 11 (Main Street). On the west end of town, US 11 turns off and Main Street becomes US 21 south. Follow US 21 south for approximately 7.1 miles to State Route 690, Cripple Creek Rd and turn left (east) for 3.7 miles. Stay straight on State Route 690, Slate Springs Branch Rd. for 3.3 miles. Bear right on State Route 642, Mule Hell Rd. in .3 miles turn right (west) on State Route 619, Gleaves Rd for 1.2 miles. Turn left on Raven Cliff Lane and follow to campground.

Weather at Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Current alert: is closed due to impacts from Hurricane Helene.

Best Time to Camp at Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most comfortable weather and fullest range of activities at Raven Cliff — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s F and cool nights in the 50s–60s at 2,238 ft, making hiking the cliff overlooks and evenings by the campfire very pleasant. Cripple Creek is warm enough for fishing and wildlife is active, while long daylight hours let you explore the sandstone bluffs and nearby forest roads for biking. Weekends can be moderately busy (20 primitive sites are first-come, first Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Opens April 1; spring offers reliable conditions for hiking, fishing and scenic visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 02 to November 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens April 1, 2025, and closes November 30, 2025.

About Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Raven Cliff Recreation Area sits in the foothills of George Washington & Jefferson National Forest near Ivanhoe, offering free or very low-cost primitive camping along Cripple Creek. Managed by the Forest Service, this small campground provides basic amenities like vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent and RV campers who prefer a rustic experience. Visitors hike to cliff overlooks, fish the creek, and watch for wildlife in a quiet setting where the road to some areas can be rough.

Raven Cliff Recreation Area is primarily a primitive camping facility catering to tent camping, small RVs, and group activities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most comfortable weather and fullest range of activities at Raven Cliff — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s F and cool nights in the 50s–60s at 2,238 ft, making hiking the cliff overlooks and evenings by the campfire very pleasant. Cripple Creek is warm enough for fishing and wildlife is active, while long daylight hours let you explore the sandstone bluffs and nearby forest roads for biking. Weekends can be moderately busy (20 primitive sites are first-come, first Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation2238 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 2,238 feet beneath 200-foot sandstone cliffs that dominate the landscape. Cripple Creek flows through the recreation area, its waters clear enough for fishing and cool enough for summer wading. Forest trails wind through the surrounding woods, passing the stone remnants of the 1810 Raven Cliff Iron Furnace. The cliffs are the same sandstone formations that provided raw material for the furnace two centuries ago.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or cabins available at Raven Cliff Recreation Area.

Programs & ActivitiesThe historic Raven Cliff Furnace, a 30-foot-tall iron ore furnace from 1810, provides cultural and educational interest. However, access to some related sites has been impacted by natural events.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of 8 people per unit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe facilities, including the picnic shelter and vault toilets, are designed to accommodate groups, but no specific information about accessibility features for persons with disabilities is provided.

Site SizeThe 20 camping units have gravel parking spurs, with some sites accommodating recreational vehicles up to 25 feet in length.

PrivacyNo detailed information regarding site privacy or spacing is available.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Need help booking Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Raven Cliff Recreation Area offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The campground has 20 camping units available on a first-come, first-served basis, with each site featuring a gravel parking spur, a picnic table, and a fire grill. Some sites have pads for tents or pop-up trailers. Portable toilets and garbage cans are available in the area. There is no drinking water on-site, so campers must bring their own. A day-use picnic shelter is available, accommodating up to 75 people and 15 cars, with overflow parking nearby. The shelter is equipped with picnic tables, a grill, and parking, but also lacks drinking water.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Raven Cliff Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The area is known for its natural beauty, highlighted by Cripple Creek and the historic Raven Cliff Furnace.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground. Portable toilets serve as the primary sanitation option.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Raven Cliff Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Raven Cliff Recreation Area highlight its rustic charm and emphasis on nature. Common themes include appreciation for the tranquility and natural beauty, but criticism of limited amenities such as lack of drinking water and restroom maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great primitive camping (does have Porto potty) and has day use picnic area along the river."

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have raised concerns about restroom cleanliness and road conditions. One user noted, "Road to picnic area [is] not for small cars; very little maintenance to road." Another commented,...

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific mentions include feedback on the Raven Cliff Picnic Shelter, where one reviewer gave a rating of 1 and cited issues such as unclean facilities and poor road maintenance.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own drinking water due to its unavailability on-site. Visitors should also prepare for primitive conditions and be cautious about road conditions if driving smaller...

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from April to November, with activities such as fishing, hiking, and tubing being more popular in the warmer months. No winter operations are available.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great primitive camping (does have Porto potty) and has day use picnic area along the river" and "Road to picnic area [is] not for small cars; very little maintenance to road."

Based on 2 reviews