Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Star0
2 reviews
544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350

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

Opens George Washington & Jefferson National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Raven Cliff Recreation Area
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $5 per unit, per night. Each unit has a limit of 8 people and 2 vehicles.
Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
276-783-5196sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

13 Google reviews

Some mention

small

"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."

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Campground Map

544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350

Raven Cliff Recreation Area

544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350

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.
This campground is accessible via paved roads, but some nearby roads are described as unmaintained. "Road to picnic area not for small cars; very little maintenance to road" (user review).
Nearby places
Wytheville, VA: Approximately 16.5 miles southeast, travel time varies depending on road conditions.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, fuel, and essentials can be accessed in Wytheville, VA, about 16.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Winter transforms Raven Cliff into a crystalline wonderland, with snow dusting the towering cliffs and occasional rain creating misty, mystical mornings. For the most comfortable camping experience, plan your visit during the 'weather-friendly weeks' from late spring through early fall, when mild temperatures and clear skies create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open Apr–Nov; fishing, hiking and tubing are most popular in warm months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Scenic cliffs/woodland open through Nov; fall likely excellent for views and hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens Apr 1; spring offers hiking and fishing as season begins but can be cool/wet early on.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (season Apr 1–Nov 30); no winter operations.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens April 1, 2025, and closes November 30, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Trail closures due to Hurricane Helene damage.

About Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Escape to Raven Cliff Recreation Area, where 20 primitive campsites await adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Tucked away on a first-come, first-served basis, each site features a gravel parking spur, sturdy picnic table, and fire grill perfect for evening cookouts under the stars. While you'll need to bring your own water and rely on portable facilities, the trade-off is pure, unspoiled nature. The melodic sounds of Cripple Creek wind through the campground, offering excellent fishing spots and refreshing wading pools that beckon on warm summer days.
Raven Cliff Recreation Area is primarily a primitive camping facility catering to tent camping, small RVs, and group activities.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe Raven Cliff Recreation Area provides access to trails like the Raven Cliff Furnace Trail (4616) and the Raven Cliff Trail (4601). However, it is worth noting that the trails have been affected by Hurricane Helene, with some sections being inaccessible due to damage. Raven Cliff Trail (4601) is a 1.2-mile trail that connects to Collins Cove Horse Campground or Ewing Mountain Trail (4614).
FishingCripple Creek runs through the campground and is a popular spot for fishing. State fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply.
BikingBiking opportunities are available within the recreation area, but no specific details about trails or terrain are provided.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in natural features, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific species are not detailed.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe 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.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNatural hazards include unmaintained roads and inaccessible trails due to flood damage.
Active Alertsis closed due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. | Trail closures due to Hurricane Helene damage.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited 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,...
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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...
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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

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

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly mention experiences from users with disabilities or accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address experiences related to pets or pet-friendly policies.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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