How much does camping cost at Cranberry Campground?

Camping fees at Cranberry Campground are $15 - $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Cranberry Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cranberry Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Cranberry Campground?

Cranberry Campground is open April 20 to November 30. 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 Cranberry Campground?

Cranberry Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cranberry Campground have?

Cranberry Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Cranberry Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Cranberry Campground?

Cranberry Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cranberry Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cranberry Campground?

Fire policies at Cranberry Campground: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.65

77 reviews

Cranberry Campground

Top 7% in WVSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Featured in:Primitive Camping West Virginia

Quick Facts

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Cranberry Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Campsite: $30.00; Single Campsite: $15.00; Walk-in: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

304-846-2695SM.FS.MongahelaNF@usda.gov.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Cranberry Campground

38.3252, -80.4417

Weather at Cranberry Campground

Current alerts(4)

Be Bear Aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
For more information on Monongahela National Forest, click here https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf
Limit 2 vehicles per campsite
No RV hookups are available

Best Time to Camp at Cranberry Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of weather and fishing: daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low 70s°F with cool nights (30s–40s°F), and the Cranberry River is freshly stocked and active through June. Trout fishing is at its peak, wildflowers are emerging along the riverbanks, and the sound of running water makes for peaceful camping. Expect high demand on weekends—arrive early or plan Bishop Knob Campground as a backup since the 30 semi-primitive sites fill quickly. Peak months: May, June, October, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in WV

Described as best season: ideal temps, trout stocking, and wildflowers make spring standout.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 20 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Cranberry Campground

Cranberry Campground sits along the Cranberry River near Richwood, offering 30 primitive sites with gravel parking spurs. The campground fills quickly during spring trout season when demand often exceeds capacity. Sites include basic amenities: picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and hand-pump water.

A semi-primitive campground composed of 30 campsites located adjacent to the Cranberry River.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of weather and fishing: daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low 70s°F with cool nights (30s–40s°F), and the Cranberry River is freshly stocked and active through June. Trout fishing is at its peak, wildflowers are emerging along the riverbanks, and the sound of running water makes for peaceful camping. Expect high demand on weekends—arrive early or plan Bishop Knob Campground as a backup since the 30 semi-primitive sites fill quickly. Peak months: May, June, October, September Avoid: December, January, February

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Cranberry River runs past the campground, providing constant water sounds and direct fishing access. The open setting offers little visual screening between sites. Wildflowers emerge along the riverbanks in spring, and the river itself is stocked through June. The surrounding forest transitions through seasonal colors, with fall foliage appearing in September and October.

Programs & ActivitiesCranberry Mountain Nature Center is a nearby attraction and resource.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site Size30 campsites; open setting with a gravel parking spur at each site.

PrivacyOpen setting

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesDuring high-use periods, consider Bishop Knob Campground as an alternative when no sites are available along the Cranberry or Williams River corridors.

Amenities available

Cranberry campground has is comprised of 30 campsites in an open setting near the Cranberry River. There are vault toilets, trash receptacles and a hand pump for water. At each campsite you will find a gravel parking spur, picnic tables, lantern post, and fire ring. No RV hookups are available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Cranberry Campground

Recreation centers on trout fishing in the adjacent Cranberry River and access to nearby natural areas including the Cranberry Wilderness and the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center.

Hiking4.0/5

Cranberry Wilderness is within walking distance, offering backcountry hiking and exploration.

Fishing4.0/5

Adjacent Cranberry River; trout stocked through June; campground fills quickly during spring trout season.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Near Cranberry Wilderness and Cranberry Mountain Nature Center; wildlife viewing opportunities noted.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote location adjacent to wilderness suggests dark skies suitable for stargazing.

Photography4.0/5River, wildflowers, mountain/wilderness backdrop provide rewarding photo subjects, esp. in spring.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles provided.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

77 reviews

Top-Rated

Cranberry Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

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Cranberry Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Campsite: $30.00; Single Campsite: $15.00; Walk-in: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

304-846-2695SM.FS.MongahelaNF@usda.gov.

Go if

Fly fishers targeting freshly stocked trout in spring or the fall September-October window will find the river-access sites hard to beat at $15 a night. Arrive weekday or very early Friday before the crowd forms.

Skip if

Open gravel spurs with minimal spacing mean neighbors are close. No hookups, no showers, just vault toilets and a hand pump, so anyone who needs more than bare bones will be uncomfortable here.

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