Quick Facts

3,671 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

The site is theoreti...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Department of Agriculture site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Bear Heaven Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $5 per night, payable at the campground. Senior and Access passes are honored.
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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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 71 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

"Bear Heaven Campground is highly rated for its serene environment, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to hiking trails. Commonly appreciated aspects include the cleanliness of the vault toilet and the unique rock formations near the sites. Complaints center on the lack of potable water, noisy neighbors, and limited privacy at certain sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bear Heaven Campground

38.9305, -79.6803

Driving directionsFrom Elkins go east on State Highway 33 for approximately 11 miles, turn left on Forest Road 91 at the top of Shaver's Mountain. Follow Forest Road 91 for approximately 3 miles. Bear Heaven Campground will be on the left.
"A bit off the beaten path and located on a fairly bumpy gravel NFS road," according to user reviews. Users have noted that the drive up is "not too steep" but "does get a little tight in some spots."
Nearby places
Elkins, WV is located approximately 12 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Elkins, WV, approximately 12 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Heaven Campground

October transforms Bear Heaven into a tranquil autumn sanctuary, where crisp mountain air and fewer crowds create the perfect conditions for those seeking solitude. The changing leaves paint the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, while the cooler temperatures keep fair-weather campers at bay. Winter brings its own magic, though adventurers should note that mountain road conditions typically render the campground inaccessible until late March, when spring's thaw reopens this high-altitude haven.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer usable but reviews highlight fall as peak; road/comfort and bugs unknown.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

October highlighted: "tranquil autumn sanctuary," crisp air, fewer crowds and great foliage views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring likely pleasant for hiking but wetter; fewer review mentions vs. fall popularity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Theoretically closed in winter; road may be impassable though site sometimes accessible without gate.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The site is theoretically closed in the winter, but was not gated off.

About Bear Heaven Campground

Tucked away 14 miles northeast of Elkins, West Virginia, Bear Heaven Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness along Forest Road 91. This hidden gem features just 8 primitive campsites, each thoughtfully positioned among dramatic rock outcroppings that create natural privacy screens between neighbors. As a gateway to the renowned Otter Creek Wilderness, this secluded retreat promises an authentic backcountry experience where the sounds of nature replace the buzz of civilization.
Bear Heaven Campground is a primitive camping area with no reservations, offering first-come, first-serve sites. It caters to tent campers and small groups looking for a rustic experience.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Heaven Campground offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring nearby wilderness areas. The Otter Creek Wilderness and Middle Point Trail #140, a 3.7-mile trail, are accessible from the campground. The area features unique rock formations and is noted for its tranquility.
HikingHiking is a major activity with access to the nearby Otter Creek Wilderness and Middle Point Trail #140, which is 3.7 miles long. Trails are described as varied, with options for both casual and challenging hikes. "Great access to Otter Creek hiking trails," mentioned one reviewer.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingStream fishing opportunities are available nearby, though specific details about the fish species are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in a heavily wooded area and is "thick with bears," as noted by one user. Wildlife sightings, including a bear, contribute to the wilderness experience.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPresence of bears noted by users; no potable water available, and campers must bring their own supply.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bear Heaven Campground

Reviews

4.4
71 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Bear Heaven Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Bear Heaven Campground is highly rated for its serene environment, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to hiking trails. Commonly appreciated aspects include the cleanliness of the vault toilet and the unique rock formations near the sites. Complaints center on the lack of potable water, noisy neighbors, and limited privacy at certain sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

"Very clean and well maintained," "peaceful and great views," and "accessible to great hiking trails" are some of the highlights. The $5 fee is also frequently praised as excellent value.
Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water is a significant downside mentioned by multiple users. Noise disturbances from other campers and the absence of quiet hours or a campground host are also noted issues.
Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, as there is none available on-site. Arrive early, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Be prepared for...
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Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in the fall, as noted by users who appreciated the serenity and fewer campers during October. Winter access is possible but not guaranteed, as the road may be...
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Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is my favorite campsite in this area and I almost always stay here when I go to Seneca Rocks," said one user. Another noted, "It's pretty far out of the way so nothing but the sounds of nature."
Based on 71 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 is highlighted for its "awesome view and rock formation right behind it." Sites 4 and 5 feature a "huge rock outcropping" that one user found fascinating. Some users noted that one site was...
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Based on 71 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 71 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 71 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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