How much does camping cost at Big Bend?

Camping fees at Big Bend range from $27-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Bend first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Bend 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 Big Bend before I book?

Yes! Big Bend has 5 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 Big Bend?

Big Bend is open April 10 to October 31. 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 Big Bend?

Yes, Big Bend has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Big Bend have?

Big Bend has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Bend?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Bend. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Bend?

Big Bend offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Bend?

Popular activities at Big Bend include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Bend (Wv)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Bend?

Fire policies at Big Bend: 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 dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.51

354 reviews

MONONGAHELA

Top 15% in WVSummer

Pet FriendlyStargazingTent Camping

Featured in:Summer Camping West Virginia#3 Swimming Camping West Virginia#3 Spring Camping West Virginia#3 +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,532 ft

Price

$27 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 4% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on BA Services, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,532 ft

Price

$27 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 4% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on BA Services, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Big Bend (Wv)

$27.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RIVR-STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00; River STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $50.00; UPPR-STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00; Upper STANDARD NONELECTRIC-...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

304-358-3253Help.Monongahela.Potomac@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

MONONGAHELA

Big Bend (Wv)

MONONGAHELA

Nearby places

Petersburg, WV (10 miles, approx. 20-30 minute drive)

Washington, D.C. (approx. 3 hours drive)

Pittsburgh, PA (approx. 3 hours drive).

Weather at Big Bend (Wv)

Current alerts(6)

A fee will be charged for additional vehicles
Access Road Subject to FLOODING – Roads accessing this recreation area may become impassable due to flash flooding. Monitor conditions and expect delays in departing until flood waters recede. YOUR SAFTETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILTY
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
Parking is permitted in developed areas only

Best Time to Camp at Big Bend (Wv)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most dramatic experience at Big Bend — crisp, comfortable days (typically 50–65°F) and cool nights (30s–40s) combine with peak foliage that turns the canyon into bands of gold, orange and crimson. Hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as the river is lower and clearer for fishing and paddling, while biting insects decline. Crowds are moderate compared with summer weekends, though mid-September through early October can be busy on prime leaf-peeping days; be Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in WV

Summer is most popular for tubing, swimming and paddling; many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 10 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates from the second Friday in April through the last Saturday in October.

About Big Bend (Wv)

Big Bend sits along the Potomac River in Monongahela National Forest near Petersburg, West Virginia, operated by BA Services, Inc. The mid-sized campground offers spacious, wooded sites with river access for tubing, fishing, and paddling. Facilities include showers, flush and vault toilets, a dump station, and potable water during the operating season.

Big Bend Campground is a versatile facility offering standard non-electric sites for tents and RVs. It also includes group sites in a nearby area called Jess Judy Group Campground, which is not accessible. The campground provides both reservable and non-reservable sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most dramatic experience at Big Bend — crisp, comfortable days (typically 50–65°F) and cool nights (30s–40s) combine with peak foliage that turns the canyon into bands of gold, orange and crimson. Hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as the river is lower and clearer for fishing and paddling, while biting insects decline. Crowds are moderate compared with summer weekends, though mid-September through early October can be busy on prime leaf-peeping days; be Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1532 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Branch Potomac carved a dramatic bend through steep-sided mountains here at 1,532 feet elevation. Old-growth forest covers the peninsula, with enough spacing between sites that reviewers mention "lots of trees" and genuine privacy. The river encircles the campground on three sides, giving many sites water access or views. In fall, the canyon fills with gold, orange, and crimson as the canopy shifts color. The surrounding peaks and river create what one camper called an "absolutely magical" setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not feature hotel-style lodges. However, the spacious campsites and accessible shower and restroom facilities provide comfort for campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo organized cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site are not specified in the official source.

Groups

Jess Judy Group Campground has three reservable group sites accommodating up to 40 people each. These sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts but lack electrical hookups and drinking water.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityParts of the campground, including some showers and restrooms, are ABA accessible, catering to visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeCampers note that the sites are spacious. One reviewer described a site housing a 6-person tent, a 2-room shower tent, and a 10x10 canopy comfortably.

PrivacySites offer a good level of privacy, with wooded areas between them. "Sites are nicely separated by lots of trees, so you have a lot of privacy in the woods," noted one camper.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesRiver loop sites are ideal for quick water access. Upper loop sites offer seclusion and shaded areas. Site #19 was praised for its spaciousness, accommodating tents and other gear.

Best CampsitesThe river loop gets frequent mentions for water proximity. Sites are spacious enough that reviewers report fitting a 6-person tent, a 2-room shower tent, and a 10x10 canopy comfortably.

Need help booking Big Bend (Wv)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Bend Campground offers a wide variety of amenities catering to both minimalists and those looking for more conveniences. The campground consists of 46 non-electric sites equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, lantern holders, and paved spurs. Potable drinking water is available on site. The facility has two single-unit vault toilets, two double-unit flush toilets, and a four-unit flush restroom with showers. Although there are no electrical hookups at campsites, a developed host site includes electricity, water, and sewer hookups. The campground also offers a dump station and a wastewater treatment facility. Additionally, firewood is available on-site for $7 per bundle.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Big Bend Campground offers a variety of recreational activities suited for all ages. Visitors can enjoy hiking, tubing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground's access to the South Branch of the Potomac River is one of its key attractions.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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.

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 dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are located in each loop for garbage collection and disposal.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

354 reviews

Top-Rated

Big Bend (Wv) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The majority of reviews for Big Bend Campground are positive, emphasizing its natural beauty, privacy, cleanliness, and suited amenities. Campers appreciate the peaceful and remote environment, while some mention occasional issues with noisy neighbors and the lack of cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 354 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 354 reviews.

Site #19Loved
Site #19 was praised as clean and spacious, accommodating large setups.
Site #12Loved
Site #12 allows easy access to the water pump and firewood.

What Campers Love

Campers frequently highlight the scenic beauty, spacious and private campsites, clean facilities, and the unique tubing experience in the river. "Absolutely magical campground," one reviewer stated.

Based on 354 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the difficulty of the access road, the lack of cell service, and occasional issues with noisy campers or lack of enforcement of quiet hours.

Based on 354 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood as bundles on-site are small and pricey. Download maps offline due to the lack of cell service. "Bring a good book and a swim suit and relax for a few days," suggested one...

Based on 354 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying the tubing and swimming activities. Fall reviews mention vibrant foliage and quieter conditions. Early in the season, some reviewers noted...

Based on 354 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Sites are nicely separated by lots of trees, so you have a lot of privacy in the woods." - "The campground is at the end of a 10-mile road and surrounded on all sides by the ridge connecting the...

Based on 354 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible showers and restrooms were appreciated by guests, and parts of the campground are ABA accessible, although one user noted that accessing water early in the season was challenging.

Based on 354 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly. One camper noted, "Great river access for dogs and kids."

Based on 354 reviews

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Go if

You want spacious, wooded sites near the Potomac River with tubing and fishing access in a scenic national forest setting.

Skip if

You need reliable cell service or expect full facility availability outside peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Jess Judy is a small primitive campground in Monongahela National Forest, managed by American Land and Leisure, offering direct access to the South Branch of the Potomac River. The foothill setting attracts paddlers, anglers, and mountain bikers seeking a secluded base for exploring Smoke Hole Canyon. Reviewers praise the scenery and river tubing, though some note occasional issues with non-campers using the site as informal river access.