Blue Bend Rec Area

4.49

51 reviews

MONONGAHELA

Family Friendly

Featured in:Swimming Camping West Virginia Forest Camping West Virginia Fall Camping West Virginia +5 more

Quick Facts

1,860 ft

Price

$14 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open from May 1st to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Opens United States Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,860 ft

Price

$14 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open from May 1st to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Opens United States Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Blue Bend Rec Area

$14.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary by site type and season. Peak-season fees are higher, ranging from $14 to $40 depending on amenities and site type. Fees are reduced during...

Standard Site Fee$16.00

Hookup Site Fee$40.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

304-536-2144

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 51 reviews

60 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowershikingsites

"Blue Bend Recreation Area consistently receives high praise for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. Campers appreciate the peaceful, wooded environment and the variety of activities available."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

MONONGAHELA

Blue Bend Rec Area

MONONGAHELA

Driving directionsFrom White Sulphur Springs, travel 8 miles north on State Route 92. Turn left (west) at Alvon, West Virginia, onto State Route 16. Travel 4 miles to the recreation area.

Road access is 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.

Best Time to Camp at Blue Bend Rec Area

Blue Bend transforms with the seasons, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Summer visitors enjoy the full comfort of modern amenities, including refreshing showers and convenient flush toilets. As spring awakens the forest and autumn paints the canopy in brilliant hues, the campground transitions to a more rustic experience with vault toilets and hand-pump water stations. During periods of heavy rain, nature occasionally reclaims the access roads with seasonal flooding, adding to the area's wild character and reminding visitors of the powerful forces that shaped this mountain landscape.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in WV

Peak season (May-Oct) with full amenities and warm-weather activities like swimming and tubing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Attractive for fall colors and hiking; some facilities reduced but still appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open in shoulder seasons with reduced facilities; good for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Closed/limited at times; no winter amenities noted and limited access reduces appeal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1st to October 15th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1st to October 15th (reservable season). First-come, first-served season from October 16th to November 30th, and March 15th to April 30th.
Current Alerts: Road access subject to flooding; monitor conditions before travel.

About Blue Bend Rec Area

Nestled deep within a tranquil wooded valley, Blue Bend Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its timeless charm and abundant adventures. This historic gem, lovingly crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, preserves the rustic elegance of a bygone era with its weathered wood tables and charming stone shelters. Whether you're seeking a peaceful family camping trip, an invigorating hike through pristine wilderness, or a leisurely picnic by the babbling waters of Anthony Creek, Blue Bend offers an authentic escape into nature. The campground features thoughtfully spaced single-family sites and two inviting picnic shelters, all serving as gateways to the untamed beauty of the Big Draft Wilderness.

Blue Bend Recreation Area offers a range of camping options, including standard electric and non-electric sites, and a group shelter accommodating up to 75 people. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Blue Bend, where the enduring craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in every hand-hewn beam and carefully placed stone. During the challenging years of the 1930s, young men of the CCC transformed this wilderness into a recreational haven, building sturdy shelters and rustic furnishings that have weathered decades of seasons. These historic structures stand as monuments to American ingenuity and determination, their weathered wood and timeless design blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest to create an atmosphere of authentic Appalachian heritage.

Weather and SeasonsBlue Bend transforms with the seasons, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Summer visitors enjoy the full comfort of modern amenities, including refreshing showers and convenient flush toilets. As spring awakens the forest and autumn paints the canopy in brilliant hues, the campground transitions to a more rustic experience with vault toilets and hand-pump water stations. During periods of heavy rain, nature occasionally reclaims the access roads with seasonal flooding, adding to the area's wild character and reminding visitors of the powerful forces that shaped this mountain landscape.

ElevationPerched at a refreshing 1,860 feet above sea level, Blue Bend offers a natural air-conditioned retreat from summer's heat. This perfect elevation creates an ideal microclimate where cool mountain breezes whisper through the canopy, morning mists dance across the valley floor, and summer afternoons remain pleasantly temperate. The higher altitude provides relief from humidity and creates those magical cool evenings perfect for gathering around the campfire, making it a coveted destination for those seeking respite from sweltering lowland summers.

Natural Features and SceneryBlue Bend cradles visitors in a verdant valley where ancient trees reach skyward and Round Mountain stands sentinel on the horizon. This 1,860-foot sanctuary within the vast Monongahela National Forest pulses with wildlife activity. Lucky observers might glimpse the lumbering form of a black bear foraging for berries, hear the haunting call of a wild turkey echoing through the hollows, or catch sight of a white-tailed deer delicately picking its way through the understory. The forest harbors an impressive array of predators including stealthy bobcats, clever coyotes, and both red and gray foxes, while the crystal waters of nearby streams provide habitat for playful otters, elusive mink, and the recently returned fisher.

Geological RegionCradled in a picturesque valley that showcases the ancient geology of the Appalachians, Blue Bend rests in the protective embrace of the Monongahela National Forest. The campground's pleasant woodland setting faces the imposing presence of Round Mountain, whose weathered slopes tell the story of millions of years of geological forces. This enchanting valley, carved by time and water, creates a natural amphitheater of green that shelters visitors while providing dramatic vistas of one of West Virginia's most pristine forest landscapes.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Generally available for check-in at noon.

Check-out

Check-out at noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests allowed per site not explicitly stated.

Groups

The large group picnic shelter can accommodate up to 75 people and is reservable during the peak season.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground includes a parking spur, picnic table, campfire ring, trash bin, and lantern post at each site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website and app.

Walk-in AvailabilityScan and Pay feature available for first-come, first-served sites. These sites cannot be reserved in advance and are accessible only on-site.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies to changes or cancellations. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiting the first night's fee. Scan and Pay sites do not offer refunds or modifications.

AccessibilityInformation on specific accessibility features is not provided.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as 'huge' by reviewers and offer various configurations, including single-family and group sites.

PrivacyCampsites are located in a wooded area, providing a level of natural seclusion, but no specific mention of privacy levels is available.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with electric hookups offer additional convenience for families or those requiring power. Campsites along Anthony Creek provide easy access to swimming and fishing.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Blue Bend Recreation Area offers diverse activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The recreation area is noted for its proximity to Anthony Creek, which is suitable for swimming and trout fishing. Hiking trails in the Big Draft Wilderness, like the 5-mile Blue Bend Loop Trail, provide opportunities for extended exploration and scenic overlooks.

HikingThe 5-mile Blue Bend Loop Trail is a popular choice, connecting to the Anthony Creek Trail and featuring three scenic overlooks. Reviewers have appreciated the trail's beauty, with one noting a shelter at the halfway point.

FishingTrout fishing is available in Anthony Creek. One reviewer mentioned the creek as an excellent spot for fishing.

SwimmingSwimming is available in Anthony Creek, which users describe as 'beautiful and clear' with areas suitable for both adults and children.

Wildlife viewingThe area supports diverse wildlife including black bears, coyotes, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Observing wildlife is a recommended activity.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBe bear aware: store food securely in approved containers or vehicles. Roads may become impassable due to flash flooding.

Active AlertsRoad access subject to flooding; monitor conditions before travel.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in designated rings. Firewood must be sourced locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available at each site for proper waste management.

Water FeaturesAnthony Creek runs directly through the campground, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and tubing.

Camp HostHosts may sell firewood and conduct daily checks during peak season. Host availability varies and impacts facility cleanliness.

Weather at Blue Bend Rec Area

Reviews

4.5

51 reviews

Recommended

Blue Bend Rec Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Blue Bend Recreation Area consistently receives high praise for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. Campers appreciate the peaceful, wooded environment and the variety of activities available.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the cleanliness of the facilities, the availability of hot showers, and the serene atmosphere. Activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking are highly praised. The...

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with the maintenance of facilities during specific periods, such as restrooms being unclean after the camp host's mid-week departure.

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite, particularly on weekends. Campers also recommend bringing firewood or purchasing it on-site and preparing for a lack of cell service.

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in the summer due to the availability of all amenities, including flush toilets and showers. Fall and spring may have reduced facilities but still attract visitors for...

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground itself is always kept very clean. The facilities have hot water and are also kept clean.' 2. 'What in the world the most stunningly beautiful place was hidden here?' 3. 'The...

Based on 51 reviews