Cranberry Campground

4.66

50 reviews

Featured in:Camping Near New River Gorge National Park#2 Mountain Camping West Virginia Forest Camping West Virginia +7 more

Quick Facts

2,530 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,530 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cranberry Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees include recreation use fees and reservation service fees. Recreation use fees vary by location and activity; reservation fees range from $8...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

nullnull

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 50 reviews

70 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and peaceful environment. Key highlights include the pristine setting next to Cranberry River and the well-maintained facilities. Some concerns are mentioned about overcrowding during peak seasons and the challenging roads leading to the campground."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cranberry Campground

38.3252, -80.4417

Driving directionsFrom Richwood travel on mile east on State Route 39/55, then 12.5 miles north on Forest Road 76. From Dyer on State Route 46 take Forest Road 101 approximately 6 miles, then left onto Forest Road 76 for one mile.

The campground is accessible via gravel mountain roadways; reviewers have noted the tight roads which can make access challenging for larger RVs. As per a user review: 'Roads can get tight. We arrived on Thursday to our surprise we had the camp to ourselves.' Others recommend against attempting with large Class A motorhomes.

Nearby places

Richwood, WV (13.5 miles)

Dyer, WV (7 miles)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Cranberry Campground

The seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Cranberry Campground, each offering its own rewards to the adventurous spirit. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow accumulations reaching nearly three inches, creating perfect conditions for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. Spring and fall bring ideal camping weather with comfortable humidity levels and moderate temperatures that invite extended exploration. Summer days offer warm adventures balanced by cool mountain evenings, though visitors should pack rain gear as showers grace the forest with a modest 8% chance throughout the season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is quieter but fishing can suffer from droughts; still scenic and peaceful.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Trout stocking in Sept–Oct and fall foliage make autumn a strong season though some crowding occurs.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring trout stocking (peak crowding) and renewal of wildflowers make spring a top season for fishing and scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter offers dramatic scenery (“crystalline wonderland”) but limited services and potential access issues.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: null

About Cranberry Campground

Tucked away at the threshold of the Cranberry Backcountry, where the forest whispers secrets to those who venture off the beaten path, Cranberry Campground offers a genuine escape into West Virginia's untamed wilderness. This semi-primitive sanctuary sits gracefully alongside the melodic waters of the Cranberry River, serving as your gateway to some of the Monongahela National Forest's most treasured landscapes. Here, anglers cast their lines into pristine pools while hikers and horseback riders disappear into trails that wind through ancient forests, leaving behind the rush of modern life for the timeless rhythm of nature.

Cranberry Campground is semi-primitive and caters to both tent and small RV/tow camper camping. It does not offer reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Cranberry Campground, each offering its own rewards to the adventurous spirit. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow accumulations reaching nearly three inches, creating perfect conditions for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. Spring and fall bring ideal camping weather with comfortable humidity levels and moderate temperatures that invite extended exploration. Summer days offer warm adventures balanced by cool mountain evenings, though visitors should pack rain gear as showers grace the forest with a modest 8% chance throughout the season.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe Cranberry River serves as the campground's liquid heartbeat, its gentle currents creating a natural soundtrack that lulls campers to sleep and greets them at dawn. The surrounding Appalachian forest creates a living cathedral of towering trees, where wildflower meadows burst with color and provide vital sustenance for native pollinators. As one enchanted visitor shared: 'Secluded from civilization, this campground is well taken care of, extremely beautiful, and sits right next to the soothing Cranberry River.' From your tent flap, watch morning mist rise from the water while deer step cautiously to the river's edge, reminding you why this pocket of wilderness remains so deeply cherished.

Geological RegionCradled within the ancient folds of the Appalachian Mountains, Cranberry Campground occupies a special corner of the Monongahela National Forest where geological time is measured in millions of years. The campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the greater Cranberry Backcountry region, a landscape sculpted by countless seasons of wind, water, and weather. Here, the forest floor tells stories through layers of rich soil that nurture vibrant wildflower patches, creating essential corridors for bees and butterflies. The Cranberry River itself has carved its patient path through this terrain, creating the perfect blend of accessible beauty and preserved wilderness that defines this remarkable region.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group camping specifics are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come-first-serve only and cannot be reserved in advance. During peak trout stocking times (spring to June and fall from September to October), high demand may exceed campsite availability. As noted in the description: 'During these high use times there are usually more campers waiting than there are sites available.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must occur before the reservation check-in date. Late cancellations are subject to a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees for individual campsites. No refunds are provided for Scan & Pay systems. More detailed rules apply depending on the type of reservation and agency policies.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information provided about accessibility features.

Site SizeSite sizes are not specified beyond being suitable for tents and small tow campers.

PrivacyThe campground is described as peaceful and in the woods, suggesting a degree of privacy. However, it can be crowded during peak trout stocking seasons.

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Cranberry River provides opportunities for fishing, and there are extensive trails for hiking. The area is also noted for its peaceful and secluded environment.

HikingThe location is adjacent to the Cranberry Backcountry, with an access road that allows foot travel, bicycles, and horses for about 20 miles along the river. No motorized vehicles are permitted, ensuring a quiet and pristine experience for hikers.

FishingFishing is a key draw, especially during the trout stocking seasons from spring to early summer and fall. User reviews note that 'fishing is decent,' but it can be crowded during peak times. One user mentioned 'fish were small and we went after gold rush... too many golden trout still left in the fished out holes.'

BikingBiking is allowed along the access road that follows the Cranberry River. This road spans about 20 miles and is shared with hikers and horseback riders.

Wildlife viewingThe secluded and forested environment is conducive to wildlife viewing, although specific species are not mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad access can be challenging due to tight gravel mountain roads. Seasonal drought conditions may lower river water levels and affect fishing availability, as noted in reviews.

Active Alertsnull

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

Weather at Cranberry Campground

Reviews

4.7

50 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and peaceful environment. Key highlights include the pristine setting next to Cranberry River and the well-maintained facilities. Some concerns are mentioned about overcrowding during peak seasons and the challenging roads leading to the campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted include clean facilities, a secluded and beautiful setting, and great opportunities for fishing and hiking. For example, one user stated, 'Secluded from civilization, this...

Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns included overcrowding during peak trout stocking seasons and the condition of the roads leading to the campground. One user noted, 'Gravel Mountain Road... roads can get tight. We towed a...

Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early during peak trout stocking seasons, as the campground fills up quickly. Consider visiting during less popular times for a more peaceful experience. Bring all necessary supplies, as there...

Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most crowded during trout stocking seasons (spring through June and September through October). Summer may be quieter, but conditions such as droughts can affect fishing and water...

Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful, campsite clean, a fire ring for cooking, hand pump well for water.' 2. 'I've been camping here my entire life! I love the campground and everything about it!' 3. 'Secluded from...

Based on 50 reviews