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 Seasons of Use Early-April - end of November. 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.

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, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cranberry Campground?

Popular activities at Cranberry Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cranberry Campground

4.49

50 reviews

Top 25% in WVSpring

Fishing

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

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

2,530 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasons of Use Early...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

2,530 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasons of Use Early...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Cranberry Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Cranberry Campground

38.3252, -80.4417

Nearby places

Richwood, WV (13.5 miles)

Dyer, WV (7 miles)

Weather at Cranberry Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cranberry Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest reward at Cranberry Campground: dramatic Appalachian foliage, cooler days for long hikes, and excellent trout fishing as water temperatures drop. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) in October with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C); peak leaf color is usually late September through mid-October at this 2,530 ft elevation. Trails and river corridors are at their scenic best for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography, and while weekends draw more,, Peak months: October, September, May, November

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall is the standout season: peak foliage late Sept–mid-Oct and good trout fishing conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use Early-April - end of November

About Cranberry Campground

Cranberry Campground sits in the Monongahela National Forest near Richwood, West Virginia, alongside the Cranberry River at 2,530 feet elevation. This foothill campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Hikers and anglers use it as a base for exploring Appalachian trails and fishing the river, especially during fall when foliage peaks and trout fishing improves.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest reward at Cranberry Campground: dramatic Appalachian foliage, cooler days for long hikes, and excellent trout fishing as water temperatures drop. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) in October with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C); peak leaf color is usually late September through mid-October at this 2,530 ft elevation. Trails and river corridors are at their scenic best for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography, and while weekends draw more,, Peak months: October, September, May, November

Elevation2530 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Cranberry River flows directly alongside the campground, creating pools popular with anglers and providing constant water sounds. Appalachian forest surrounds the sites with a dense canopy that provides shade and supports wildflower patches important to pollinators. At this elevation, the forest floor is thick with vegetation, and deer frequently visit the river edges. Morning mist rises from the water in cooler months. The setting is secluded and well-maintained, though reviews note it can feel crowded during peak fishing times.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo specific hotel-style lodging or cabin accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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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

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

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

Cranberry Campground is a semi-primitive campground situated adjacent to the Cranberry River and near the lower gate entrance to the Cranberry Backcountry. Amenities include vault toilets, pump water (hand pump well), fire rings, picnic tables, and a dump station. There are no electrical or water hookups, no cellular service, and no Wi-Fi, making it a more rustic camping experience.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

50 reviews

Recommended

Cranberry Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but reviewers highlight the overall quality and maintenance of the campground.

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

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences with pets.

Based on 50 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want secluded river access for fishing and hiking without cellular distractions during fall color season.

Skip if

You're bringing a large RV or need to stay connected during peak trout stocking weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(19)

Bishop Knob Campground

932 Northfork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261

Bishop Knob Campground sits at 2,920 feet on a ridge between the Cranberry and Williams Rivers in Monongahela National Forest. The semi-primitive campground has 61 sites across two loops, with vault toilets, hand-pumped water, and sites that accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Fees run $8-$16 per night.

Cranberry Campground

First-come, first-served

Quick Facts

First-come, first-served

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Cranberry Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Cranberry Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cranberry Campground

Planning Tips

About Cranberry Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Cranberry Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cranberry Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews