Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

Star4.50
20 reviews
At the intersection of Rt 39/55 and Rt 150 Hillsboro, WV 24946

Quick Facts

3,360 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

750 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

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Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are listed for camping or boardwalk access.
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

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Provider
(304) 653-4826
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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 20 reviews

299 Google reviews

Most mentioned

well-maintained

"User sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the area's unique ecosystem, accessible boardwalk, and opportunities for hiking and plant observation."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

At the intersection of Rt 39/55 and Rt 150 Hillsboro, WV 24946

Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

At the intersection of Rt 39/55 and Rt 150 Hillsboro, WV 24946

Driving directionsAccess to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is from Route 39/150 just north of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. From Route 150, take Forest Service Road 102 north approximately one mile.
The area is accessible via Forest Service Road 102, a paved road located near Route 39/150. Seasonal closures or difficult terrain are not mentioned.
Nearby places
Hillsboro, WV (Exact distance unavailable)
Nearby supplies
Gas stations are scarce near the area, according to user reviews. Additional details about grocery or camping supplies are unavailable.

Best Time to Camp at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

Experience four distinct seasons in this high-altitude wonderland, where summer temperatures offer a refreshing escape from the lowland heat. Autumn transforms the glades into a tapestry of crimson and gold, while winter brings a crystalline beauty that can plunge temperatures well below freezing. Spring awakens the bog with a spectacular display of wildflower blooms, making each season a unique adventure waiting to be discovered.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers a cooler high‑elevation escape, but spring/fall highlighted as best times.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall noted as a best time; foliage and cooler temps make visits especially rewarding (mid‑Oct peak).

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring highlighted as one of the best times for unique plant life and cool temperatures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Cold with some snow reported; paths under repair and not optimized for winter recreation.

Planning Tips

    About Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

    Step into a world that shouldn't exist this far south—the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area unfolds across 750 enchanting acres as West Virginia's largest bog system. This living classroom of rare ecosystems invites visitors to explore a landscape more commonly found thousands of miles north, where ancient ecological processes have created one of nature's most fascinating anomalies.
    The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area primarily supports primitive and tent camping, with additional nearby car camping opportunities.
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    Activities you can enjoy

    Recreational activities at the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area include hiking, wildlife observation, and educational opportunities about the unique bog ecosystem. Unique flora, such as carnivorous plants, and fauna are highlights.
    HikingThe site has a half-mile wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loop. Additional trails for hiking or mountain biking are available near the entrance. A reviewer noted, 'There are trails for the more adventurous located near the park entrance.'
    BikingMountain biking is explicitly mentioned as an activity possible on the surrounding trails near the entrance of the park.
    Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is a prominent feature, with rare plants and animals native to the bog area. One review even described finding a beaver den, and another highlighted the 'rare species of plants and wildlife.'
    Cultural and Educational ProgramsGuided tours conducted by the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center provide educational insights. Informational boards along the boardwalk further enrich visitors' understanding of the unique ecosystem.
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight the presence of bears. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and use common sense while hiking.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

    Reviews

    4.5
    20 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the area's unique ecosystem, accessible boardwalk, and opportunities for hiking and plant observation.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 20 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Reviewers commonly highlight the beautiful and unique bog ecosystem, the well-maintained boardwalk, and the educational opportunities provided by informational signs.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Some users noted a lack of benches along the boardwalk, making it difficult for visitors who tire easily. Others mentioned that cell service is entirely unavailable.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Visitors recommend bringing folding chairs for those who may need rest while walking the boardwalk and gassing up before arrival, as gas stations are sparse in the area.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Spring and fall are noted as the best times to visit, with unique plant life and cooler temperatures. Mid to late October seems to be when the foliage changes and some plants drop leaves, making...
    Show more
    Based on 20 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    1. 'The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is a beautiful and exotic piece of The Monongahela National Forest absolutely teeming with rare species of trees, plants, and wildlife.' 2. 'Don't miss this...
    Show more
    Based on 20 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Site reviews for specific camping areas are sparse, but users recommend exploring the boardwalk and surrounding trails for a complete experience.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    The boardwalk's wheelchair accessibility and handicapped parking spots received praise, though a lack of benches for those with mobility challenges was noted as a drawback.
    Based on 20 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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