Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
4.5020 reviewsAt the intersection of Rt 39/55 and Rt 150 Hillsboro, WV 24946
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
750 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
750 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(304) 653-4826
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."
Fees & Passes at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
Free
Campsite fees
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
Historical SignificanceImagine an arctic tundra mysteriously transported to the southern Appalachian Mountains—that's the wonder visitors encounter at Cranberry Glades. As North America's southernmost peat bog, this ecological marvel has captivated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. The area serves as a living museum, preserving Ice Age remnants and offering an irreplaceable outdoor classroom where visitors can witness firsthand how northern ecosystems persist in an unlikely southern refuge.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched high in the Appalachian Mountains, the glades create their own microclimate where summer visitors find welcome relief from the valley heat. This elevated sanctuary maintains temperatures several degrees cooler than the surrounding lowlands, creating perfect conditions for the unique northern species that call this high-altitude wetland home.
Natural Features and SceneryVenture into a botanical treasure trove where carnivorous sundews glisten with dewdrops, waiting to trap unsuspecting insects, while rare orchids bloom alongside ancient sphagnum moss. This extraordinary landscape teems with botanical rarities—from peculiar fungi sprouting from decaying logs to wildlife species found nowhere else in the region. Every boardwalk step reveals nature's creativity, showcasing how this southernmost peat bog harbors an ecosystem that defies geographical expectations.
Geological RegionNestled within the embrace of the Monongahela National Forest, Cranberry Glades represents a geological masterpiece millions of years in the making. These acidic wetlands, formed from centuries of partially-decayed plant material compressed into peat, create West Virginia's largest bog system. The unique geology tells a story of ancient climate patterns and ecological persistence, where sphagnum moss and specialized plants have transformed a mountain valley into an otherworldly landscape that challenges everything you thought you knew about Appalachian ecosystems.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe main boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, and there are designated handicapped parking spots near the trailhead. One user review mentioned, 'The boardwalk is handicap accessible with handicap spots in the lot.'
Total Campsites750 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
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.
Hiking
The 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.'Biking
Mountain biking is explicitly mentioned as an activity possible on the surrounding trails near the entrance of the park.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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 Programs
Guided tours conducted by the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center provide educational insights. Informational boards along the boardwalk further enrich visitors' understanding of the unique ecosystem.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews highlight the presence of bears. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and use common sense while hiking.
Weather at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
27
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center (Phone: (304) 653-4826) is nearby for inquiries, and emergency services details are unavailable.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided sources.
Proximity to water featuresThe boardwalk hovers above boggy wetlands with creeks and features like Flag Glade and Yew Creek, as described by users.
Common complaintsThere are no benches along the boardwalk, which visitors with mobility issues found challenging. Additionally, forest roads and trails may be slick after rainfall, as noted by reviewers.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
20 reviews
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 reviewsCommon 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 reviewsPro 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 reviewsSeasonal 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...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsAccessibility 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 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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