Is Island Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Island 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 Island Campground?

Island Campground is open Island Campground — 4/15. 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 Island Campground?

Island Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Island Campground have?

Island Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Island Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Island Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Island Campground

3.37

15 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping West Virginia

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

3,038 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Island Campground — ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

3,038 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Island Campground — ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Null Official Website

Get Directions

Island Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Island Campground

38.5790, -79.7039

Nearby places

Bartow, West Virginia (approximately 5 miles north and east).

Weather at Island Campground

Best Time to Camp at Island Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of weather, scenery, and trail access — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s, and peak leaf color around mid-to-late October at this 3,000-ft elevation. Trails like East Fork (#365) and Smoke Camp (#324) are at their most scenic for hiking and photography, and trout fishing on Long Run and the East Fork is excellent as fish are active in cooler water. Crowds remain moderate (weekends busier during peak色),; Peak months: October, September, November, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as 'sweet spot' with mid-late Oct peak leaf color and good trout fishing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Island Campground — 4/15

About Island Campground

Island Campground sits in the Monongahela National Forest foothills near Bartow, West Virginia, offering primitive tent camping along a creek at 3,000 feet elevation. This very small campground appeals to visitors seeking a quiet, back-to-basics experience with access to East Fork and Smoke Camp trails, plus trout fishing on Long Run. Reviewers praise the creekside setting and availability of firewood, though some sites have gravel surfaces and road noise can be noticeable.

Island Campground is a primitive camping area with no reservations available. It is popular with fishermen and hikers due to its proximity to streams and trails.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of weather, scenery, and trail access — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s, and peak leaf color around mid-to-late October at this 3,000-ft elevation. Trails like East Fork (#365) and Smoke Camp (#324) are at their most scenic for hiking and photography, and trout fishing on Long Run and the East Fork is excellent as fish are active in cooler water. Crowds remain moderate (weekends busier during peak色),; Peak months: October, September, November, May

Elevation3038 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLong Run flows through dense Appalachian hardwood forest before joining the East Fork of the Greenbrier River near camp. The tree canopy creates filtered light and deep shade across the site, and the creek runs close enough that some visitors camp right beside it. The surrounding terrain is classic Eastern highlands with ridges, hollows, and old-growth forest. Trails here wind through this mountain ecosystem, from the easier Smoke Camp Trail to the more demanding East Fork route. You'll hear water moving over rocks and birdsong, though road noise reaches the campground depending on where you pitch your tent.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about additional lodging accommodations is provided.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov does not support reservations as the campground is first-come, first-served.

Site SizeUser reviews mention that the sites may not be ideal for tents due to gravel and limited grass, suggesting a standard to small size.

PrivacySites appear to be somewhat private, but proximity to main roads is noted, such as for Site No. 1, which experiences road noise.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site #1 if road noise is a concern, as mentioned by Andrew Baucom.

Best CampsitesThe site by the creek gets the most praise in reviews. Site No. 1 sits too close to the road and catches steady traffic noise, so avoid it if you value quiet.

Amenities available

Island Campground is a primitive campground located close to fishing areas such as Long Run and the East Fork of the Greenbrier River. Additionally, it is near hiking trails like the challenging East Fork Trail #365 (8 miles) and the shorter Smoke Camp Trail #324 (1.8 miles). The campground is approximately 5 miles north and east of Bartow, WV. This primitive style indicates minimal facilities, which is confirmed by user reviews that describe the camping experience as 'primitive camping at its finest.'

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Island Campground offers opportunities for fishing and hiking, which are the main draws based on its proximity to Long Run, the East Fork of the Greenbrier River, and nearby trails. Reviews describe the area as 'absolutely beautiful' and highlight the natural surroundings.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Island Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of Island Campground. Positive experiences include the scenic location near a creek and the peacefulness of the area. However, some negative feedback points to the proximity of certain sites to the road and challenges with camping on gravel.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Absolutely beautiful.' (Amber Dawn) - 'My kids and I loved the camp sight we got, right by the creek.' - 'Primitive camping at its finest.' (Torrey Leonard) - Availability of fallen and cut wood...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

- Proximity to the main road causing noise issues, especially at Site No. 1 (John Ridgley, Andrew Baucom). - 'Sites not so great for tents, lots of gravel, not much grass.' (Andrew Baucom)

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site No. 1: Criticized for being very close to the road, resulting in significant traffic noise (Andrew Baucom, John Ridgley). - Creekside sites: Praised for their beauty and tranquility (Amber...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own firewood if the weather has been damp, as fallen wood may not always be available. - Site No. 1 is very close to the road and may experience significant road noise. - Consider the...

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground seems to be less crowded during some seasons, as indicated by a review mentioning being 'the only people in the campground' on a particular night. Seasonal impacts like dry or wet...

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Primitive camping at its finest.' (Torrey Leonard) - 'Absolutely beautiful. My kids and I loved the camp sight we got, right by the creek.' (Amber Dawn) - 'Site No 1 very close to main road so...

Based on 15 reviews