Red Creek Campground

4.59

80 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping West Virginia#2 Fall Camping West Virginia Mountain Camping West Virginia +6 more

Quick Facts

3,894 ft

Price

$11/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,894 ft

Price

$11/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Red Creek Campground

$11.00 - $11.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee is $11, as confirmed by multiple user reviews ('Small campground @ $11/day').

Standard Site Fee$11.00

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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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 80 reviews

89 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspacioushiking

"User reviews highlight Red Creek Campground as a peaceful and scenic spot with clean facilities and a remote, wilderness feel. Many reviewers emphasize the need to arrive early due to high demand, even on weekdays."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Red Creek Campground

39.0323, -79.3159

Driving directionsFrom Petersburg, WV, go south on 28/55 to State Route 4 (Jordan Run Road). Follow SR 4 for one mile and turn left onto Forest Road 19. Follow FR 19 for 6 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 75. Follow FR 75 for 7 miles to the campground.

The road access to the campground is described as rocky and rough, with narrow stretches. Some user reviews mention: 'The very rocky/rough long road up to the place.'

Nearby places

Approximately 20 miles northwest from Petersburg, West Virginia, and 24 miles north of Seneca Rocks.

Nearby supplies

User reviews indicate the nearest town is at least 30 minutes away, and visitors should bring sufficient water and gas before heading to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Red Creek Campground

Prepare for nature's dramatic moods at Red Creek, where the mountain's exposed position creates an ever-changing weather theater. Fierce winds sweep across the plateau with remarkable consistency, earning this spot a reputation as one of the region's most atmospheric campgrounds. Even summer visitors should pack layers—the elevation brings surprising cold snaps that can transform a July evening into an autumn-like experience. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice, creating conditions that demand respect and proper preparation from those brave enough to venture forth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Late spring–summer offers wildflowers and excellent hiking; campground is busy but popular then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall provides stunning foliage and scenic views; reviewers highlight fall as a top season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring features wildflower displays and a spring accessible near site 3; reviewers note it positively.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Campground is used year-round per reviews but winter brings harsh weather and limited comfort/access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No specific seasons stated; campground operates year-round as per user reviews.
Current Alerts: null

About Red Creek Campground

Perched high atop the windswept Allegheny Plateau, Red Creek Campground offers adventurers a raw, authentic wilderness experience in the heart of the Dolly Sods Scenic Area. This intimate, primitive campground serves as basecamp for those seeking solitude and connection with nature, where basic amenities meet extraordinary landscapes. With just vault toilets and nature's grandeur as your companions, you'll find yourself immersed in a world beloved by seasoned hikers, dedicated birdwatchers, and intrepid backpackers who return year after year to this rugged paradise.

The campground caters primarily to primitive camping with no modern facilities, making it ideal for nature lovers and backpackers seeking solitude.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsPrepare for nature's dramatic moods at Red Creek, where the mountain's exposed position creates an ever-changing weather theater. Fierce winds sweep across the plateau with remarkable consistency, earning this spot a reputation as one of the region's most atmospheric campgrounds. Even summer visitors should pack layers—the elevation brings surprising cold snaps that can transform a July evening into an autumn-like experience. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice, creating conditions that demand respect and proper preparation from those brave enough to venture forth.

ElevationFrom your tent at Red Creek, you'll wake to panoramic vistas that stretch across the entire Dolly Sods wilderness—a privilege earned by the campground's commanding plateau position. This lofty perch delivers more than just views; it shapes the very character of your camping experience. The constant mountain breezes that dance through camp serve as nature's air conditioning, while the thin air reminds you that you've ascended into a different world. Here, the elevation isn't just a number—it's a defining feature that creates cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and that exhilarating feeling of camping on top of the world.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an unexpected slice of the far north without leaving West Virginia. Red Creek's surroundings transport visitors to a landscape more reminiscent of Canadian tundra than Appalachian forest, creating an otherworldly camping experience. In late spring and early summer, the wilderness erupts in a spectacular display as mountain laurel, rhododendron, and native azaleas paint the landscape in vibrant pinks and whites. Dense, untamed forest presses close to the campground's edges, promising endless exploration. During late summer and fall, lucky visitors might witness the fascinating work of researchers conducting bird banding studies, adding a touch of scientific discovery to the wild beauty that defines this remarkable place.

Geological RegionRed Creek Campground claims its home atop the ancient Allegheny Plateau, within the legendary Dolly Sods Scenic Area—a geological marvel that defies expectations. This unique highland wilderness showcases a rare ecosystem where southern latitude meets northern character, creating a fascinating paradox that captivates geologists and nature lovers alike. The plateau's distinctive features have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Mid-Atlantic, where weathered rocks, wind-stunted vegetation, and vast open meadows create scenes more typical of subarctic regions. It's this remarkable geological heritage that makes camping at Red Creek feel like discovering a secret corner of the continent.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No official check-in time
user reviews describe a first-come, first-served process.

Check-out

No official check-out time
user reviews describe flexibility.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is not explicitly stated but user reviews consistently highlight first-come, first-served policies.

Guests Allowed Per Site

User reviews indicate multiple tents and vehicles can fit within individual sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a semi-circle with 12 primitive sites surrounding two composting toilets. Sites are well spaced for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are accepted; payment is collected via cash or check at the site.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews emphasize high demand and the necessity of arriving early ('Managed to snag only site available on a Wednesday 10am...glad I got there when I did!').

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not applicable due to the campground's first-come, first-served policy.

AccessibilityThe rugged terrain and lack of modern infrastructure may limit accessibility for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeThe sites are generally described as spacious, accommodating tents of various sizes. Camper trailers under 16 feet may also fit.

PrivacySites offer good separation from each other, providing a level of privacy that campers appreciate.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are described as private and spacious. Arriving early, particularly on weekends, is strongly recommended.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Red Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird watching, and nature exploration within the Dolly Sods Wilderness. The surroundings provide stunning views and direct access to trails.

HikingThe campground is located near various hiking trails, including the Blackbird Knob Trail, which is a short walk away. Trails are well-suited for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, and bird banding activities take place in late summer and fall. Campers frequently report stunning wildlife encounters.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include narrow and rocky access roads mentioned in user reviews ('Don't recommend taking a camper bigger than 16ft since it's one road for 2-way traffic'). No water sources at the camp make preparedness essential.

Active Alertsnull

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

Fire PolicyUser reviews and regulations indicate fires are allowed at designated fire pits. Visitors are advised to bring their own firewood or purchase locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. Campers are required to pack out all trash and leave no waste behind.

Water FeaturesNo water features are explicitly described, but a spring is noted as being accessible via site 3.

Camp HostUser reviews note that no host is available to collect payments; payments are made via cash or check in envelopes at the site.

Weather at Red Creek Campground

Reviews

4.6

80 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews highlight Red Creek Campground as a peaceful and scenic spot with clean facilities and a remote, wilderness feel. Many reviewers emphasize the need to arrive early due to high demand, even on weekdays.

Review Summaries

Based on 80 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, privacy, and proximity to excellent hiking trails. Visitors also appreciate the rustic and serene atmosphere.

Based on 80 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough, rocky road leading to the campground, the lack of water on-site, and the limited number of campsites often leading to overcrowding.

Based on 80 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing adequate water, arriving early to secure a site, and preparing for the remote location with necessary supplies. Firewood should be purchased beforehand as it is not available...

Based on 80 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors note that the campground is busiest in late spring through early fall, with weekends and holidays particularly crowded. The fall season offers stunning foliage views, while winter may bring...

Based on 80 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'No cell-service, phenomenal overlooks of the area, beautiful thick rich authentic wilderness leaves me excited for the next trip!' - 'Clean, quiet, prime location (only game in town if you...

Based on 80 reviews