How much does camping cost at Stuart Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Stuart Recreation Area range from $33-$150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Stuart Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Stuart Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Stuart Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Stuart Recreation Area has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Stuart Recreation Area?

Stuart Recreation Area is open April 17 to October 12. 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 Stuart Recreation Area?

Yes, Stuart Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Stuart Recreation Area have?

Stuart Recreation Area has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Stuart Recreation Area?

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

What amenities are available at Stuart Recreation Area?

Stuart Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Stuart Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Stuart Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Stuart Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Stuart Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Stuart Recreation Area: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.21

161 reviews

CHEAT RANGER DIST PO BOX 368

Top 25% in WVSpring

Tent Camping

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds West Virginia Swimming Camping West Virginia Fall Camping West Virginia +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,372 ft

Price

$33 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Cheat Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,372 ft

Price

$33 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Cheat Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Stuart Recreation Area

$33.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ALPENA GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC-18793: $55.00; Double Standard Electric : $58.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $70.00; Historic Cabin: $150.00; LARGE...

Group Site Fee$70.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

304-636-5070Help.Monongahela.Potomac@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

CHEAT RANGER DIST PO BOX 368

Stuart Recreation Area

CHEAT RANGER DIST PO BOX 368

Nearby places

Elkins, WV - approximately 14 minutes by car.

Weather at Stuart Recreation Area

Current alerts(6)

After Labor Day, the day-use area closes at 6 p.m.
Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
For more information on Monongahela National Forest, click here
Limit 2 vehicles per single site; a daily fee is charged for extra vehicles

Best Time to Camp at Stuart Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall offers peak foliage and the most striking mountain color display at Stuart Recreation Area, with daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F — ideal for hikes, photography, and riverside relaxation. The Shavers Fork valley and surrounding ridges put on vibrant maples and oaks from late September into early October, and fishing and wildlife viewing are excellent as animals prepare for winter. Expect moderate to busy crowds on weekends and especially around the Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 25% in WV

Spring reviews are positive; cooler weather and active river make it a favored season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates from the third Friday night in April through Columbus Day weekend in October.

About Stuart Recreation Area

Stuart Recreation Area sits along the Shavers Fork in Monongahela National Forest near Parsons, operated by the Cheat Ranger District. This small campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, plus cabins and group camping options in a foothill setting. Campers hike, fish, and swim during the seasonal operating window, with fall foliage drawing photographers and leaf-peepers to the surrounding ridges.

Stuart Recreation Area caters to a variety of camping styles, including RV, tent, group, and cabin camping. Primitive camping options are limited.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers peak foliage and the most striking mountain color display at Stuart Recreation Area, with daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F — ideal for hikes, photography, and riverside relaxation. The Shavers Fork valley and surrounding ridges put on vibrant maples and oaks from late September into early October, and fishing and wildlife viewing are excellent as animals prepare for winter. Expect moderate to busy crowds on weekends and especially around the Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2372 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Shavers Fork River curves through the property, creating pools and small rapids that hold trout. Mixed hardwood forest provides overhead canopy, with mountain laurel and rhododendron thick between sites. The surrounding terrain rises from valley floors at 1,000 feet to ridgeline peaks above 4,800 feet. Wildlife moves through camp regularly. The river beach sits where the water slows against a gravel bar. The forest here is typical Allegheny transition zone: oak, maple, and hickory higher up, with hemlock and rhododendron along the water. Site views vary. Some face the river directly, others look into dense understory.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground offers a newly renovated historic cabin available for rental starting in the 2025 season. The cabin features modern amenities such as electric heating, a fully furnished kitchen, and a bathroom, alongside historical charm. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and requires special approval for alterations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 nights consecutively.

Groups

The group campground can accommodate up to 40 people. It is equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets but lacks electric hookups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via the app, by phone, or through in-person services.

AccessibilityMost facilities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, are ABA accessible. However, the group campground is not accessible.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious, with some large enough to accommodate up to 12 people and several tents. Site 10, for example, has two tent pads and room for a 35' trailer.

PrivacyCampsites are described as secluded and private, with vegetation like mountain laurel and rhododendrons providing natural barriers between sites.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest choosing sites farther from Route 33 to avoid noise. Site 4 is noted for privacy, and site 10 offers spacious accommodations.

Best CampsitesSite 10 is the double site, with two tent pads and space for a 35-foot trailer. Reviews call it secluded and spacious, big enough for 12 people. Site 4 gets mentioned as level and private. Arriving early improves site selection.

Need help booking Stuart Recreation Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Stuart Recreation Area provides a well-equipped camping experience with a variety of amenities for visitors. The campground includes a single-loop layout with long spurs and is equipped with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Each campsite features a campfire ring, tent pad, lantern post, and electric hookups. Accessibility is a priority with most facilities adhering to ABA standards. The day-use area offers three reservable picnic pavilions, maintained fields, a riverfront beach, and multiple parking areas. A cabin rental equipped with modern amenities is also available for the 2025 season.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Stuart Recreation Area offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, river swimming, and picnicking. The day-use area features a beach and volleyball net, while the proximity to the Shavers Fork River provides opportunities for fishing and swimming.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9 p.m to 7 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTwo dumpsters are available for trash disposal, with additional trash bins located at each shelter and group campground. Some user reviews noted that trash handling could be improved during peak usage.

Cell CoverageUser reviews provide some insight into cell service: 'I had great cell service with AT&T,' and 'Cell service (Verizon) was spotty, but other than that - perfect!'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

161 reviews

Satisfactory

Stuart Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Stuart Recreation Area are generally positive, highlighting spacious and private campsites, friendly hosts, and well-maintained facilities. However, some reviews mention issues with water availability, restroom cleanliness, and noise from nearby highways or dogs.

Review Summaries

Based on 161 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 161 reviews.

Site 10Loved
Site 10 is frequently praised for its seclusion and size, accommodating large groups and multiple tents.
Site 4Loved
Site 4 is noted as level and spacious, while Site 14 is highlighted for its privacy.

What Campers Love

Many reviews praise the spacious and private campsites, friendly and helpful hosts, and the natural beauty of the area. Quotes include, 'Hosts are very friendly and helpful,' and 'The campground is...

Based on 161 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include water shortages, restroom cleanliness, and noise. For example, 'Bathroom cleanliness was a disappointment,' and 'The water was down.' Noise complaints include traffic and dog...

Based on 161 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water and firewood due to occasional shortages and high prices. They also suggest arriving early for the best site selection and taking advantage of the nearby...

Based on 161 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews are more frequent in spring and fall when the weather is cooler and the foliage is vibrant. Summer reviews often mention bugs and noise from nearby highways.

Based on 161 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very secluded sites which I really like.' 2. 'Hosts and campground is super.' 3. 'Clean Pit toilets convenient to all sites. Shower house and rest rooms close by.'

Based on 161 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is generally well-rated, with most facilities adhering to ABA standards. However, the group campground and some trails are noted as less accessible.

Based on 161 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want electric hookups and shower access in Monongahela National Forest with fall foliage as a backdrop.

Skip if

You're a light sleeper sensitive to road noise or need 24-hour gate access.

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4.2

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Bear Heaven Campground

Monongahela National Forest

Bear Heaven Campground sits in the Monongahela National Forest foothills at 3,600 feet, operated by the U.S. Forest Service as a primitive walk-in site with fewer than ten spots. Campers praise the clean vault toilets, fire rings, and direct access to Otter Creek hiking trails. The small footprint and lack of on-site staff mean solitude on weekdays but occasional noise from unregulated neighbors on busy weekends.

Stuart Recreation Area

Real-Time Availability

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Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Plan a trip to Stuart Recreation Area

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Weather at Stuart Recreation Area

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Stuart Recreation Area

Planning Tips

About Stuart Recreation Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Stuart Recreation Area?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Go if

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Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Stuart Recreation Area

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Stuart Recreation Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Stuart Recreation Area?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns