Raven Cliff Recreation Area
02 reviews544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350
Raven Cliff Recreation Area
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
Camping fee is $5 per unit, per night. Each unit has a limit of 8 people and 2 vehicles.
About this campground
Escape to Raven Cliff Recreation Area, where 20 primitive campsites await adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Tucked away on a first-come, first-served basis, each site features a gravel parking spur, sturdy picnic table, and fire grill perfect for evening cookouts under the stars. While you'll need to bring your own water and rely on portable facilities, the trade-off is pure, unspoiled nature. The melodic sounds of Cripple Creek wind through the campground, offering excellent fishing spots and refreshing wading pools that beckon on warm summer days.
Raven Cliff Recreation Area is primarily a primitive camping facility catering to tent camping, small RVs, and group activities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the remarkable 1810 Raven Cliff Iron Furnace, a testament to early American industry nestled in these ancient woods. Though Hurricane Helene left her mark on the trails in 2018, the resilient forest has been recovering, offering visitors a chance to witness nature's incredible ability to heal and renew itself.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Raven Cliff into a crystalline wonderland, with snow dusting the towering cliffs and occasional rain creating misty, mystical mornings. For the most comfortable camping experience, plan your visit during the 'weather-friendly weeks' from late spring through early fall, when mild temperatures and clear skies create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be awestruck by the dramatic 200-foot sandstone cliffs that give Raven Cliff its name, their weathered faces telling stories of millions of years. Cripple Creek meanders through the landscape, its crystal-clear waters creating a natural soundtrack for your camping adventure. Well-maintained trails wind through the forest, leading intrepid hikers to the fascinating Raven Cliff Iron Furnace, where history and nature converge in perfect harmony.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Raven Cliff showcases nature's architectural mastery with its towering 200-foot sandstone cliffs. These ancient formations provided the raw materials for the historic 1810 Raven Cliff Iron Furnace, creating a unique geological and historical tapestry where the very rocks beneath your feet connect you to centuries of American heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe facilities, including the picnic shelter and vault toilets, are designed to accommodate groups, but no specific information about accessibility features for persons with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeThe 20 camping units have gravel parking spurs, with some sites accommodating recreational vehicles up to 25 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyNo detailed information regarding site privacy or spacing is available.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 8 people per unit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites include gravel parking spurs, picnic tables, fire grills. Group shelter accommodates up to 75 people and 15 cars.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens April 1, 2025, and closes November 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. No reservations required for individual sites; group shelter may be booked in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made before arrival minus a $10 fee and forfeiting the first night's fees for late cancellations. No refunds for Scan & Pay transactions.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Raven Cliff Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The area is known for its natural beauty, highlighted by Cripple Creek and the historic Raven Cliff Furnace.
Hiking
The Raven Cliff Recreation Area provides access to trails like the Raven Cliff Furnace Trail (4616) and the Raven Cliff Trail (4601). However, it is worth noting that the trails have been affected by Hurricane Helene, with some sections being inaccessible due to damage. Raven Cliff Trail (4601) is a 1.2-mile trail that connects to Collins Cove Horse Campground or Ewing Mountain Trail (4614).Fishing
Cripple Creek runs through the campground and is a popular spot for fishing. State fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply.Biking
Biking opportunities are available within the recreation area, but no specific details about trails or terrain are provided.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in natural features, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific species are not detailed.Cultural and Educational Programs
The historic Raven Cliff Furnace, a 30-foot-tall iron ore furnace from 1810, provides cultural and educational interest. However, access to some related sites has been impacted by natural events.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, and the campground is closed during the winter season.Water Sports
Wading and tubing in Cripple Creek are popular activities, but no detailed information on other water sports is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted using the provided grills or fire rings. Firewood must be purchased onsite or nearby.
Hazards
General hazardsNatural hazards include unmaintained roads and inaccessible trails due to flood damage.
Active alertsTrail closures due to Hurricane Helene damage.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Wytheville, VA, approximately 16.5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingGarbage cans are provided at the campground and picnic shelter area. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCripple Creek runs through the campground, providing opportunities for fishing, wading, and tubing.
Common complaints"No access to restrooms," "Picnic shelter unclean," "Road to picnic area not for small cars; very little maintenance to road" (user reviews).
HostThis location is unstaffed.
Campground Map
544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350
Driving directionsFrom I-81: Take Wytheville exit 70 or 72 onto US 11 (Main Street). On the west end of town, US 11 turns off and Main Street becomes US 21 south. Follow US 21 south for approximately 7.1 miles to State Route 690, Cripple Creek Rd and turn left (east) for 3.7 miles. Stay straight on State Route 690, Slate Springs Branch Rd. for 3.3 miles. Bear right on State Route 642, Mule Hell Rd. in .3 miles turn right (west) on State Route 619, Gleaves Rd for 1.2 miles. Turn left on Raven Cliff Lane and follow to campground.
This campground is accessible via paved roads, but some nearby roads are described as unmaintained. "Road to picnic area not for small cars; very little maintenance to road" (user review).Nearby places
Wytheville, VA: Approximately 16.5 miles southeast, travel time varies depending on road conditions.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, fuel, and essentials can be accessed in Wytheville, VA, about 16.5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Raven Cliff Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Raven Cliff Recreation Area highlight its rustic charm and emphasis on nature. Common themes include appreciation for the tranquility and natural beauty, but criticism of limited amenities such as lack of drinking water and restroom maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great primitive camping (does have Porto potty) and has day use picnic area along the river."
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users have raised concerns about restroom cleanliness and road conditions. One user noted, "Road to picnic area [is] not for small cars; very little maintenance to road." Another commented,...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing your own drinking water due to its unavailability on-site. Visitors should also prepare for primitive conditions and be cautious about road conditions if driving smaller...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open from April to November, with activities such as fishing, hiking, and tubing being more popular in the warmer months. No winter operations are available.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great primitive camping (does have Porto potty) and has day use picnic area along the river" and "Road to picnic area [is] not for small cars; very little maintenance to road."
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific mentions include feedback on the Raven Cliff Picnic Shelter, where one reviewer gave a rating of 1 and cited issues such as unclean facilities and poor road maintenance.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly mention experiences from users with disabilities or accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address experiences related to pets or pet-friendly policies.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025