Cranberry Campground
4.6711 reviewsCranberry Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Fees include recreation use fees and reservation service fees. Recreation use fees vary by location and activity; reservation fees range from $8 online to $9 through the contact center or $3 in person.
About this campground
Tucked away at the threshold of the Cranberry Backcountry, where the forest whispers secrets to those who venture off the beaten path, Cranberry Campground offers a genuine escape into West Virginia's untamed wilderness. This semi-primitive sanctuary sits gracefully alongside the melodic waters of the Cranberry River, serving as your gateway to some of the Monongahela National Forest's most treasured landscapes. Here, anglers cast their lines into pristine pools while hikers and horseback riders disappear into trails that wind through ancient forests, leaving behind the rush of modern life for the timeless rhythm of nature.
Cranberry Campground is semi-primitive and caters to both tent and small RV/tow camper camping. It does not offer reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Cranberry Campground, each offering its own rewards to the adventurous spirit. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow accumulations reaching nearly three inches, creating perfect conditions for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. Spring and fall bring ideal camping weather with comfortable humidity levels and moderate temperatures that invite extended exploration. Summer days offer warm adventures balanced by cool mountain evenings, though visitors should pack rain gear as showers grace the forest with a modest 8% chance throughout the season.
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Natural Features and SceneryThe Cranberry River serves as the campground's liquid heartbeat, its gentle currents creating a natural soundtrack that lulls campers to sleep and greets them at dawn. The surrounding Appalachian forest creates a living cathedral of towering trees, where wildflower meadows burst with color and provide vital sustenance for native pollinators. As one enchanted visitor shared: 'Secluded from civilization, this campground is well taken care of, extremely beautiful, and sits right next to the soothing Cranberry River.' From your tent flap, watch morning mist rise from the water while deer step cautiously to the river's edge, reminding you why this pocket of wilderness remains so deeply cherished.
Geological RegionCradled within the ancient folds of the Appalachian Mountains, Cranberry Campground occupies a special corner of the Monongahela National Forest where geological time is measured in millions of years. The campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the greater Cranberry Backcountry region, a landscape sculpted by countless seasons of wind, water, and weather. Here, the forest floor tells stories through layers of rich soil that nurture vibrant wildflower patches, creating essential corridors for bees and butterflies. The Cranberry River itself has carved its patient path through this terrain, creating the perfect blend of accessible beauty and preserved wilderness that defines this remarkable region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specified beyond being suitable for tents and small tow campers.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as peaceful and in the woods, suggesting a degree of privacy. However, it can be crowded during peak trout stocking seasons.
Total Campsites0 campsites
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Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group camping specifics are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come-first-serve only and cannot be reserved in advance. During peak trout stocking times (spring to June and fall from September to October), high demand may exceed campsite availability. As noted in the description: 'During these high use times there are usually more campers waiting than there are sites available.'
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must occur before the reservation check-in date. Late cancellations are subject to a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees for individual campsites. No refunds are provided for Scan & Pay systems. More detailed rules apply depending on the type of reservation and agency policies.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Cranberry River provides opportunities for fishing, and there are extensive trails for hiking. The area is also noted for its peaceful and secluded environment.
Hiking
The location is adjacent to the Cranberry Backcountry, with an access road that allows foot travel, bicycles, and horses for about 20 miles along the river. No motorized vehicles are permitted, ensuring a quiet and pristine experience for hikers.Fishing
Fishing is a key draw, especially during the trout stocking seasons from spring to early summer and fall. User reviews note that 'fishing is decent,' but it can be crowded during peak times. One user mentioned 'fish were small and we went after gold rush... too many golden trout still left in the fished out holes.'Biking
Biking is allowed along the access road that follows the Cranberry River. This road spans about 20 miles and is shared with hikers and horseback riders.Wildlife viewing
The secluded and forested environment is conducive to wildlife viewing, although specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsRoad access can be challenging due to tight gravel mountain roads. Seasonal drought conditions may lower river water levels and affect fishing availability, as noted in reviews.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Cranberry River, providing opportunities for fishing and scenic relaxation.
Common complaintsSeveral reviewers noted overcrowding during peak trout stocking seasons and the difficulty of accessing the campground with large RVs. The lack of cellular service is mentioned but often seen as part of the secluded camping experience.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Richwood travel on mile east on State Route 39/55, then 12.5 miles north on Forest Road 76. From Dyer on State Route 46 take Forest Road 101 approximately 6 miles, then left onto Forest Road 76 for one mile.
The campground is accessible via gravel mountain roadways; reviewers have noted the tight roads which can make access challenging for larger RVs. As per a user review: 'Roads can get tight. We arrived on Thursday to our surprise we had the camp to ourselves.' Others recommend against attempting with large Class A motorhomes.Nearby places
Richwood, WV (13.5 miles)
Dyer, WV (7 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.7
11 reviews
Cranberry Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and peaceful environment. Key highlights include the pristine setting next to Cranberry River and the well-maintained facilities. Some concerns are mentioned about overcrowding during peak seasons and the challenging roads leading to the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted include clean facilities, a secluded and beautiful setting, and great opportunities for fishing and hiking. For example, one user stated, 'Secluded from civilization, this...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Concerns included overcrowding during peak trout stocking seasons and the condition of the roads leading to the campground. One user noted, 'Gravel Mountain Road... roads can get tight. We towed a...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early during peak trout stocking seasons, as the campground fills up quickly. Consider visiting during less popular times for a more peaceful experience. Bring all necessary supplies, as there...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most crowded during trout stocking seasons (spring through June and September through October). Summer may be quieter, but conditions such as droughts can affect fishing and water...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful, campsite clean, a fire ring for cooking, hand pump well for water.' 2. 'I've been camping here my entire life! I love the campground and everything about it!' 3. 'Secluded from...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but reviewers highlight the overall quality and maintenance of the campground.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are provided.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025