Gatewood Group
4.0210 reviewsHC 59 BOX 240, PETERSBURG, WV, 26847, USA
Gatewood Group
$60.00 - $60.00 / 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$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group sites are $60 per night during the peak season (April 18 to October 12). Additional fees may apply for changes or cancellations.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Monongahela National Forest, Gatewood Group Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat where solitude meets adventure. Just two miles from the pristine waters of Spruce Knob Lake, this secluded haven beckons hikers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds.
Gatewood Group Campground primarily offers group tent camping. Other types of accommodations such as RV camping, cabins, or glamping are not supported.
Historical SignificanceThis pristine corner of the Monongahela National Forest remains wonderfully untouched by recorded history, allowing visitors to create their own stories among the ancient ridges and timeless forests.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Gatewood into a stargazer's paradise, with crisp mountain air and clear night skies creating perfect conditions for celestial observation and trail exploration. While shoulder seasons bring dramatic weather shifts—from delicate snowfall to refreshing mountain rains—temperatures typically dance between a brisk 19°F and a cool 33°F. The dry summer months reveal the campground at its finest, offering ideal conditions for outdoor adventures without the muddy trails of wetter seasons.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 4,300 feet above sea level, Gatewood occupies a rare atmospheric sweet spot where the air grows thin and temperatures drop, creating a refreshingly cool mountain climate. This lofty elevation nurtures unique plant communities and wildlife adapted to the challenging conditions, offering campers a glimpse into a specialized mountain ecosystem.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom its commanding position atop an Allegheny Mountain ridge, Gatewood rewards visitors with sweeping vistas of forested peaks stretching to the horizon. The campground sits within a remarkable tapestry of ecological diversity, where northern hardwood forests blend with high-elevation spruce stands, creating a living laboratory of mountain biodiversity that changes with every twist of the trail.
Geological RegionGatewood Campground claims its place among the soaring peaks of West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic elevation changes from valley floors at 1,000 feet to the region's crowning glory at 4,863 feet. At its 4,300-foot perch, the campground offers visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty of one of the East's most rugged mountain ranges within the vast expanse of Monongahela National Forest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is not ABA accessible according to official sources.
Sites SizeThree group sites are available, each accommodating up to 20 people. "The site has enough space for about 20 people," noted a user review.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as quiet and isolated. "Super quiet and relaxing!" one review stated.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider carrying a lock due to prior theft of gate locks (user-reported).
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers were highlighted as best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time stated.
Check-out
No specific check-out time stated.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 20 guests per group site.
Groups
Three group sites available, each accommodating up to 20 people. "Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric" is the specified site type.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup sites include picnic tables and fire pits; two single-toilet vault restrooms are shared across sites.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens April 18 and closes October 12 (reservable).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNone stated; all sites are reservable.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee. Cancellations before the arrival date refund the stay minus a $10 cancellation fee and any reservation fees. Late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night’s fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Gatewood Group Campground offers a mix of hiking, fishing, boating, stargazing, and rock climbing activities. "Unobstructed views of the night sky bring stargazer clubs to this spot all summer long," according to official sources. User reviews frequently mention the beauty of the site and proximity to attractions like Spruce Knob Lake and Spruce Knob.
Hiking
Over 500 miles of hiking trails in the area, including the Gatewood Nature Trail. "Nice views of night sky," mentioned in relation to the hiking experience.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is permitted and supported at nearby Spruce Knob Lake. Fish are stocked, but swimming is not allowed.Boating
Boating is allowed at Spruce Knob Lake. No additional details were provided about docking facilities.Wildlife viewing
The campground is situated in a diverse ecological area ideal for wildlife watching.Winter Activities
Rock climbing is popular, especially near Spruce Knob. Winter activities were not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing were not explicitly mentioned but may be inferred at Spruce Knob Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided; secure all food items to avoid attracting wildlife.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters, unsafe conditions due to large concealed boulders (user-reported).
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
52
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
The nearest emergency services include a vet in Elkins, WV (needed as per user reviews), but no specific hospital or police station details are provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 18 - October 12
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available but were noted to be "stuffed to the max" in one review.
Proximity to water featuresTwo miles from Spruce Knob Lake, which offers stocked fishing opportunities but prohibits swimming.
Common complaintsGrass maintenance issues leading to wet conditions; reports of trash left behind by previous campers; concerns about campsite cleanliness and animal hazards (e.g., onions and cigarette butts harmful to pets).
HostCamp manager Mike received multiple positive mentions for being welcoming and maintaining cleanliness.
Campground Map
HC 59 BOX 240, PETERSBURG, WV, 26847, USA
Driving directionsFrom Riverton, WV, take US Route 33 south 2 miles to Briery Gap Road, County Route 33/4. Turn right and go 3 miles to Forest Road 112. Continue 13.5 miles to Forest Road 131. Turn right and open gate. Campground is at the end of Forest Road 131.
The road access includes paved roads for most of the route, transitioning into forest roads. Visitors have reported that the road is nicely paved for most of the way but noted that the final access might require navigating through areas that are less maintained.Nearby places
Riverton, WV (approximately 18 miles) and Petersburg, WV (~30 miles).
Nearby supplies
No specific details provided for the nearest grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel stations, but visitors are advised to bring their own water.
Camper Reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Gatewood Group is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reflect mixed experiences at Gatewood Group Campground. Positive remarks include solitude, clean facilities, and helpful staff. Complaints highlight maintenance issues like tall grass and trash left by previous visitors. "Super quiet and relaxing! Camp host Mike is the best host!" and "Grass has not been mowed all year," are examples of the sentiment.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms, quiet and relaxing atmosphere, helpful camp host, good facilities for stargazing. "Absolutely the best camp site in all of the parks I have visited," was mentioned by one user.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Maintenance issues like tall grass, trash buildup, unsafe boulders hidden by grass, and the site being littered with cigarette butts and food remnants.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water, check gate lock status before arrival, pack out all trash, and be cautious with pets due to food remnants left by previous campers.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews frequently mention stargazing clubs and beautiful night sky views. Maintenance concerns like uncut grass were more apparent in wetter seasons. Winter activities are less highlighted.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were in good shape as well." "Camp host Mike is the best host!" "Grass has not been mowed all year." "We love camping here, great place to enjoy the family."
Based on 10 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback mentions spacious sites for up to 20 people but suggests adding tent pads. "Very nice, although there are too many picnic tables," one review noted.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground is not ABA accessible.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet experiences were mixed. "Gatewood is billed as a pet friendly place...but thanks to previous campers, made it a nightmare for us," stated one review.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025