Island Campground
3.906 reviewsIsland Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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 $10 per site as mentioned in user reviews (e.g., 'Would prob stop again if needed. $10/site good price.' - Andrew Baucom).
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the wilderness, Island Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This pristine primitive camping site has earned a devoted following among anglers who cast their lines in the crystalline waters of Long Run and the East Fork of the Greenbrier River. Adventure seekers find themselves drawn to the challenging East Fork Trail (#365) and the scenic Smoke Camp Trail (#324), both easily accessible from camp. As one visitor eloquently put it, this is 'primitive camping at its finest,' where you'll discover 'beautiful spots in the woods' that feel worlds away from civilization.
Island Campground is a primitive camping area with no reservations available. It is popular with fishermen and hikers due to its proximity to streams and trails.
Historical SignificanceNull
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Island Campground into a serene wonderland, with crisp, cold days perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of the dormant forest. While temperatures can dip low, the relatively dry conditions make for comfortable camping when properly prepared. Light snowfall occasionally dusts the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere, though moderate winds remind visitors to secure their gear. The shoulder seasons offer their own rewards for those willing to embrace the elements.
ElevationNull
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle murmur of Long Run as it winds through ancient forests on its journey to join the East Fork of the Greenbrier River. Island Campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering trees, where filtered sunlight creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow on the forest floor. The dense woodland canopy shelters a diverse ecosystem, while nearby trails invite exploration—from leisurely morning walks to full-day adventures that test your endurance. This is nature unfiltered, where the loudest sounds are birdsong and rustling leaves.
Geological RegionIsland Campground sits within the vast expanse of Monongahela National Forest, a region where ancient mountains have been sculpted by time and water. The convergence of Long Run and the East Fork of the Greenbrier River has created a unique riparian ecosystem, surrounded by dense Appalachian hardwood forests. The terrain here tells the story of millions of years of geological history, with trails like the East Fork Trail (#365) and Smoke Camp Trail (#324) offering windows into this mountain wilderness. This is classic Eastern highlands country, where every ridge and hollow holds secrets waiting to be discovered.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information provided about accessibility options.
Sites SizeUser reviews mention that the sites may not be ideal for tents due to gravel and limited grass, suggesting a standard to small size.
Sites PrivacySites appear to be somewhat private, but proximity to main roads is noted, such as for Site No. 1, which experiences road noise.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site #1 if road noise is a concern, as mentioned by Andrew Baucom.
Best CampsitesUser Amber Dawn mentions a 'camp sight right by the creek' as particularly enjoyable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information about group camping is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPrimitive layout with no specific details on loops or sections.
Open and Closed SeasonNull
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov does not support reservations as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityIsland Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations available.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available at Island Campground, so cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Activities you can enjoy
Island Campground offers opportunities for fishing and hiking, which are the main draws based on its proximity to Long Run, the East Fork of the Greenbrier River, and nearby trails. Reviews describe the area as 'absolutely beautiful' and highlight the natural surroundings.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the nearby East Fork Trail #365, an 8-mile-long trail that features difficult terrain, and the shorter Smoke Camp Trail #324, which is 1.8 miles long and suitable for day hikes.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Island Campground due to its adjacency to Long Run and the East Fork of the Greenbrier River, though specific details about fish species are not provided.Winter Activities
No information about winter activities is provided.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- User Andrew Baucom describes finding fallen and cut sticks for firewood near the campground, but advises bringing firewood if conditions are wet.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include road noise on site #1 (Andrew Baucom mentions 'lots of road noise') and lack of grass at some sites, which may make tent camping challenging ('Sites not so great for tents, lots of gravel, not much grass' - Andrew Baucom).
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.9 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
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Long Run and East Fork of the Greenbrier River, offering water-related recreational opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include road noise due to proximity to the main roadway ('Too close to a main roadway' - John Ridgley) and gravel-heavy sites not ideal for tents ('Sites not so great for tents, lots of gravel' - Andrew Baucom).
HostNull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Bartow, WV, take US Route 250S for approximately 3 miles. Take a left on Route 28. Campground is on the left after approximately 3 more miles.
Access involves paved roads, but the campground is located close to the main roadway, which may create occasional road noise as described in some user reviews.Nearby places
Bartow, West Virginia (approximately 5 miles north and east).
Nearby supplies
Bartow, West Virginia (approximately 5 miles).
Camper Reviews
3.9
6 reviews
Island Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of Island Campground. Positive experiences include the scenic location near a creek and the peacefulness of the area. However, some negative feedback points to the proximity of certain sites to the road and challenges with camping on gravel.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Absolutely beautiful.' (Amber Dawn)
- 'My kids and I loved the camp sight we got, right by the creek.'
- 'Primitive camping at its finest.' (Torrey Leonard)
- Availability of fallen and cut wood...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Proximity to the main road causing noise issues, especially at Site No. 1 (John Ridgley, Andrew Baucom).
- 'Sites not so great for tents, lots of gravel, not much grass.' (Andrew Baucom)
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own firewood if the weather has been damp, as fallen wood may not always be available.
- Site No. 1 is very close to the road and may experience significant road noise.
- Consider the...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground seems to be less crowded during some seasons, as indicated by a review mentioning being 'the only people in the campground' on a particular night. Seasonal impacts like dry or wet...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Primitive camping at its finest.' (Torrey Leonard)
- 'Absolutely beautiful. My kids and I loved the camp sight we got, right by the creek.' (Amber Dawn)
- 'Site No 1 very close to main road so...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site No. 1: Criticized for being very close to the road, resulting in significant traffic noise (Andrew Baucom, John Ridgley).
- Creekside sites: Praised for their beauty and tranquility (Amber...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025