Elkins, W.Va., March 1, 2024 — The approaching arrival of spring brings excitement for camping, hiking, and experiencing Monongahela National Forest. Preparations are underway to open favorite recreation sites across the landscape. Recreation and getting outside improves our moods, relieves stress and makes us happier people. Come out and play in the Forest!
Below is the 2024 opening dates for developed recreation sites. These dates may change based on local conditions. Visit the Mon’s Recreation Conditions Report at
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/mnf/recreation for the most current information.
Campground and picnic shelter reservations for some sites may be made at www.recreation.gov. Roadside camping, also called dispersed camping or boondocking, is available in many areas of the Forest year-round. Call local offices listed below for details.
Important safety reminder – the lack of cell phone service at Monongahela National Forest is something to consider when trip planning, but with a little preparation, you can unplug and still have a safe and fun trip. Learn about recreating safely and responsibly on your national forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/responsible-recreation.
Opening dates for recreation sites on Cheat-Potomac Ranger District (304-478-2000) in the Elkins and Parsons areas:
- Bear Heaven Campground – April 15
- Horseshoe Recreation Area – May 13
- Lower Glady Dispersed Camping (Forest Road 162) – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open April 15
- Stuart Recreation Area – April 19
Opening dates for recreation sites on Cheat-Potomac Ranger District (304-257-4488) in the Petersburg and Seneca Rocks areas:
- Big Bend Campground – April 12
- Dolly Sods Picnic Area – April 15, weather permitting
- Forest Road 19 in the Dolly Sods area – April 1, weather permitting
- Forest Road 75 in the Dolly Sods area – April 15, weather permitting
- Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping (County Route 29) – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open April 15
- Gatewood Group Campground – April 19
- Jess Judy Group Campground – April 12
- Red Creek Campground – April 15, weather permitting
- Seneca Rocks Discovery Center – April 5
- Seneca Rocks Picnic Area – April 1
- Seneca Shadows Campground – April 12
- Spruce Knob Lake – Lake open year-round; toilets open April 15
- Spruce Knob Lake Campground – April 19
- Spruce Knob Observation Tower – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open April 15
Opening dates for recreation sites on Greenbrier Ranger District (304-456-3335) in the Bartow area:
- Gaudineer Knob Picnic Area – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open April 15 • Island Campground – April 15
- Lake Buffalo – Lake open year-round; toilets open April 15
- Laurel Fork Campground – April 15
- Little River Dispersed Camping (Forest Road 17) – Area opens when snow-free • Middle Mountain Cabins – April 15
- Mower Tract Dispersed Camping (Forest Road 227) – Area opens when snow-free • Old House Run Picnic Area – April 14
- Stonecoal Dispersed Camping (Forest Road 209) – Currently closed for construction.
Opening dates for recreation sites on the Gauley Ranger District (304-846-2695) in the Richwood area:
- Bear Run Dispersed Camping (Forest Road 223) – Area opens when snow-free • Big Rock Campground – March 29
- Bishop Knob Campground – April 19
- Cranberry Campground – March 29
- Cranberry Glades Boardwalk – Boardwalk open year-round; toilets open April 12 • Cranberry Mountain Nature Center – April 15
- Cranberry River Developed Dispersed Campsites – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open March 29
- Falls of Hills Creek – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open April 12 • North Bend Picnic Area – April 5
- Summit Lake – Lake open year-round; toilets open April 5
- Summit Lake Campground – April 5
- Third Bridge and North Bend Dispersed Camping (State Route 55) – Area opens when snow free
- Williams River Developed Dispersed Campsites (sites #1 to #6, #8 to #20) – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open March 29.
- Woodbine Picnic Area – April 5
Opening dates for recreation sites on the Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District (304-799- 4334) in the Marlinton area:
- Day Run Campground – March 29
- Highland Scenic Highway – Road opens when snow-free.
- Pocahontas Campground – April 12
- Rimel Picnic Area – March 29
- Tea Creek Campground – March 29
- Williams River Developed Dispersed Campsites (sites #21 to #30) – Area opens when snow free; toilets open March 29
- Williams River Fishing Pier – Area opens when snow-free; toilet open March 29
Opening dates for recreation sites on the Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District (304-536- 2144) in the White Sulphur Springs area:
- Anthony Creek Dispersed Camping (State Route 21/2) – Area opens when snow-free • Blue Bend Recreation Area – Campground and small pavilion opens March 29. Large Pavilion opens May 17.
- Blue Meadow Group Campground – May 17
- Hopkins Mountain Fireman’s Cabin – April 12
- Lake Sherwood Recreation Area boat ramp and trailhead – open year-round • Lake Sherwood Recreation Area entrance road dispersed camping (State Route 14) – opens when snow-free
- Lake Sherwood Recreation Area West Shore Camping Loop – April 12 • Lake Sherwood Recreation Area remaining campground loops, group camping, picnic area, picnic pavilion and swimming beach – May 20. Day Use fee will be charged beginning May 20.
For more information about recreation facilities, contact the District Office near the location you would like to visit. Contact information is listed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mnf/about forest/offices.