Overview

A popular semi-primitive campground adjacent to the Cranberry River. This campground receives very high use during trout stocking from the beginning of spring through the end of June and again in the fall from September through October. During these high use times there are usually more campers waiting than there are sites available. During high use, the centrally located Bishop Knob Campground can usually accommodate campers when no sites are available along the Cranberry or Williams River Corridors.

Facilities

Cranberry campground has is comprised of 30 campsites in an open setting near the Cranberry River. There are vault toilets, trash receptacles and a hand pump for water. At each campsite you will find a gravel parking spur, picnic tables, lantern post, and fire ring.  

Natural Features

The Cranberry River is within walking distance as is the Cranberry Wilderness. 

Recreation

Trout fishing in the adjacent Cranberry River. A valid West Virginia State Fishing License is required, along with a National Forest stamp, a Conservation stamp, and a trout stamp. Please contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for more information on fishing and hunting licensing requirements. Check state fishing regulations for special Cranberry River Fishing Areas.

Nearby Attractions

Cranberry River, Cranberry Wilderness, and Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. 

Important Notices

• Be Bear Aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating

• No RV hookups are available

• Limit 2 vehicles per campsite

• For more information on Monongahela National Forest, click here https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf 

• Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/ 

Notifications and Alerts

• The Monongahela National Forest has two major road construction projects scheduled for 2026. Recreation and transportation access impacts are projected. These projects are necessary to repair significant flood damage and restore safe access to key areas of the forest.

  Two major repair projects are scheduled for 2026:

  • Forest Road (FR) 76 Embankment Stabilization Project—Cranberry Area. This closure will affect the section of Forest Road 76 between the intersection with County Route 7/6 and the Woodbine area. No through traffic will be permitted during construction. Forest Visitors may access the recreation sites along the Cranberry River via Webster County Road 48 near Dyer, WV to Forest Road 101, to open portions of Forest Road 76.

  • Forest Road (FR) 86 Base Repair and Resurfacing Project—Williams River Area. Forest Road 86 provides access to the Williams River corridor, one of the Forest’s most popular recreation destinations and is used as a connector route to Marlinton for the communities of Dyer, Donaldson, Upperglade and Cowen. This project will repair road base failures and resurface the entire 18.4-mile length of FR 86, improving safety and long-term durability.

  Complete through traffic on FR 86 will not be allowed during the construction period.

  • Work will occur in seven separate sections to limit disruptions.

  • Each section will be closed while construction operations are underway.

  • Sections may close more than once depending on construction sequencing.

  Visitors are asked to respect all posted closures and avoid attempting to bypass the affected area. Updates will be shared on the Monongahela National Forest website and social media as new information becomes available. 

Directions

<p>From Richwood travel on mile east on State Route 39/55, then 12.5 miles north on Forest Road 76.</p> <p>From Dyer on State Route 46 take Forest Road 101 approximately 6 miles, then left onto Forest Road 76 for one mile.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 304-846-2695

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip