Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Part of George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Overview

There are 20 camping units available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each unit has a gravel parking spur, picnic table and fire grill. Some sites have a pad for tents or pop-up trailers. Recreation vehicles up to 25 feet long can be accommodated in some sites. A day use picnic shelter with picnic tables and an open field for sports is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Toilets and garbage cans are provided in the campground and near the picnic shelter. Drinking water is not available.

FEE: $5 per unit, per night (limit of 8 people and 2 vehicles per unit).

Located in Raven Cliff Campground, enjoy a large shelter for your next gathering! Along with the amenities of the shelter, it adjoins a large field for games, the rushing waters of Cripple Creek for wading and fishing, hiking trails, and the historic Raven Cliff Furnace.  

Facilities

There are 20 camping units available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each unit has a gravel parking spur, picnic table and fire grill. Some sites have a pad for tents or pop-up trailers. Recreation vehicles up to 25 feet long can be accommodated in some sites. Portable toilets and garbage cans are provided in the campground. Drinking water is not available.

A wooden picnic shelter that accommodates groups up to 75 people and 15 cars with overflow parking nearby. No drinking water available. The shelter contains picnic tables, grill, and parking. There are available vault toilets. 

Natural Features

From the 200-foot sandstone Raven Cliff to the 1810 historic iron ore furnace, this recreation area is off the beaten path, but worth the effort. Trail 4601 and trail 4616 to the Iron Furnace is destroyed and not accessible to foot traffic.

Recreation

Besides the available primitive campsites, Cripple Creek runs through the picnic area and is popular for fishing, wading, and tubing. There are large open fields that are great for sports and picnics.

Nearby Attractions

Cripple Creek runs through the area for fishing, wading, or tubing. State fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply. Raven Cliff Furnace Trail (4616) begins in Raven Cliff Campground and follows Cripple Creek until ending at the remains of the old 30-foot-tall Raven Cliff Iron Furnace made from local sandstone. Raven Cliff Trail (4601) a 1.2-mile trail from Raven Cliff Campground connects to Collins Cove Horse Campground or Ewing Mountain Trail (4614). Raven Cliff Trail (4601) is closed due to impacts from Hurricane Helene.  

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (276) 783-5196.

Important Notices

  • Raven Cliff Furnace Trail (4616) that ends at the remains of the old 30-foot tall Raven Cliff Iron Furnace is closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. The bridge across Cripple Creek to the Furnace was washed away.

  • There is no drinking water available, you must bring your own.
  • No flush toilets available, only porta-john toilets. Vault toilets are available at the picnic shelter area.

  • Click herefor more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Available Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • WATER SPORTS - Tubing
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Historic Sites
  • BOATING - Canoeing
  • BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

<p>Raven Cliff Campground located at 544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA approximately 16.5 miles southeast of Wytheville, VA. From I-81: Take Wytheville exit 70 or 72 onto US 11 (Main Street). On the west end of town, US 11 turns off and Main Street and becomes US 21 south. Follow US 21 south for approximately 11.5 miles to Virginia State Route 619 at Speedwell. Turn east on VA 619(Saint Peters Road) and drive about 5 miles. Turn left onto Gleaves Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Raven Cliff Lane. Drive .8 mile to the campground on the right.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 276-783-5196

3714 Highway 16
Marion, VA 24354
544 Raven Cliff Lane
Ivanhoe, VA 24350

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery