The Cranberry River is a tributary of the Gauley River, situated in southeastern West Virginia. It is a part of the Mississippi River watershed, by way of the Gauley River, Kanawha River, and Ohio River. It is also known historically as Cranberry Creek to those that visit this stream. The Cranberry River WV is known as one of the finest trout streams in the east and has thousands of visitors a year to fish, camp, hike and bike. The beauty of the area will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors of West Virginia.
The Cranberry River starts around southwestern Pocahontas County, West Virginia with its North and South forks. The South Fork of Cranberry River , the longer of the two forks consists of 9 miles on Cranberry Mountain just west of the Scenic Highway before flowing through the Cranberry Glade. The North Fork of the Cranberry River flows about 2 miles north on Black Mountain. The Cranberry. Both of the forks of the Cranberry flows 24 miles generally westward toward the mouth of the river that dumps into the Gauley River.
There are numerous camp sites located along the banks of the Cranberry River. If your looking to trout fish your in for a treat. The Cranberry is stocked with trout and many areas along the river allow for fly fishing.
Cranberry Campground is located on Forest Road 76 in Richwood, West Virginia. The popular campground is semi-primitive campground and located adjacent to the Cranberry River and the Cranberry Backcountry lower gate This campground is very busy during trout stocking season from the beginning of spring through the end of June and again in the fall from September through October every year. The busy season creates a backlog on the campsites as there are more campers than sites available. The Bishop Knob Campground can accommodate campers when no sites are available along the Cranberry or Williams River. Opens up in April and closes around the end of November.
Sites as the Cranberry Campground are not reservable all sites are first come so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. The Cranberry River (WV) attracts thousands of anglers every year and lodging and camping is limited unless you branch out to surrounding areas. Check-out times are at 2 pm and the maximum you can stay is 14 days. There are 28 single campsites and 2 double sites at sites 7 and 12. Each site has picnic table, lantern post and a fire ring to allow you and your family a great time.
Big Rock Campground is located on Forest Road 76 about seven miles from Richwood, West Virginia. This campground around the Cranberry Wilderness has 5 semi-private camp sites. Sites are first come basis no reservation are taken. Check-out time is 2 pm and max stay is 14 days and is located across from the Cranberry River. Trout fishing is not far away so be prepared if you plan on trying to get a spot here.
Bishop Knob Campground is located on Forest Road 890 in Cowen, West Virginia and usually can accommodate campers that cant find a spot on the Cranberry River. There is nearby hiking trails around this campground. This campground features 60 wooded semi-private campsites and located on the ridge between the Cranberry River and Williams RIver. Both streams offer excellent trout fishing opportunities in West Virginia. Sites here are on a first come basis and open between April and November of each year. Checkout time is 2pm and max stay is 14 days.
I would recommend preparing early to get a campsite at any of these locations. Bring warm clothes even in the spring as the mountain air can get cool.
Cranberry Campground Map
Bishop Knob Campground Map
Big Rock Campground Map
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