Overview
The Spruce Knob Lake Campground is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful setting with easy access to boating on the lake and hiking through the mountainous region. Spruce Knob Lake Campground is comprised of 28 standard camping units, 2 double camping units, and 10 walk in camping units with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs (standard camping units). In addition, there is a developed host site equipped with electrical (solar), water, and a sewage holding tank.
Spruce Knob Lake Campground contains five single-toilet vault restrooms all of which are accessible.
Gatewood Group Campground contains 1 reservable site that can accommodate up to approximately 30 people. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, and two single-toilet vault restrooms. There is no electric or drinking water at the group campground. The group campground is not ABA accessible.
There are trash dumpsters located at Spruce Knob Lake Campground and there are trash bins located at Gatewood Group Campground for garbage collection and disposal.
There are no dump stations in either campground.
The average operation and maintenance season for Spruce Knob Lake Campground and Gatewood Group Campground has been from approximately mid-April through mid-October. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campground from the third Friday night in April through the Columbus Day weekend in October. Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. A stone and steel observation tower is perched atop the peak, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the area.
Recreation
Sixty miles of picturesque hiking trails crisscross the region, and the campground provides direct access to the pleasant 1-mile Big Bend River Loop.
Trout fishing is available nearby at 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake, and in surrounding creeks. Facilities at the lake include a small boat ramp, parking area and vault toilets. A wooden pier along the shoreline provides barrier-free access to the lake.No swimming is allowed.
Facilities
The campground has accessible vault toilets and a solar-powered system for drinking water. No electric hookups are available. Firewood is for sale on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on a wooded ridge overlooking the lake. To the east is 4,863' Spruce Knob. The vegetation atop Spruce Knob has adapted to a harsh, exposed environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants cover the ground.
Due to its location, the campground may experience cold fogs and strong winds year-round.
Nearby Attractions
The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles Spruce Knob and provides panoramic views of the beautiful area.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area