Stuart Recreation Area

Summary

Stuart Recreation Area is set in a mixed forest along the banks of the Shavers Fork River, offering excellent fishing and various hiking trails. The campground has electric hookups, drinking water, flush toilets and accessible showers. The day-use area has three picnic pavilions, a beach and maintained fields, while the Monongahela Forest straddles the region's highest peaks with elevations from 1,000 to 4,863 feet. Elkins, 14 minutes away, hosts an annual Mountain State Forest Festival.

Overview

Stuart Recreation Area is set in a mixed forest along the banks of the Shavers Fork River. The river provides excellent fishing and is regularly stocked with trout. Hiking trails lead to outstanding overlooks, local caves and Blackwater Falls.

Recreation

River swimming is a lot of fun, and there are plenty of trout to tempt anglers of all skill levels. The 2-mile River Loop Hiking Trail is enjoyed by many visitors, and is a great way to watch for birds and wildlife.

Facilities

The campground lies on a single loop with long spurs. Drinking water and accessible flush toilets and showers are provided, with a dump station is on-site. Each site comes with a campfire ring, tent pad, lantern post and electric hookups.

The day-use area has three picnic pavilions with maintained fields and a beach on the riverfront.

Natural Features

The campground is perched along a bend on the Shavers Fork River. Shavers is a tributary of the Cheat River, a popular rafting river with rocky rapids.

Stuart is in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The Monongahela Forest extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations here range from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Elkins is a 14-minute drive from the campground. An annual Mountain State Forest Festival takes place here every October.