Big Bend

About

Big Bend Campground occupies a prime location on a bend of the South Branch Potomac River as it flows through the dramatic Smoke Hole Canyon. The canyon's name may derive from Native Americans using its caves to smoke meat, or from the mist that rises from the river resembling smoke. The campground serves as a recreation hub with excellent river access for fishing, swimming, tubing, and kayaking. The campground contains 46 standard non-electric sites spread across two loops. Each site includes a fire ring, lantern post, picnic table, and paved spur. Facilities include both flush toilets and vault toilets, four showers, potable water, an RV dump station, and trash dumpsters in each loop. River Loop sites and double sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, while Upper Loop sites 13-30 operate first-come, first-served. The one-mile Big Bend Loop Trail circles the campground along the river, providing an easy nature walk. More ambitious hikers can access 60 miles of backcountry trails in the nearby Seneca Creek Backcountry and additional trails throughout Smoke Hole Canyon. The surrounding Monongahela National Forest features old-growth trees that display vibrant fall colors.

Directions

From Petersburg, WV, follow US 28/55 west for 8 miles. Turn left onto Smoke Hole Road (Route 28/11) and travel 13 miles to County Route 2. Turn left onto County Route 2 and follow for approximately 3 miles to Big Bend Campground.